Neal Hefti was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and arranger known for his contributions to big band music. Pioneering a style characterized by intricate, horn-heavy arrangements, Hefti was instrumental in shaping the sound of Count Basie's orchestra during the 1950s. His most notable compositions include "Li'l Darlin'" and the iconic "Batman Theme" for the 1960s television series. His work significantly influenced jazz and popular music, demonstrating the potential of detailed, sophisticated orchestrations in these genres.