Que Sera composer Ray Evans dies

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Oscar-winning songwriter Ray Evans, known for a 60-year musical partnership with Jay Livingston, has died aged 92.

The pair produced themes to TV shows Bonanza and Mr Ed, and created songs for dozens of films, such as Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera).

Evans generally wrote the lyrics while Livingston, who died in 2001, would provide the melodies.

Close friend Michael Feinstein said Evans "was always thrilled that his work survived" across the decades.

Frederick Nicholas, who was the songwriter's lawyer for many years, said he had spoken to him shortly before his death in Los Angeles on Thursday.

"He was just full of energy and excitement. When I heard last night that he died, I couldn't believe it," he told the Associated Press.

Evans and Livingston earned three Oscars in 1948, 1950 and 1956, respectively for the standards Buttons and Bows, Mona Lisa and Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera).

The duo had a contract with the Paramount studio between 1945 and 1955.

They also wrote the music and lyrics for two Broadway musicals - Oh Captain!, from 1958, and three years later, Let it Ride.