Setting Racehorses to Music: Documentary on PBS Feature Local's Score

The beauty of thoroughbred horses and the industry that rides on their speed is featured in a new PBS documentary airing Wednesday that was scored by Sleepy Hollow resident Kinny Landrum.

Thoroughbred: Born to Run will air in New York on PBS Channel 13 at 10 p.m. May 3.

The documentary follows a year in the life of three storied horses, showcasing the beauty of the breed, revealing the people whose lives revolve around the racing industry and exploring the history and traditions of the thoroughbred world leading up to the 2009 Kentucky Derby.

“In one of the scenes, you see a horse taking its first steps and it’s a powerful scene, knowing that this horse will be the next horse to run in the future,” said Landrum.

The 58-year-old musician has always found work in show business, from his early days on the road playing with Robert Palmer to an extensive list of jingles for T.V. commercials in the 80s and 90s. Possibly his most famous—or infamous—gig was as the synthesist on the cult classic “Twin Peaks.” 

Landrum began work on Thoroughbred back in 2009, having been given a few scenes that were out of order. “Films can be difficult because they usually take a long time to produce and generally, music is the last thing before post-sound production takes place."

The documentary was aired back in March down in Landrum’s native Kentucky. Director Paul Wagner said that, “although Thoroughbred focuses on a year of racing, breeding and sales leading up to the 2009 Kentucky Derby, our hope is that we've created a timeless film, as relevant in 10 years as it is today."

A working musician, Landrum is always busy.  A church organist and choirmaster, he can be heard Sundays jazzing up the postludes at in Briarcliff Manor. He also gives piano lessons, acts as pit boss for local musicals and handles keyboards for the Keystone Band, a classic rock group that packs night spots in Danbury CT.

For more information on Thoroughbred: Born to Run you can visit pbs.org and for more on Landrum, click here.