Les Elgart(1918-1995)

American swing band leader, formerly lead trumpet player for the orchestras of Bunny Berigan, Charlie Spivak and Hal McIntyre. In 1945, Les formed his own organisation in Brooklyn, New York, in tandem with his alto saxophonist-playing brother Larry Elgart. The band, its theme song being "Sophisticated Swing", featured superior arrangements by Bill Finegan and a young Nelson Riddle. It enjoyed a measure of popular success -- until the Musician's Union recording strike and personal rivalry between the brothers caused a break-up. Les and Larry went their separate ways, but neither managed to succeed on their own. They re-formed in 1953, with breezy new arrangements by Charles Albertine and an emphasis on ensemble sound, rather than solos. This melodic approach proved popular and album sales (recording contract with Columbia) boomed. The Les Elgart Orchestra performed at many top venues, including at the Waldorf Astoria and at the Hollywood Palladium, as well as undertaking national tours of the college circuit.

Les's most enduring composition was "Bandstand Boogie", voted America's number one dance band song by Variety and Billboard Magazine. It was also featured as the theme music for Dick Clark's American Bandstand (1952). By the late 1950's, Les had moved to California and turned the leadership of the group over to his brother. They re-united yet again, in 1963, as joint leaders of the Les & Larry Elgart Orchestra. In 1986, Les was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame.