Klarinet Archive - Posting 000879.txt from 2004/10

From: "dnleeson" <dnleeson@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] For the nostaligic amongst us!!
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 09:21:26 -0400

October 29, 2004

Lester Lanin, Bandleader of High Society, Dies at 97

Lester Lanin, who, from the White House to Buckingham Palace,
from the Plaza Hotel to the grand ballrooms of the Vanderbilts
and the Rockefellers, epitomized a rarefied and perhaps fading
species - the society bandleader - died on Wednesday at his home
in Manhattan. He was 97. His spokeswoman, Betty Shulman,
announced his death.

Mr. Lanin brought smooth tones, swift changes and a casually
elegant style to a continuous stream of dance music, from
Dixieland to swing to very, very tasteful rock 'n' roll. He
supplied danceable happiness to several generations of the
richest and most beautiful people on earth, at events ranging
from Queen Elizabeth's 60th birthday party
to the wedding of Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel to the private
parties of the duPonts, Chryslers and Mellons.

He made music for Grace Kelly's engagement party, and at the
wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. He wrote "My
Lady Love" in honor of their marriage. The kings of Norway,
Spain, Greece, Denmark and Sweden hired him.

I remember that in New York he offered so much work for players
that everyone tried to get into his band.

Dan Leeson
DNLeeson@-----.net

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