Les Brown Biography

Fast Facts

• His recording of "Sentimental Journey" with singer Doris Day was a major hit during World War II, selling a million records and remaining the nation's number one song for five weeks
• Performed at the Presidential inauguration galas for Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan and also entertained Queen Elizabeth II
• Studied music at the Patrick Conway Military Band School, the New York Military Academy, and Duke University
• Started the orchestra that would become Les Brown and His Band of Renown in 1938 after spending a few years as the leader of the Duke University Blue Devils swing band
• Began taking music lessons with his brothers in order to get out of helping out at their father's bakery
• Quote: "Good soloists aren't necessarily good section men․ There's nothing worse than an all-star band with no teamwork․"
• Had a number of hit instrumental songs, including "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," "Midnight Sun," and "Ramona․"
• Was the musical director of Bob Hope's radio and television shows and accompanied him on 18 of his famous Christmas shows
• Best known as a musician, composer, and big band leader who led Les Brown and His Band of Renown for nearly 70 years
• Recorded the bestselling song "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio" in 1941 after the Yankees center fielder set a 56-game hitting streak