Les Brown

Birth Name:

Lester Raymond Brown

Birth Place:

Reinerton, Pennsylvania, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actor, Music department

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
Began taking music lessons with his brothers in order to get out of helping out at their father's bakery
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
Quote: "Good soloists aren't necessarily good section men․ There's nothing worse than an all-star band with no teamwork․"
Best known as a musician, composer, and big band leader who led Les Brown and His Band of Renown for nearly 70 years
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
Recorded the bestselling song "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio" in 1941 after the Yankees center fielder set a 56-game hitting streak

Fast Facts