Lester Lanin facts for kids

Nathaniel Lester Lanin (born August 26, 1907 – died October 27, 2004) was an American bandleader. He was famous for playing jazz and pop music. His bands played long songs made up of many tunes put together, called "medleys." These were played at a steady beat, perfect for dancing. Lester Lanin's career began in the late 1920s. His music became very popular, especially for ballroom dancing. He recorded many albums starting in the 1950s, and several of them appeared on the US Billboard 200 music charts.

Who Was Lester Lanin?

Lester Lanin was the youngest of ten children. His family were Jewish immigrants from Russia. His brothers, Sam and Howard, were also bandleaders. Lester went to South Philadelphia High School but left at age 15. He wanted to play music with his brothers instead of becoming a lawyer.

Starting in 1927, Lester led music groups that played for rich people in Philadelphia and New York. He continued to play even after the 1929 stock market crash, which was a very difficult time.

A Star is Born

In 1930, Lester Lanin was hired to play at a big party for Barbara Hutton. She was a young heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of money. The event got so much attention in New York newspapers that Lester became famous too. He quickly became a major star in the world of dance music.

He was hired to play all over the world for important people like leaders and royalty. He was also invited many times to play at White House parties after presidents were sworn in. He played for presidents from Eisenhower to Carter. In the 1930s, a musician named John Serry Sr. played with Lanin's orchestra at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. A music promoter named Al Madison managed Lester Lanin for most of his career.

Playing for Famous People

Lester Lanin played music for many special events. He played at the engagement party for Grace Kelly, who became a princess. He also played at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

One of his most memorable performances was playing at a party for the unique rock musician Frank Zappa. This was reported in Billboard magazine in 1974. At that time, Mr. Zappa was in New York City for two concerts.

Lanin also played for other celebrities, like Billy Joel's wedding to Christie Brinkley in 1985. Lester Lanin continued to perform well into the 1990s. In 1999, he played himself in a black-and-white movie called Man of the Century. In the film, he was the favorite musician of the main character, Johnny Twennies.

Until he passed away, Lester Lanin and his orchestra played at the special International Debutante Ball. This event is where young women from important families are introduced to high society. It takes place at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Even after his death, his orchestra still plays at this ball every two years. Lester Lanin and his orchestra are known for giving out "Lanin Hats" with their logo to the people at the ball.

Lester Lanin died in 2004 when he was 97 years old.

His Music Lives On

The Lester Lanin Orchestra still performs today. The orchestra is now led by Spencer Bruno, who was the band leader under Lester Lanin and took over after Lanin's death.

Albums You Might Know

• Dance to the Music of Lester Lanin (1957) US #7
• Lester Lanin and His Orchestra (1958) US #18
• Cocktail Dancing
• Have Band, Will Travel (1958) US #12
• Lester Lanin at the Tiffany Ball (1958) US #17
• Lester Lanin Goes to College (1958) US #19
• Dancing on the Continent
• Christmas Dance Party
• High Society Volume II (1961)
• The Madison Avenue Beat
• Twistin' in High Society! (1962) US #37
• More Twistin' in High Society
• Dancing Theatre Party (Featuring the Dancing Pianos)
• For Dancing Lester Lanin Play 23 Richard Rodgers Hits (1964)
• 40 Beatles Hits (1966)
• Narrowing the Generation Gap (1969)