Jazz Musician. An alto saxophonist, he will be remembered for his recording of the theme for the TV program "American Bandstand" titled "Bandstand Boogie" (1954). Born Lawrence Joseph Elgart, he watched his parents endure the struggles of the Depression. During his youth he initially played the clarinet followed by the flute, prior to settling on the alto saxophone. While still a teenager, he found his break when he landed a spot with Charlie Spivak's Orchestra. This led to opportunities to play for Woody Herman and Tommy Dorsey. During the 1940s, he formed his own ensemble with his brother Les and during their partnership, they employed such arrangers as Nelson Riddle and Bill Finegan. Elgart formed a fruitful collaboration with arranger and songwriter Charles Albertine on a number of projects including the album "Impressions of Outer Space" (1953). During the next two decades, Elgart recorded dozens of albums with his brother Les and as a leader of his own ensemble. In 1982, he was able to accomplish a Top-40 placing on the American Billboard Pop Charts with his medley "Hooked on Swing". The hit peaked at number 31 during the Summer of 1982.
Jazz Musician. An alto saxophonist, he will be remembered for his recording of the theme for the TV program "American Bandstand" titled "Bandstand Boogie" (1954). Born Lawrence Joseph Elgart, he watched his parents endure the struggles of the Depression. During his youth he initially played the clarinet followed by the flute, prior to settling on the alto saxophone. While still a teenager, he found his break when he landed a spot with Charlie Spivak's Orchestra. This led to opportunities to play for Woody Herman and Tommy Dorsey. During the 1940s, he formed his own ensemble with his brother Les and during their partnership, they employed such arrangers as Nelson Riddle and Bill Finegan. Elgart formed a fruitful collaboration with arranger and songwriter Charles Albertine on a number of projects including the album "Impressions of Outer Space" (1953). During the next two decades, Elgart recorded dozens of albums with his brother Les and as a leader of his own ensemble. In 1982, he was able to accomplish a Top-40 placing on the American Billboard Pop Charts with his medley "Hooked on Swing". The hit peaked at number 31 during the Summer of 1982.
Bio by: C.S.
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