Les Elgart & His Orchestra emerged as one of the prominent big band acts of the mid-20th century, known for their innovative and smooth approach to dance band music. Led by Les Elgart, born in 1917 in New Haven, Connecticut, the orchestra gained fame for what came to be known as the "Elgart Sound," a distinctive mix of reed and brass that projected a lighter, more buoyant tone than many of its contemporaries. This unique sonority captured the post-war zeitgeist that yearned for both sophistication and swing, making the band a fixture at dance halls and on the airwaves.

Throughout their career, Les Elgart & His Orchestra released a string of successful albums that helped in shaping the sound of American big band music in the 1950s and 60s. Works such as "It's De-Lovely" and "Designs For Dancing" are emblematic of the band's ability to fuse classic swing elements with a modern, stylish flair. Albums like "The Great Sound of Les Elgart," "On Tour," and "Sophisticated Swing" further solidified their reputation, showcasing the band's versatility and Les Elgart's forward-thinking leadership. The orchestra's music catered not only to dance aficionados but also to those who appreciated the lighter side of jazz. Even after the big band era's heyday, the legacy of Les Elgart & His Orchestra continued to resonate through albums like "Just One More Dance" and "The Band With That Sound," underscoring the enduring appeal of their polished, danceable music.

Genres

Easy Listening

Man's Orchestra

Related Artists

Count Basie

Duke Ellington

Glenn Miller

Benny Goodman

Tommy Dorsey

Harry James

Artie Shaw

Frank Sinatra

Louis Armstrong

Nat King Cole

Ella Fitzgerald

Woody Herman

Latest Release

It's De-Lovely

Les Elgart & His Orchestra

Album - 12 Tracks - Released September 18, 1961