Les Brown’s Renown
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Regarding Jack Hawn’s article on Les Brown (“At 75, He’s Still Striking Up That Band of Renown,” Nov. 13), Brown claims that he has the only “organized” big band, and he talks about being “semi-retired” and working two days a week.
Whatever happened to the Duke Ellington band, conducted by his son, Mercer? Whatever happened to the Count Basie band, led by one of its stars, as I recall? And, isn’t someone still leading a Glenn Miller band?
Les Brown and his band never were more than glorified studio players. This guy has not contributed anything of value to the history of big-band music, jazz, swing, or whatever.
So, he got lots of exposure with Bob Hope. So what? Lionel Hampton is older than Brown and he’s working much harder.
Brown, having performed for 51 years, is entitled to some publicity-type coverage, which Hawn gave him. But his bragging is ridiculous.
A. S. DOC YOUNG
Los Angeles
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