Doris Day’s former big-band leader Les Brown dies at 88
January 10, 2001 No Comments 
Les Brown known for his big-band music and association with a very young Ms. Doris Day, died on January, 4th 2001 at his home in Los Angeles (USA).
Born Lester Raymond Brown on March 12, 1912, in Reinerton, PA (USA) he remained one of the few swing bandleaders actively still performing. In April of 1996, the Guiness Book of World Records awarded Les with the distinction of being the leader of the longest lasting musical organization in the history of popular music.
He and his Band of Renown were best known for classics like their 1945 million-seller “Sentimental Journey” with Doris, their 1946 hit “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and their long collaboration with Bob Hope.
Les later became the musical director of Bob Hope’s radio and television shows in 1947 accompanying him on 18 global tours entertaining the US troops. The Band of Renown also played for broadcasting stars like Dean Martin & Steve Allen. In the 1980s, Les reunited with Doris for her cable television series ‘My Best Friends’. Les can be seen talking about his years with Doris Day on A&E’s stunning DVD biography ‘It’s Magic‘.
