Les Baxter
Leslie Thompson Baxter, born on March 14, 1922, in Mexia, Texas, was an influential American composer, conductor, and musician known for his work in lounge music, exotica, swing, and film scores. Baxter studied piano at the Detroit Conservatory of Music and later at Pepperdine College in Los Angeles. Initially a saxophonist for the Freddie Slack big band, he transitioned to popular music as a singer with Mel Tormé's Mel-Tones, performing on Artie Shaw records.
In 1950, Baxter began arranging and conducting for Capitol Records, contributing to early hits for Nat King Cole and recording Yma Sumac's "Voice of the Xtabay," a pioneering exotica album. He released hits like "Ruby," "Unchained Melody," and "The Poor People of Paris," achieving million-seller status with the latter two. Baxter also created concept albums such as "Le Sacre Du Sauvage" and "Brazil Now."
During the 1960s, Baxter formed Les Baxter's Balladeers, featuring a young David Crosby, and later The Forum, which had a minor hit with "The River Is Wide." He composed scores for American International Pictures, including films like "House of Usher" and "Beach Blanket Bingo," and later worked on theme park music.
Les Baxter passed away on January 15, 1996, in Newport Beach, California, leaving behind a legacy of innovative music that bridged multiple genres.
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