Les Hite (February 13, 1903 – February 6, 1962) was an influential American jazz bandleader, primarily active in Los Angeles. Born in DuQuoin, Illinois, Hite grew up in a musical family and attended the University of Illinois. He began his musical career playing saxophone with his family in the 1920s and later joined Detroit Shannon and the Helen Dewey Show. After moving to Los Angeles, he played with several notable groups, including The Spikes Brothers Orchestra, Mutt Carey, Curtis Mosby, and Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders. In 1930, Hite took over leadership of Howard's band, which became known as Sebastian's Cotton Club Orchestra, and became a staple at the Cotton Club in Los Angeles.

Hite's orchestra was known for accompanying jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller and for making appearances in film soundtracks. Despite his significant contributions to the jazz scene, Hite's recordings are limited, with only 14 tracks recorded between 1940 and 1942. His band featured prominent musicians like Lionel Hampton, Marshall Royal, Lawrence Brown, and a young Dizzy Gillespie.

Though Hite's career waned after 1945, he remained active in the music industry by managing a booking agency in his final years. Les Hite passed away at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, just shy of his 59th birthday, reportedly following a heart attack.