Born in Cambridge, MA, June 29, 1908
Died in Woodbury, CT, May 18, 1975
- Leroy Anderson was a conductor, arranger, and composer known for his memorable melodies and unusual instrumental scoring (ex: “The Typewriter”).
- In addition to writing hit songs such as “Sleigh Ride” and “Blue Tango,” Anderson is known for his collaboration with Arthur Fiedler, former principal conductor of the Boston Pops.1 While Fiedler was at the podium, Anderson became the principal arranger for the Boston Pops and premiered many works with the ensemble.
- In the 1950s, Anderson reached peak fame and recorded much of his own music. One such recording, “Blue Tango,” sold over a million copies.
- Fun fact – in 1953, a study named Anderson the American composer most frequently performed by native orchestras.
- From Grove Music Online:
“Anderson raised the prominence of the popular orchestral miniature, and such music proved useful not only to pops concerts, but to radio, television and Muzak, making his music familiar to millions who would not necessarily recognize his name.”2
Learn More
Leroy Anderson Official Website
Leroy Anderson’s profile in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, where he was elected posthumously in 1988.
Sources
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Leroy Anderson,” Encyclopedia Britannica (2022), accessed March 20, 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leroy-Anderson.
- Howard Pollack, “Anderson, Leroy,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed January 5, 2021, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000000863.