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Bandleader
The Resume
(January 27, 1918-November 1, 2005)
Born in Halstad, Minnesota
Birth name was Lyle Russell Cedric Henderson
Pianist and conductor
Music director for Frank Sinatra's 'Lucky Strike Show,' Bing Crosby's 'Philco Hour' and Bob Hope's 'Pepsodent Show' for NBC Radio
Bandleader for 'The Tonight Show' with Steve Allen (1953-57) and Johnny Carson (1962-66)
Founder and musical director of the New York Pops Orchestra (1983-2005)
Why he might be annoying
He claimed to have been born in Birmingham, England.
One reviewer said he was probably better remembered by 'Tonight Show' viewers for his dapper clothes than his music.
He spent four months in prison for tax evasion (1975) for donating his music library to the University of Wisconsin, then claiming a tax deduction far larger than its actual value.
He claimed he had determined the value of the collection by consulting with Leonard Bernstein and Henry Mancini, both of whom denied it.
In addition, the signature on a letter from the University submitted as evidence was found to be a forgery.
Why he might not be annoying
He served with the US Army Air Corps as a trainer during World War II.
He created the Tonight Show's 'Stump the Band' routine.
He won a Grammy for a recording of 'Porgy and Bess.' (1963)
Marvin Hamlisch said, 'What's great about Skitch is that he can move between any type of music.... He's a consummate musician.'
Credit: C. Fishel
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Year In Review:
In 2018, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 17 Votes: 58.82% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 18 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
In 2011, Out of 10 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
In 2010, Out of 22 Votes: 54.55% Annoying
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