Les Brown

Les Brown, Sr. (March 14, 1912 – January 24, 2001) and the Band of Renown are a big band that began in the big band era of the late 1930s and now performs under the direction of his son Les Brown, Jr.

‘Les Brown and the Band of Renown’ brought Doris Day into prominence with their recording of Sentimental Journey in 1945. The release of Sentimental Journey coincided with the end of WWII in Europe and was the homecoming theme for many veterans. They had nine other number-one hit songs, including I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.

Les Brown and the Band of Renown performed with Bob Hope on radio, stage and TV for almost fifty years. They did 18 USO Tours for American troops around the world, and entertained over three million. Before the Super Bowls were televised, the Bob Hope Christmas Specials were the highest-rated programs in television history. Tony Bennett was “discovered” by Bob Hope and did his first public performance with Les and the Band.