About Norman Leyden
Norman Leyden (1917–2014) was a highly esteemed American conductor, composer, arranger, and clarinetist whose career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on American popular music. Celebrated for his versatility, he was particularly renowned for his work in big band, swing, and symphonic pops, serving as the long-time conductor of the Oregon Symphony Pops orchestra and contributing significantly to film, television, and the recording industry. Leyden's arrangements and compositions enriched the soundscapes of major artists and iconic productions, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in 20th-century American music.
- Norman Leyden co-wrote the theme "I Sustain the Wings" in 1943 with Glenn Miller, which introduced the popular World War II radio series.
- He served as the conductor for the Oregon Symphony Pops orchestra for 34 seasons, drawing over a million attendees to his concerts, and also led the Seattle Symphony Pops for eighteen seasons and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Prairie Pops for eight seasons.
- As a staff arranger at RCA Victor, Leyden composed and arranged music for numerous beloved Disney films and musicals, including Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Peter Pan, and also arranged for prominent artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Sarah Vaughan.
- Leyden continued to practice his clarinet daily into his 90s and performed a clarinet solo with the band Pink Martini on their album "Hang On Little Tomato," later debuting at the Hollywood Bowl with them at the age of 95.
For musicians seeking engaging and historically significant repertoire, Norman Leyden's sheet music offers a rewarding experience. His extensive catalog of arrangements and compositions, rooted in the big band and swing eras, is well-suited for a variety of instrumentalists and ensembles, from advanced clarinetists to full pops orchestras and jazz bands. Performers will find his charts to be meticulously crafted, offering a blend of melodic richness and rhythmic vitality that is both challenging and incredibly satisfying to bring to life, reflecting his deep understanding of orchestration and popular appeal. His arrangements provide an authentic glimpse into the golden age of American popular song, making them a joy for both players and audiences alike.