Bernie Leighton

A flexible musician who spent many years in the studios, Bernie Leighton gained early experience working with Bud Freeman, Leo Reisman, Raymond Scott (1940) and Benny Goodman (1940-41). He spent time in the Army and after his discharge became a studio musician who also occasionally played in jazz settings. Most notable among his jazz gigs were recordings and jobs with Dave Tough (1946), Billie Holiday (1949), Neal Hefti (1951), Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw (1953), James Moody (1963) and Bob Wilber (1969). Leighton toured with Tony Bennett during 1972-73. Although he never became that well-known, the value of Bernie Leighton's playing was well-known to his fellow musicians. As a leader he recorded six titles for Keynote in 1946, four for Mecury in 1950, an album for Columbia in 1950, four swing titles for Brunswick in 1951, mood music LPs for Disneyland and Capitol (both in 1957) and a Duke Ellington tribute date for Monmouth/Evergreen (1974). ~ Scott Yanow