Leonard Bingley Smith (1915-2002)
Lenny (as he was called) attended the Ernest Williams School of Music in the state of New York. He served in the Navy, and while he was in Long Beach, California, Smith played a cornet solo for Herbert L. Clarke when Clarke was director of the Long Beach Municipal Band. Later he played with the Goldman Band in New York , where he often substituted for Del Staigers when he was too drunk to play. He was appointed cornet soloist after Staigers was fired for intoxication. Smith played taps at Staigers’ funeral. Later in his career, he was principal trumpet with the Detroit Symphony. Smith played the trumpet part of the William Tell Overture, the Lone Ranger theme song, on radio. He was also the founder and director of the famous Detroit Concert Band. Many of Smith’s records are still available today. He was probably the last great cornet soloist of our generation.
(personal interview with Leonard B. Smith)
Willow Echoes (c.a. 1930)
Spanish Caprice (c.a. 1932)
Sounds from the Hudson (c.a. 1933)
My Heaven of Love (c.a. 1934)
Ecstasy (c.a. 1932)
bride of the Waves (c.a. 1932)
A Kiss in the Dark (c.a. 1932)
