NEW YORK, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Internationally renowned bandleader Lester Lanin, who has led music for U.S. presidential inaugurations and royal weddings, has died in New York. He was 97.
The musician, whose band performed Dixieland, swing and light rock at 20,000 wedding receptions, 7,500 parties and 4,500 proms, died Wednesday in Manhattan, WINS-AM, New York, reported Friday.
Lanin's bands, with as many as 12 touring under his name at once, performed at every presidential inauguration since President Eisenhower's, except for President Carter's and President George W. Bush's. He also led music for Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding reception, Grace Kelly's engagement party to Prince Ranier and Queen Elizabeth's 60th birthday.
Lanin, who recorded more than 30 albums during his career, was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame in Palm Beach, Fla., in 1993.
