Howard Lanin


Howard Lanin was an American bandleader, called "The King of Society Dance Music."

Early years

Lanin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Benjamin and Mary Lanin. His father was an entrepreneur and musician. He was the middle child of nine children and one of six brothers who became bandleaders, playing in ballrooms and at resorts. He attended South Philadelphia High School, where he began playing cornet, leaving when he was 15 to go into music.

Career

Lanin led the Howard Lanin Orchestra, a group that performed show tunes, waltzes and sweet jazz. Lanin also established orchestras led by his brothers, including Sam Lanin and Lester Lanin. The orchestras of the Lanin brothers gave a start to Red Nichols, Artie Shaw, The Dorsey Brothers and other jazz musicians.

Personal appearances

In 1918, Howard and Sam Lanin opened the Roseland Ballroom in Philadelphia; a year later, they opened New York City's Roseland location. When Howard Lanin played at Roseland in 1921, his group was called his "Columbia Record Orchestra."

Radio

In 1922, WDAR in Philadelphia began broadcasting the music of Lanin's orchestra as it played at the Arcadia Cafe, a development that Lanin said was the first broadcast of its type in that city. He also conducted orchestras for The Atwater Kent Hour and the Campbell Soup Show.

Entertainment management

In the 1950s, as interest in dance bands diminished, Lanin began Howard Lanin Productions, an entertainment management company.

Personal life

Lanin married Clayre Feinstein in 1929; they remained married until her death in 1983. They had two sons and two daughters. Lanin died April 26, 1991, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 93. He was survived by two sons, two daughters, a brother, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.