Lew Stone

British Bandleader and Arranger: Lew Stone was a prominent British bandleader, arranger, and pianist who rose to fame during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. Born in London in 1898, Stone began his musical career as a pianist and quickly gained recognition for his talent as a musician and arranger.

Orchestra Leader: Lew Stone formed his own orchestra in the early 1930s and quickly became one of the leading bandleaders in Britain. His orchestra was known for its polished performances, sophisticated arrangements, and diverse repertoire, which included jazz, swing, and popular dance music of the time.

Collaborations with Vocalists: Throughout his career, Lew Stone collaborated with some of the most popular vocalists of the era, including Al Bowlly, Sam Browne, and Nat Gonella. His orchestra provided the musical accompaniment for numerous recordings and live performances, helping to launch the careers of several vocalists who went on to achieve international success.

Radio and Recording Success: Lew Stone and his orchestra enjoyed considerable success on radio broadcasts and in the recording studio. They became regular performers on BBC Radio and recorded extensively for various record labels, including Decca Records. Their recordings were popular with audiences and contributed to the widespread popularity of swing music in Britain during the 1930s and 1940s.

Legacy and Influence: Lew Stone's contributions to the music industry had a lasting impact on the development of British dance band music. His sophisticated arrangements and polished performances set a high standard for orchestral music of the era and helped to popularize swing and jazz in Britain. Despite changes in musical tastes over the years, Stone's recordings continue to be appreciated by fans of vintage jazz and swing, preserving his legacy as one of Britain's most celebrated bandleaders and arrangers.