A Tribute To Eddie Duchin - Al Lerner

Besame Mucho

A Tribute To Eddie Duncan
Played By Al Lerner
Tyrone Power and Kim Noval
As Seen In The Columbia Picture "The Eddie Duncan Story"
Cover Credit: Photograph furnished by Columbia Pictures
Jacket fabricated by Globe Albums, New York, N.Y.
Tops L1540
1957

From the back cover: If the thirties represented the golden age of the Dance Band, then Eddie Duchin perhaps more than any other maestro, was the Golden Boy of that era. Seated at his piano, whether at New York's Casino-in-the-Park or the old Waldorf-Astoria, flashing his engaging smile, he was indeed the debutante's delight. The music he played came out light, gay, sophisticated, and appealing. But his popularity did not stop with New York's smart set. He had a universal appeal, evoking widespread acclaim wherever he appeared, in motion pictures, on radio, or in night clubs all over the country.

Edwin Frank Duchin was born in Cambridge, Mass, on April 10, 1910. Inspired by his mother's determination, he began his piano instruction at the early age of five. At the insistence of his druggist father, Eddie enrolled at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1929. When Leo Reisman, the band leader, heard Eddie play he offered him a job with his band which was then at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, and Eddie accepted, having made up hi mind to follow music as his career. Two years later, he organized his own group, opening at New York's Casino-in-the-Park. He was an immediate hit on his way to becoming one of New York's most famous sights and sounds.

In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy, was assigned to a destroyer, and took part in the Normandie invasion on "D" Day. Discharged in 1945, with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, he went back to playing, wrote books on piano technique, and founded a school to teach it. On February 9, 1951, Eddie Duchin died of leukemia – only 24 hour after he had received a citation from the Navy for meritorious service in the war.

To Eddie Duchin, the man, as well as to Eddie Duchin, the musical, this album is proudly dedicated.

About The Artist - Mr. Al Lerner who is featured on piano is a native of Cleveland. He attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying harmony and theory along with piano. He joined the Harry James organization in 1940, playing with the James band until 1944. From there he went on to play with Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Barnett, and did a number of recording with his own group. Subsequently, he was pianist in the Perry Como Chesterfield Radio Show, The Carnation Show with Victor Young, etc. He joined Dick Haymes as his accompanist and musical director, remaining with Haymes through 1953; shortly thereafter he associated himself with Frankie Lane, in the same capacity, and has been with him ever since. An exceptional pianist and a fine musician, Mr. Lerner's renditions capture the essence of the Duchin style, het have a distinctive, captivating quality of their own.

Manhattan
Nocturne In E Flat
You're My Everything
Body And Soul
Shine
Harvest Moon
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
It Must Be True
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
Besame Mucho
Love Walked In
Whispering