Bernie Leighton
Bernie Leighton was an American jazz pianist.
Leighton was born in West Haven, Connecticut. He first played professionally at the end of the 1930s. He played with Bud Freeman, Leo Reisman, Raymond Scott and Benny Goodman before serving in the Army. Following his discharge, he worked as a studio sideman, with Dave Tough, Billie Holiday, Neal Hefti, Goodman again, Artie Shaw, John Serry, Sr., James Moody and Bob Wilber. He did a tour with Tony Bennett in 1972-73.
While Leighton was best known as a sideman, he also recorded extensively as a leader; he recorded for Keynote Records in 1946, Mercury Records in 1950, an LP on Columbia Records in 1950, Brunswick in 1951, LPs for Disneyland and Capitol in 1957, and a tribute to Duke Ellington released in 1974.
His instrumental cover of Connie Francis' "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You" on the Colpix label in 1962 reached #101 on Billboard's listing.
Leighton has a cameo role in the film Hannah and Her Sisters. He died in Coconut Creek, Florida.
Discography
Bernie Leighton Quintet and Quartet and With Joe ThomasWith James Moody
- Great Day
- Holliday with Mulligan with Judy Holliday
- That's How I Love the Blues!
- Big Band
- Squeeze Play with Al Caiola
- Think Well of Me
- Warm Wave