Publisher's Synopsis
LES BAXTER is the first published biography to examine a detailed history of composer and musician Leslie Thompson Baxter. One of Capitol Record's most prominent artists, Les had 35 hits and 11 album hits in a career that expanded nearly fifty years. Les is one of America's most influential, innovative and unique composers of of the 20th century. He is the father of Exotica, Space-Age Bachelor Music, and his experimental and innovative film scores set the standards for the genres of horror, sci-fi, westerns, and teen-age beach movies. The biography was researched over twenty years and includes rare interviews by Skip Heller, a protege who studied and was companion to Les during the last few years of his life. James Spencer, musicologist, concert pianist and recording artist became friends with Les Baxter in 1991 and documents the last five years of Les' life until his death in January of 1996. James Spencer includes a complete discography, filmography, comparative Hits study of Les Baxter and Martin Denny. The book includes personal remembrances by Les Baxter's daughter Leslie Eaton and others that knew Les. Musicologist Jeff Chenault introduces us to Les with a thoughtful foreword to this 700 page in depth biography of the man who penned the Exotica anthem "Quiet Village." Come join our "Quiet Village" and read this fascinating biography about the musical genius... Les Baxter
