Songwriters Hall of Fame

Composer and arranger Larry Clinton was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 17, 1909.

One of the premier bandleaders of his time, Clinton was known for “swinging the classics” (the practice of adding texts and light syncopation to previously composed classical works).

Clinton was responsible for arrangements for orchestra’s led by Isham Jones, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and the Casa Loma Orchestra. He also led his own band during two periods; 19937 - 1941 and again from 1948 to 1950 and was active in the publishing and recording end of the music business until his retirement.

For nine years, the charts saw nearly 40 hit recordings by Larry Clinton and his orchestra, including the #1 hits ‘Cry, Baby, Cry’ (1938), ‘My Reverie’ (1938), ‘Heart and Soul’ (1938) and ‘Deep Purple’ (1939).

Larry Clinton died in Tucson, Arizona on May 2, 1985.