Norman Lee (musician)

Norman Lee
Norman Lee
Birth name	Norman Uehle
Born	March 21, 1921; Danbury, Iowa, U.S.
Died	December 6, 1978 (aged 57); Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Genres	Jazz
Instruments	Clarinet, vocals

Norman Lee (March 21, 1921 – December 6, 1978) was an American songwriter, jazz clarinetist, and big band singer of the 1950s to 1970s.^[1]

Early life

Born Norman Uehle in Danbury, Iowa, Lee was raised in nearby Correctionville, Iowa. His mother, Alice Lee, was also a musician.^[2]

Career

Lee is best known for his collaboration with Lawrence Welk. Lee co-authored several songs, including "Champagne Polka", with Welk.^[3] Lee also led his own group, the Norman Lee Orchestra, in Kansas. Lee also toured the United States with the Eddy Howard Orchestra and later took over the group after Howard's death.

Death

In 1978, Lee was murdered by a former member of his band along with his wife and publicist in Wichita, Kansas.^[4]

Discography

"Slappin' Clarinet"
"Let's Go Dance Again"

References

^ Billboard – October 6, 1951 – Page 14 "Norman Lee, fronting the old Eddy Howard crew, is in the midst of an indefinite engagement at Oh Henry Ballroom, Willow Springs, Ill., where good airtime helps build this new crew. "
^ Volkart, Melvina (June 8, 1998). "Documentary relives immigrant's successful life as Big Band Leader". Sioux City (Iowa) Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
^ Billboard – March 24, 1973, "Singer, composer, clarinetist Norman Lee, who co-authored with Lawrence Welk "Champagne Polka," has signed a ..."
^ "Former Band Member Is Sought In Slaying of Three in Kansas". The New York Times. December 10, 1978. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 4, 2022.

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[1] Billboard – October 6, 1951 – Page 14 "Norman Lee, fronting the old Eddy Howard crew, is in the midst of an indefinite engagement at Oh Henry Ballroom, Willow Springs, Ill., where good airtime helps build this new crew. "

[2] Volkart, Melvina (June 8, 1998). "Documentary relives immigrant's successful life as Big Band Leader". Sioux City (Iowa) Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2022.

[3] Billboard – March 24, 1973, "Singer, composer, clarinetist Norman Lee, who co-authored with Lawrence Welk "Champagne Polka," has signed a ..."

[4] "Former Band Member Is Sought In Slaying of Three in Kansas". The New York Times. December 10, 1978. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 4, 2022.

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