Les Baxter

by James Spencer, Jeff Chenault (Foreword)

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

704 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2016

Reviews

[Andy Montero · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Spencer's biography of Les Baxter is a well-researched, passionate, and personal story of one of the greatest American arranger/composers of the 20th Century. I knew him to be the father of Exotica and the classic tune Quiet Village, but this book taught me so much more about Les Baxter's larger-than life stature in the Mid-Century Modern era. Spencer's writing is a bit disjointed and clearly could stand more careful editing, but there is no denying his musical knowledge and love for his subject matter. Well done, Jimmy. Les is more!

[David Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was very much looking forward to reading this as there are no other biographies available on the wonderful Les Baxter.
Disappointed by the self aggrandising tone of Mr Spencer, who seems to think he is on an equal footing with his subject.
Also, the main body of the book consists of tracts from a website.
Will keep only for the original album liner notes it includes.