Biography
Bernie Leighton, a versatile keyboardist with years of studio work behind him, first built his reputation through collaborations with Bud Freeman, Leo Reisman, Raymond Scott in 1940, and Benny Goodman from 1940 to 1941. After completing his Army service he settled into steady session work while still accepting occasional jazz engagements. Standout among those jazz dates were recordings and performances with Dave Tough in 1946, Billie Holiday in 1949, Neal Hefti in 1951, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw in 1953, James Moody in 1963, and Bob Wilber in 1969. Between 1972 and 1973 he also traveled as a member of Tony Bennett’s touring ensemble. Although wider public recognition never arrived, fellow musicians consistently valued the quality of Bernie Leighton’s playing. Leading his own dates, he produced six titles for Keynote in 1946, four for Mecury in 1950, an album for Columbia in 1950, four swing titles for Brunswick in 1951, mood-music LPs for both Disneyland and Capitol in 1957, and a Duke Ellington tribute session for Monmouth/Evergreen in 1974.