Bandleader, Arranger and Pianist Bob Florence Dies at 75

Bob Florence, a bandleader, pianist and composer, died May 15th at his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The cause was pneumonia. Florence was 75.

Florence, who led the big band Limited Edition in the Los Angeles area, won both a Grammy and two Emmys during his career, which spanned some five decades. His early affiliations included work with Harry James, Louis Bellson and Sy Zentner. Florence arranged Zentner’s hit “Up a Lazy River,” which won a Grammy for Zentner. Florence himself won the award in 1999 in the category of Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance, for his album Serendipity 18.

During his career Florence was involved with arranging for television as well as recordings, working with such artists as Doc Severinsen, Julie Andrews, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Andy Williams and Red Skelton. His two Emmys came for his work on the programs Julie Andrews, On Tour (PBS) and Linda Lavin, Linda In Wonderland (CBS). He also worked with singer Vicki Carr on six of her albums and as her musical director on tours.

Originally Published May 21, 2008