Dick LaPalm, a jazz and pop record promoter who made his reputation in the 1950s and 1960s, passed away Oct. 7, it was confirmed by Kevin Calabro, a music industry executive. The cause of death was cancer. LaPalm (born Ricardo LaPalombara) was 85.
LaPalm was known as the “Jazz Lobbyist” who was instrumental in gaining radio airplay for artists such as Nat King Cole, Ahmad Jamal and others, including Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Peggy Lee, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughan, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Dick Haymes, Count Basie and Sonny Rollins.
