Al Lerner

1919 - 2014

Al Lerner

Al Lerner died peacefully January 19, 2014 at Eisenhower Hospital of Prostate Cancer. His wife of twenty-three years, Jonne', was at his side. He was the last member of the original Harry James Orchestra to die. Al was born in Cleveland, Ohio April 7, 1919. He began piano lessons at the age of five, only to quit and take up tap dancing, and then the drums. Eventually, he returned to the piano. and began his amazing career in music starting at the age of fifteen. At nineteen, Harry James heard him play and offered him a job on the spot. He didn't take the job, but Harry remembered him and a year later called Al and offered him the job again. Older and wiser, Al accepted and went to New York, remaining an amazing 79 years in show business. He was a composer, arranger, a consummate musician. Al played in every major concert hall in the world, including a Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth and years later a private party for Prince Charles and Princess Diana. He was delighted to oblige when Princess Diana asked him for his autograph. He accompanied all the greatest artists of the Big Band Era, Rosemary Clooney, Dick Haymes, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr, Helen Forrest, Margaret Whiting and many more. He wrote over two-hundred songs, including "So Until I See You," the closing theme for the Jack Paar Tonight Show. Al's music continues to be heard on current television programs and in movies. His tap dancing came in handy when the band was performing at the Paramount with Ray Bolger. Al became part of the dancing routine with Ray, doing eight shows a day dancing and playing in the orchestra. Al was an avid tennis player, packing his racket before his tuxedo when going on tour. He traveled twenty-seven times to Australia, and became fast friends with Ken Rosewald and Lou Hoad, both Wimbledon Champions. An excellent tennis player, they often asked him to join them; he even won one game against Lou. He was so well known "Down Under," that when he would arrive, the DJ's would say on the radio, Al's back in town, and everyone knew he was there. Al was a wonderful man, his friendships lasted his whole life. He made a point of staying in touch, and always offering a hand to his friends and neighbors in times of trouble. He was funny, had amazing stories to tell, and loved to tell them. He was always the center of attention, but was modest about his enormous talent. Al was a wonderful father, uncle and husband and friend. Al is survived by his wife, Jonne', daughters' Ann Maize, Cecilie Boldt, grandson, Jason Lerner, step children Cynthia and Spencer, and two step-granddaughters, Emma and Sophie Woodman of Pasadena, CA. He was predeceased by his wife of forty-six years, Ruth, in 1986. Al will live on in the hearts of all who loved him... "So Until I See You".

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries