Leonard S. Kay

May your music play on in the hearts of those you touched here on earth...they were many, as you now play for your heavenly audience.

Len gave me my first job in advertising in 1970. I worked with he and Francine Goldfine at Arthur Mayerhoff. I will always hear his music.

Lenny's abrupt passing came as a shock to me. I know Lenny as a fellow member of Ron Surace's esteemed In Full Swing Big Band Orchestra. To my loss, I didn't take time to get to know Mr. Kay in depth, but I did get two strong impressions of his character that makes/made playing with him in the band so enjoyable. First, although Lenny's sax playing wasn't featured very much, when it was, I noticed that his soloing style was very distinct as Lenny shaped each note with expert musical style,...

In the last year or so, Len played alongside me and my trombone in the front row of the "Dixie Downbeats" for Luther Village affairs. It was comforting to have his presence in ensembles, and to hear his smooth tones and great execution on solos. Although I didn't know him in any other context, his personality was well demonstated through his great musicality.

Sound of the Big Band will miss you-deepest condolences.

Not only was Len Kay an accomplished Sax man, he was an extraordinary Ad man. He taught me so much about advertising and media. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for him. He frequently quoted Erwin Ephron and said, "that's the only guy that MAY know more than me".

I played with Len on November 12 with the Dixie Down Beats and he played for my son's send-off-to-the Navy Party.
I will miss his "ax" and his smiling face dearly.
Mike Maloni
(Trumpet Player & youngest member of the Dixie Downbeats)

Spouse Nona and I are very sorry to hear of Len's passing. He played his tenor sax on several gigs with our Dixie Down Beats jazz group. The latest was at the Lutheran Home on November 12. He will be sorely missed.