Henry Cuesta

Cuesta, Henry (71)
A clarinet virtuoso whose technical mastery was often compared to that of Benny Goodman, died on December 17, 2003, in Sherman Oaks, California. He was best known as a featured musician with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, performing on television and in concerts from 1972 to 1982, when the weekly commercial series ended. After the Lawrence Welk program moved to public television, Cuesta was an integral part of the cast of performers, appearing on five of the new "Specials." With Myron Floren and Barney Liddell, he hosted "A Champagne Toast to the Big Bands," one of the most popular of the tribute programs using archive segments from the original Lawrence Welk Shows. He also hosted two of the programs used in the weekly series, now in its 17th season on public television. In recent years, Cuesta was one of the most popular of the featured performers at the Welk Resorts in both Branson, Missouri and San Diego, California, and for the past three years, he toured with "The Live Lawrence Welk Show," produced by Rocklands Entertainment. As one of the most highly regarded clarinetists in the country, Cuesta was in great demand at many prestigious events including President Clinton's Inaugural Balls, in 1993 and 1997. During the summer of 1982, he was invited to perform a concert on the steps of the Capitol with the U.S. Army Band. Henry Falcon Cuesta was born on December 23, 1931, in McAllen, TX, the son of Miguel and Aurora Cuesta. At an early age, he began studying classical violin but switched to woodwinds and proved so gifted that he was selected to play with the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra in Texas, while still in high school. He majored in music and graduated from Del Mar College before being drafted into the Army in 1952. In the Special Services Branch of the Army, he entertained troops in Europe and England and was part of a "Tribute to Gershwin" Concert with the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra. After his discharge, he embarked on the most profoundly affecting experience of his life, touring the United States and Canada for eight years, playing with some of the finest "Big Bands" of the day including Jack Teagarden, Ted Lewis, Shep Fields, and even one memorable performance with the great Paul Whiteman. Performing night after night, playing everything from Dixieland Jazz to Latin Rhythms, Cuesta developed his dazzling, technically brilliant, and highly personal style and became a gifted and innovative musical arranger. In the sixties, while living in Toronto, Cuesta formed his own band and his local appearances became a mecca for visiting musicians including Benny Goodman and Bobby Hackett. It was Hackett who suggested that Cuesta contact Lawrence Welk, who listened to his recordings and hired him immediately. Over the years, Cuesta made countless personal appearances, performing and conducting in jazz festivals, pop symphony concerts, state and county fairs, conventions and supper clubs. He conducted the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra on tour and appeared as a soloist with Mel Torme, Bobby Vinton and Bob Crosby. Cuesta appeared on the Johnny Carson Show and on many programs on Canadian television. He is survived by his wife, Janette, and daughters, Marion Cuesta and Lucinda Mariscal, son-in-law, Greg and a granddaughter, Alyssa. He is also survived by sisters, Olivia Hernandez and Sylvia Parra, and brothers, Raul and Lorenzo. Henry was preceded in death by his beloved son, Henry Cuesta, Jr. Funeral services are private and donations in his honor may be sent to The Hospice Foundation, 2601 Airport Dr., #230, Torrance, CA 90505, (310)257-3535 or your favorite charity.