Norman Lee (musician) explained

Norman Lee
Birth Name:	Norman Uehle
Birth Date:	March 21, 1921
Birth Place:	Danbury, Iowa, U.S.
Death Date:	December 6, 1978 (aged 57)
Death Place:	Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Genre:	Jazz
Instruments:	Clarinet, vocals

Norman Lee (March 21, 1921 – December 6, 1978) was an American songwriter, jazz clarinetist, and big band singer of the 1950s to 1970s.^[1]

Early life

Born Norman Uehle in Danbury, Iowa, Lee was raised in nearby Correctionville, Iowa. His mother, Alice Lee, was also a musician.^[2]

Career

Lee is best known for his collaboration with Lawrence Welk. Lee co-authored several songs, including "Champagne Polka", with Welk.^[3] Lee also led his own group, the Norman Lee Orchestra, in Kansas. Lee also toured the United States with the Eddy Howard Orchestra and later took over the group after Howard's death.

Death

In 1978, Lee was murdered by a former member of his band along with his wife and publicist in Wichita, Kansas.^[4]

Discography

• "Slappin' Clarinet"
• "Let's Go Dance Again"

Notes and References

1. Billboard – October 6, 1951 – Page 14 "Norman Lee, fronting the old Eddy Howard crew, is in the midst of an indefinite engagement at Oh Henry Ballroom, Willow Springs, Ill., where good airtime helps build this new crew. "
2. News: June 8, 1998 . Clipped From Sioux City Journal . 1 . Sioux City Journal . 2022-07-04.
3. Billboard – March 24, 1973, "Singer, composer, clarinetist Norman Lee, who co-authored with Lawrence Welk "Champagne Polka," has signed a ..."
4. News: December 10, 1978 . Former Band Member Is Sought In Slaying of Three in Kansas . en-US . The New York Times . 2022-07-04 . 0362-4331.