Paul Lavalle Collection

While the collection is primarily about Paul Lavalle, it also provides insight into other influential people he worked with. These collaborators either arranged various works within the collection or are mentioned in some way. For instance, Joe Tarto (1902-1986) was a jazz tubist and bassist who was a longtime friend of Paul Lavalle and worked with him in the Band of America in the 1950s. George Siravo (1916-2000) was a composer, arranger, saxophonist, and clarinetist who arranged concert band pieces with Paul Lavalle. Bob Freedman (1934-2018) was a Grammy winning arranger, jazz pianist and saxophonist who was known for his big band arrangements and artist orchestrations. Peter Ecklund (1945-2020) was a cornetist who primarily worked as a sideman but also arranged/composed music. Jerry Herman (1931-2018) was a conductor, composer, and lyricist primarily known for his work with Broadway theater. James Burke (1923-1981) was a trumpet/cornet soloist who played with Paul Lavalle’s Band of America from 1950-1956. Al G. Wright (1916-2020) worked as a bandleader and was the director of Purdue University’s All-American Band. He also assisted Paul Lavalle by handling the marching aspects of the McDonald’s All-American High School Band.