Elliot Lawrence Broza, known professionally as Elliot Lawrence, was born on
February 14, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began studying piano at age
three and formed his first band by twelve. Lawrence graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1944 and adopted the stage name Elliot Lawrence.
In 1945, he became the music director of WCAU's House Band, leading The Elliot
Lawrence Orchestra. From 1946 to 1954, his band toured extensively, recording
albums for major labels. Notable recordings include "Elevation" with Gerry
Mulligan. Lawrence won a Tony Award in 1962 for...