Leon Merian

He was born Leon Megerdichian{{Cite book|title=Pseudonyms|author=Joseph F. Clarke|publisher=BCA|date=1977|page=114}} in South Braintree, Massachusetts, on 17 September 1923, to Armenian immigrant parents.

Merian learned trumpet from Georges Mager.

He was a member of Lucky Millinder's band when it toured the segregated south; he was not welcome at either "white" or "colored" establishments, and ended up sleeping on the tour bus.

Merian moved to 20th Century Fox Records in November 1958.{{Cite magazine |magazine=Billboard |title=Music as Written |last=Rolontz |first=Bob |page=12 |date=3 November 1958 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3goEAAAAMBAJ}}

He later had his own band; one member of it was Herb Phillips.

His publications included the well known Trumpet Isometrics. He published an autobiography in 2000.{{Cite web|url=https://www.local802afm.org/allegro/articles/802-bookshelf-leon-merian-the-man-behind-the-horn/|title=802 Bookshelf: "Leon Merian, The Man Behind The Horn"|website=Associated Musicians of Greater New York – Local 802|date=October 2000 }}

Merian died on 15 August 2007, in Sarasota, Florida.

• The Magic Horn (Decca)

• Specs Powell, Movin' In (Roulette, 1957)
• Tito Puente, The Essential Tito Puente (RCA, 2005)
• Pete Rugolo, Rugolomania (Columbia, 1955)

With the Lucky Millinder Orchestra:

With Gladys Bruce:

• Trumpet Isometrics
• Leon Merian, The Man Behind The Horn, Leon Merian with Bill Bridges, Diem Publishing Co, Bradenton, Florida, 2000, 287 pp.

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• [https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=leon-merian&pid=92775102 Obituary]

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Category:1923 births

Category:2007 deaths

Category:American jazz trumpeters

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