Pianist | Arranger | Composer | Educator

Lenny LaCroix

With a career spanning decades, Lenny LaCroix has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From arranging for legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand to pioneering jazz education programs, his expertise continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

About

Lenny LaCroix was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts—let’s just say, a few years ago. His love affair with music started early; by age five, he was drumming up a storm, and by six, he had already moved on to the piano. At twelve, he formed his first band, where he not only played but also arranged and led the group like a true pro.

At seventeen, Lenny took his talents to the Hartt College of Music at the University of Hartford in Bloomfield, Connecticut. He was determined to make his mark, completing the rigorous four-year program in just three years and graduating at the top of his class. While still an undergraduate, he formed a jazz quartet that went on to compete in the prestigious Georgetown Intercollegiate Jazz Festival, earning second place. He later pursued his master’s degree, further refining his craft.

After graduating, Lenny relocated to Los Angeles in 1969, where his career took off. As a pianist, arranger, conductor, and composer, he worked with an eclectic mix of legendary entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Lucille Ball, John Denver, Gene Kelly, Shirley MacLaine, Ann-Margret, Tony Danza, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca, Jim Henson, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and more. His collaborations extended into the world of dance, working with renowned choreographers such as Onna White, Michael Peters, Joe Layton, Alan Johnson, and Danny Daniels.

Lenny’s expertise wasn’t limited to the stage—his talents found a home in film and television as well. He worked on film projects with producers Blake Edwards, Mark Rydell, and Gene Saks and contributed to numerous television productions with top producer-directors, including Nick Vanoff, Marty Pasetta, Jim Henson, Don Mischer, Pierre and John Cossette, George Schlatter, Lee Mendelson, Gary Smith, and Dwight Hemion. His ability to adapt his musical style made him a sought-after collaborator in the entertainment industry.

Beyond Hollywood, Lenny brought his musical vision to the high seas, producing music for major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Radisson, Holland America, Silversea, and Oceania. Whether on stage, on screen, or at sea, his work has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

With a career spanning decades, Lenny LaCroix continues to inspire as a musician, arranger, and educator, shaping the next generation of artists while celebrating the timeless power of music.

As a jazz artist, Lenny has shared the stage with some of the genre’s greatest talents, including Phil Woods, Dexter Gordon, Tom Scott, Jack Sheldon, Jeff Hamilton, Al Cohn, Eric Marienthal, Booker Ervin, Tommy Newsome, and Bill Watrous. In the early 1980s, he took his passion a step further by forming his own big band, composing and arranging all of the music himself. His band became a staple in the local jazz scene, performing at renowned venues like Carmelo’s and At My Place, while also playing an active role in public school jazz education programs, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

In 1969, Lenny LaCroix made the move to Los Angeles, where he built a dynamic career as a pianist, arranger, conductor, and composer. Over the years, he has worked with an impressive and eclectic roster of entertainers, including Lucille Ball, John Denver, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Jim Henson, Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca, Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, and Tony Danza. His collaborations also extended to some of the most renowned choreographers in the industry, such as Onna White, Danny Daniels, Michael Kidd, Gene Nelson, Joe Layton, and Donald McKayle.

Film, Television & Live PRODUCTION

ARRANGER

BARYSHNIKOV in Hollywood

Engelbert Humperdinck

Albert Hall

Ann Margret

Tv Special | “I Go to Rio”

Ann Margret

Tv Special | “I Go to Rio”

Tony Danza

Louis Prima Medley

Shirley Maclaine

Live at the Lido

COMMITMENT TO

EDUCATION

Lenny’s passion for music education began early—at just 17, he started teaching private students. While still an undergraduate at the Hartt College of Music, University of Hartford, he co-designed the curriculum for the pilot Jazz Workshop program, which he also taught. This groundbreaking program later evolved into a full-fledged four-year degree and continues to thrive today. As a graduate student, he expanded his teaching repertoire, instructing courses in music theory, keyboard training, ear training, and improvisation at the same institution. In the 1980s, he brought his expertise to the renowned Dick Grove School of Music in Studio City, California, where he taught Rhythm Section Workshop, Keyboard Styles, and Rock Arranging, shaping the next generation of musicians.