Lester Elliott Elgart (August 3, 1917 – July 29, 1995) was an American swing jazz bandleader and trumpeter.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Elgart grew up in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey with his brother Larry.

During the 1940s Les was a member of bands led by Raymond Scott, Charlie Spivak, and Harry James, occasionally finding himself alongside brother Larry.

They formed their own orchestra in 1945, hiring Nelson Riddle, Ralph Flanagan, and Bill Finegan to write arrangements.

[4] The band signed with General Amusement Corporation for bookings, and in May 1945, made recordings in New York City at a V-Disc session.

[2] In late 1952, Larry Elgart was working with fellow saxophonist Charles Albertine in the pit band for the Broadway play ‘’Top Banana’’.

In April 1953, Columbia Records A&R executive George Avakian liked what he heard, and signed the band to the label.

[12] Over the next three years, the band released a half dozen albums and enjoyed success on tour, with many appearances on college campuses.

[16] Les Elgart lived in Chicago for several years, and Santa Monica and Hollywood Hills on the West Coast.