Lawrence Cecil "Larry" Adler was born in Baltimore on February 10, 1914. A self-taught harmonica player, he began to play professionally at the age of 14 and later gained worldwide recognition as the musician who brought the instrument to the ‘serious music’ stage. He is well known for playing with many of the world’s top symphony orchestras. Between 1943 and 1945 he joined the U.S.O. tours with Jack Benny. During his career he wrote several film scores, including "Genevieve" (1953), for which he received an Academy Award Nomination.

Larry Adler publicity photograph, undated. Larry Adler Papers, American Heritage Center.

Larry Adler, undated. Larry Adler Papers, American  Heritage Center..

Larry Adler on the set of "The Singing Marine," undated.   Larry Adler Papers, American Heritage Center.

Larry Adler with his second wife, Sally, undated. Larry Adler Papers, American Heritage Center..

Larry Adler with Jack Benny during the USO Tours, ca. 1943-1945. Larry Adler Papers, American Heritage Center.

HUAC Hearings

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