Les Elgart, Big-Band Trumpeter

His name may not be as well known as Jimmy Dorsey or Glenn Miller, but Les Elgart played a big part in the history of big bands. His anonymity comes largely because he played his part during the era's last act.

"We missed the really big days by 10 years," Mr. Elgart, a trumpeter, said in 1977.

Mr. Elgart, who died Saturday of a heart attack at his stepdaughter's Dallas home, led a dance band with his brother, Larry, during the 1950s, 10 years after the big-band sound was at the height of its popularity.

The Les and Larry Elgart Orchestra produced more than 50 albums, including "The Elgart Touch" and "For Dancers Also," both of which made the top 15 on the Billboard chart.

Mr. Elgart, 77, wrote the theme song for Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" show.

Mr. Elgart also played with the Charlie Spivak, Woody Herman, Bunny Berigan and Raymond Scott bands.

The Elgart brothers stopped performing together in 1967.

Les Elgart's wife, Joerene, said many music lovers still remember the man known as the "trumpet player's trumpet player."

Scott Ingram, Mr. Elgart's stepson, said he is happy to know that his father will live on through his music.

In addition to his wife and Mr. Ingram, Mr. Elgart is survived by another stepson, Paul Ingram of Dallas; a stepdaughter, Beth Fountain of Dallas; a brother, Larry Elgart of Longboat Key, Fla.; and six grandchildren.