American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming

Larry Adler: It Ain't Necessarily So

Introduction to the Exhibit

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.

First publicity photograph, ca. 1928. Larry Adler Papers, American Heritage  Center.

Larry Adler publicity photograph, 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.

Adler and the U.S. House Committee on Un-American Activities

American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3924, Laramie, WY 82071.  Phone:  307.766.4114,  Fax:  307.766.5511, Email: shelstad@uwyo.edu.  Copyright © University of Wyoming, 1999-2000.  Created on June 23, 1999.  Last modified on August 16, 2000.