Leonard J. Balaban ’51

Leonard J. Balaban ’51, former owner of the New York City jazz club Eddie Condon’s and a musician who played a key role in revitalizing America’s interest in Dixieland jazz, died on December 29, 2013, in Milford, Connecticut. “Red” always loved music, especially jazz, but did not begin playing seriously until age 25. Starting on his son’s toy ukulele he progressed to the guitar, bass fiddle, trombone, sousaphone, double-bell euphonium and banjo. He was especially proud of his recordings (“Home Cooking,” “Son of Home Cooking”) on which he sang and played all of the instruments. Following the closing on Eddie Condon’s in 1985, he played with a number of groups and also formed groups of his own, notably Balaban and Cats. He was in demand as a freelancer and sideman, performing with jazz musicians such as Condon, Wild Bill Davidson and Gene Krupa. Red left Dartmouth during his sophomore year but returned to Hanover regularly to provide music for major reunions of his class, including the 50th. He completed his undergraduate degree at Brown University. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Micki, three children and five grandchildren.