Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was a beloved American composer and conductor known for his light, witty orchestral pieces like "Sleigh Ride," “The Syncopated Clock,” and "Blue Tango," blending classical forms with modern harmonies, often premiered by the Boston Pops. A Harvard-educated polymath fluent in several languages, he served as an intelligence officer in WWII, using his linguistic skills for the U.S. Army. Anderson became famous for his charming, optimistic miniatures, bringing orchestral music to millions with memorable melodies and creative sounds, like his famous "typewriter" piece.