Les Baxter was an American composer, arranger, and conductor, born on March 14, 1922, in Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his contributions to the genre of exotica, a style of music that blends tropical and lounge influences. Baxter's work often featured lush orchestration and unique instrumentation, creating a dreamy and atmospheric sound. Throughout his career, Baxter produced numerous albums and composed music for films and television. He collaborated with various artists and was influential in the development of the space age pop movement. His most famous work includes the hit single "Quiet Village," which remains a classic in the exotica genre.