Stan Kenton was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, born on December 15, 1911, in Wichita, Kansas. He is best known for his innovative big band music that blended elements of jazz with classical influences. Kenton's orchestras featured unique arrangements and a distinctive sound that set them apart from other big bands of the era. Throughout his career, Kenton led several successful bands and recorded numerous albums, helping to popularize the progressive jazz movement in the 1940s and 1950s. He was also a dedicated educator, founding the Kenton Conservatory of Music to inspire young musicians. Kenton passed away on August 25, 2004, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of jazz.