Dick Leibert

Richard William Leibert

American organist & songwriter. Born April 29, 1903 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. Died October 22, 1976 in Fort Myers, Florida, USA.

Leibert began his career at age 15 as a theater organist for the Loew's theater chain before attending the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore on a scholarship. He also earned a bachelor of arts degree from George Washington University. After graduating, he toured for the chain of Loew's theaters. During a two-year engagement at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater, he learned of an audition opportunity for an organist at the 1932 gala opening and permanent post at Radio City Music Hall. Leibert remained as the chief organist at Radio City Music Hall for 40 years (1932-1971). He had a daily (Tuesday through Saturday) morning music program on NBC radio and accompanied many radio soap operas and mystery shows, including "Our Gal Sunday," "Brighter Day," "When a Girl Marries," and "The Shadow." Leibert's most popular composition, "Come Dance with Me," was recorded by Mario Lanza and Fred Waring among others. He was a prolific recording artist and recorded for the RCA and Westminster labels.

It should be noted that imdb/wikipedia states his year of birth as 1903, on the back of sleeve for EP Organ Encores it says 1907. His birth certificate and his WWII draft registration card confirm the 1903 date.