Obituary of Paul LeGrande, Jr.

Paul LeGrande , born on October 20, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Hazel and Caroline LeGrande passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 surrounded by family. He shared a special bond with his two sisters Marion Mancini and Caroline LeGrande and his nephew Greg Mancini. He was raised on a farm surrounded by animals, including his horses. During his early years at J.J. Ranch, he enjoyed trail rides and participated in local rodeos. As a teenager, he devoted himself to caring for his horses and showcasing his talent by performing in a boys’ quartet at churches around South Carolina. Paul’s legacy is carried on by the love of his life, Margaret, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. He was a loving father to three children—Michael, Caroline, and James—a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren—Daniel, Joseph, Caitlyn, Toni, Colby, Cisco, Anthony, and Andrew—and a cherished great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren: Jase, Ciana, Dakota, and Chance. He attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music, which laid the foundation for a successful career in jazz and big band music. Paul began his professional musical journey in Boston, performing with several groups and often taking on the role of band leader. At 19 years old he auditioned and joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra as the boy singer and guitarist and toured. He later moved to Detroit, where he joined the popular pop band “ The Loving Cup “ and the renowned jazz quartet “Time”. In Miami, Paul formed several bands, including his own big band, “The LeGrande Salley Orchestra”. The group became a staple of the city’s vibrant music scene, performing at premier venues , grand openings at prestigious hotels such as the Fontainebleau Hotel—where they headlined “Stompin’ at La Ronde”—as well as The Breakers and Doral to name a few. Paul and his orchestra were in high demand, backing major acts and captivating audiences at Miami Beach’s most iconic hotspots . He played with so many talented musical icons like his favorite and dearest friend Dolph Castellano. As he grew older, Paul was drawn more deeply to his passion for jazz. He joined “Jazz Jones “with Richie Caruso and later collaborated with Saulo Ferreira in a free jazz band. Ferreira once described Paul as the “top free jazz bassist in the world”. He was surrounded by jazz musical greats like Billy Naccari , Buddy DeFranco , Bob Degen, Cedric Lawson , Yaz Lawson, Addie Williams , Steve Watson, Anita O’Day , Pete Minger, Melton Mustafa, Danny Burger , Stuart King and Les Blachut to name just a few. As his sons Michael and James grew older, Paul took an active role in their lives by coaching their football, soccer, and baseball teams at various local parks, including Michael’s semi-pro football team, where Michael played quarterback. He was equally devoted to his daughter Caroline, attending all her gymnastics meets and supporting her singing career. Later in life, Paul proudly attended his grandchildren’s games and continued this tradition by cheering on his great-grandchildren at their sports events. Paul’s relentless pursuit of perfection was evident in every facet of his life—from his flawless musical ear and high standards for everyone around him, whether musicians or family, to his impeccable sense of fashion, always dressed in Hugo Boss suits and Davidoff shirts paired with Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. His refined taste extended beyond fashion; he never drank or ate from plastic, insisting on only the finest. Whether it was his Starbucks coffee, always at the perfect temperature, or his meals, which had to be artfully presented on a warm plate like a Michelin-star dish, Paul’s standards were unwavering. Paul devoted his life to music, but above all, to his family. He consistently chose them over his musical career, placing their well-being and happiness above all else. His story doesn’t end here; it lives on in the melodies he played and the cherished memories held by his loved ones. His legacy will forever resonate in the quiet moments, in the laughter shared during family gatherings, and in the standing ovations that follow a life truly well-lived. In Repose Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Annunciation Catholic Church- West Park, Florida. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to Annunciation Catholic Church in Paul's Honor. Please keep the LeGrande family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the LeGrande family with the arrangements. 954-438-8222.