LIFE legend Leonard Bernstein was born 100 years ago today, August 25, 2018 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This image ran in a portfolio of images by the great photographer Gordon Parks - U.S. COMPOSERS IN A BRIGHT ERA in the May 21, 1956 issue. According to LIFE, “ALL-ROUND MAN: LEONARD BERNSTEIN. Best known as a conductor, New Yorker Leonard Bernstein, 36, has written two symphonies, a song cycle, ‘Fancy Free’ —a jazzy ballet—and two Broadway shows (On the Town, Wonderful Town). He conducted his own 'Serenade for Violin and Strings’ this spring and is preparing a musical version of 'Candide’ for the fall.” (Gordon Parks—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images) #LIFElegends #LeonardBernstein https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm5rXv5Bw45/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=vrzp3bc7dlxl
