Lavere "Buster" Harding (March 19, 1917 – November 14, 1965) was a Canadian-born American jazz pianist, composer and arranger.

Early life

Born to Benjamin "Ben" and Ada (née Shreve) Harding in North Buxton, Ontario, Harding was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where as a teenager he started on his own band.

Later life and career

In 1939, Harding went to work for the Teddy Wilson big band, and then in the early 1940s went to work for the Coleman Hawkins band, and later Cab Calloway. He became a freelance arranger and worked with Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, and Count Basie, among others. In 1949, he was the musical director for Billie Holiday recording sessions. In the early 1960s, Harding played with Jonah Jones, though he was known primarily as an arranger and composer. Harding did not record as a leader. He died on November 14, 1965, in New York City.

Select discography

With Count Basie With Roy Eldridge With Dizzy Gillespie With Billie Holiday