Arthur Fiedler

Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra for 50 years (1930–79), Fiedler was a beloved showman of America's classical music business. Trained as a violinist, his ambition was to be a conductor. In 1929 he launched the Esplanade summer series, free concerts by the Boston Pops along the Charles River. His repertoire included popular songs, show tunes, and classical music and his recordings sold millions. He was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1977. He died in Brookline, Massachusetts following surgery.