Biography

Art Lund was a lead singer in the Benny Goodman Orchestra in the 1940's who also appeared on Broadway, on television and in films.

Mr. Lund, a baritone, created the role of Joey, the foreman, in the 1956 Broadway musical ''The Most Happy Fella.'' But he was best known for his years with the Goodman band, which he joined in the early 1940's and then rejoined after serving with the Navy in the South Pacific in World War II. He earned five gold records for songs that included ''Blue Skies,'' My Blue Heaven'' and ''Mam'selle.''

As the simple-minded Lennie in a 1958 Off Broadway musical adaptation of ''Of Mice and Men,'' he was ''tremendously effective,'' wrote a New York Times reviewer, Louis Calta, who praised his voice as well as his portrayal.

Mr. Lund also had roles in the 1961 Broadway musical ''Donneybrook!'' and in touring companies of ''Fiorello!,'' ''No Strings'' and ''Destry Rides Again.'' He appeared in films including ''The Molly Maguires'' (1968) and ''The Last American Hero'' (1973). On television, he was seen on ''Gunsmoke,'' ''The Rockford Files,'' ''Little House on the Prairie'' and ''The Winds of War.''

The 6-foot-4 performer graduated from Westminster College in his native Salt Lake City and from Eastern Kentucky State Teachers' College. He also received a master's degree in aerological engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1943.

His first wife, Kathleen Virginia Bolanz, died in a car accident in 1969. In 1989, Mr. Lund married Janet Burris Chytraus. They lived in Sherman Oaks, Calif., until moving recently to Utah.

Besides his wife, he had a daughter, Kathleen Ann Olson of Canoga Park, Calif.; a son, Arthur Earl Lund 3d of Pittsburgh; a sister, Ruth Glover, a grandson and two granddaughters.

- IMDb mini biography by: Barbara