Lester Koenig (born 3. December 1918 in New York City, died 20. November 1977 in Los Angeles) was an American record producer. Originally embarking on a career in the film industry, particularly as a screenwriter at Paramount and, from 1943, as an associate of director William Wyler (with jazz recording as a sideline), he was forced to end his Hollywood involvement in 1953 when he was blacklisted after an appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He had already established [l93517] in 1949, partly as a home for masters he had acquired or those he had produced of west coast traditional jazz musicians, but [l33660] (founded 1951) switched his musical involvement towards modern jazz. Contemporary is especially known for its excellent sounding recordings. His son John Koenig also became a producer.