Gene Lees was a Canadian writer, lyricist, singer, composer, radio & television broadcaster, producer and record company executive. He was an editor at Down Beat magazine and later at Stereo Review and High Fidelity. He was also publisher and editor of the Jazzletter. Co-founded Kanata Records Limited / Kanata in 1971 with CBC producer Dave Bird.

His lyrics for Antonio Carlos Jobim’s Corcovado (released as Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars), have been recorded by such singers as Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, and Diana Krall.

Born: Hamilton, Ontario, February 8, 1928
Died: Ojai, California, April 22, 2010