Max Leth was a Danish pianist and vibraphonist, born in Slagelse 24 December 1921, but grew up in Fredericia and Sorø, where his mother Emma Seide Leth (née Christensen) gave him piano lessons. His father was Otto Sørensen Leth, a military musician. He showed such talent that he went on to perform in a trio with his mother and his violinist brother Ivan in Ivan Leth's Orkester, who played at an amusement place and the fancy balls at Sorø Academy. Aged 17, he became a member of Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium (The Royal Danish Music Conservatory). His son, Max Leth Junior, was also a musician.

Max Leth died on Dec. 19 2014, and is buried with his wife, Edel Krag Leth, at Jersie Kirkegård south of Copenhagen.