Biography

One of America's most noted bandmasters and conductors was also an arranger, composer, clarinetist and saxophonists. He was educated at Juilliard on a scholarship and studied with Joseph Schillinger, then joined the NBC Symphony Orchestra as a clarinetist under Arturo Toscanini. He was the conductor of the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street for NBC radio, and during 1944 he organized the Stradivari Orchestra. He was the bandmaster of the Band Of America, the New York World Fair's official band during 1964 and 1965. His guest conducting appearances included concerts with New York Philharmonic, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the ABC Symphony Orchestra, and the Rochester Philharmonic. Joining ASCAP in 1950, his popular instrumental compositions include "Deep Melody", "United States March", "The Merrymakers", "Memoirs of a Dilemma", "Dance of the Woodwinds", "Big Joe, the Tuba", and "Good Fellowship".
- IMDb mini biography by: Louis Rugani

Radio City Music Hall orchestra conductor.

Lavalle made one pop 78 record (in the style of Raymond Scott) under his real name "Joe Usifer" in January of 1938 and issued on Brunswick. The tune was a brilliantly arranged uptempo swing version of "In The Hall Of The Mountain King".