Les Crane was a unique figure in American media. He made his mark as a provocative radio and television host in the 1960s before unexpectedly landing a Grammy-winning hit with the spoken word recording “Desiderata” in 1971. Though he had only one musical hit, Crane’s career spanned broadcasting, acting, and later, the software industry.
His life illustrates a rare combination of media savvy, cultural impact, and reinvention.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lesley Stein |
| Stage Name | Les Crane |
| Born | December 3, 1933 |
| Died | July 13, 2008 |
| Origin | New York City, New York, USA |
| Occupations | Radio Host, TV Personality, Actor, Spoken Word Artist, Software Executive |
| Genres | Spoken Word, Pop, Talk Radio |
| Years Active | 1950s–1970s (media), 1980s–1990s (software) |
| Notable Works | “Desiderata” (1971), The Les Crane Show, ABC’s Nightlife |
| Education | Tulane University (English) |
| Spouse | Tina Louise (m. 1966–div. 1971) |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording (1972) |
| Later Career | Chairman at The Software Toolworks (later Mindscape) |
Early Life and Education
Born Lesley Stein on December 3, 1933, in New York City, Les Crane grew up with a strong interest in language and communication. He studied English at Tulane University, a background that would serve him well in broadcasting and spoken word performance.
After graduation, Crane served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He became both a jet pilot and a helicopter flight instructor, experiences that gave him discipline and technical knowledge but did not diminish his passion for broadcasting.
Starting in Radio
Crane’s radio career began in the late 1950s. He worked at KONO in San Antonio and later moved to WPEN in Philadelphia. His big break came at KGO in San Francisco, where his candid and confrontational on-air style drew both criticism and fans. It was during this period that station manager Don Curran gave him the name “Les Crane,” a moniker that stuck for the rest of his career.
Crane wasn’t afraid to tackle controversial topics. His programs often featured open forums and listener calls, making him one of the earliest practitioners of call-in talk radio. His bold approach positioned him as a media personality ahead of his time.
From Radio to Television
In 1963, Crane transitioned to television, hosting a local show for WABC-TV in New York. The following year, he gained national attention when the Rolling Stones made their first American television appearance on his show.
His program was picked up for national syndication and renamed The Les Crane Show. In 1965, it was rebranded as ABC’s Nightlife, meant to compete with The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. However, the show struggled in the ratings and was canceled later that same year.
Despite its short run, Crane’s show broke new ground with its open dialogue format. He often welcomed a wide range of guests, from civil rights leaders to entertainers, and encouraged direct audience interaction.
Personal Life and Marriage to Tina Louise
In 1966, Crane married actress Tina Louise, best known for her role as Ginger on Gilligan’s Island. Their relationship attracted media attention, boosting Crane’s profile in the entertainment world. The couple had one daughter before divorcing in 1971.
A Surprising Music Hit: “Desiderata”
In 1971, Crane took an unexpected turn in his career. He recorded a spoken word version of “Desiderata”, a prose poem written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. Backed by soft music and ambient vocals, Crane’s dignified reading struck a chord with listeners.
The recording was released under Warner Bros. Records and quickly climbed the charts:
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#8 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#4 on the Adult Contemporary chart
The track earned Crane a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording in 1972. Despite his limited musical background, he had created a New Age anthem that resonated during an era of social upheaval and introspection.
There was one hitch: Crane mistakenly believed the poem was in the public domain. In fact, Ehrmann’s family still held the copyright, and the appropriate royalties were later redirected.
Other Media Work and Brief Acting Roles
While Crane never had another musical hit, he briefly explored acting. In 1966, he appeared in the film An American Dream, a crime drama based on Norman Mailer’s novel. He also made occasional guest appearances on television, though acting never became a major focus of his career.
Shift to Software and Business
In the 1980s, Crane pivoted dramatically. He entered the software industry, becoming the chairman of The Software Toolworks, a company that developed early computer education and gaming programs.
Under Crane’s leadership, the company released successful titles including Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and Chessmaster. These programs became staples in homes and schools, cementing Crane’s second act as a successful tech executive.
Software Toolworks eventually evolved into Mindscape, a major name in 1990s computer publishing.
Death and Legacy
Les Crane passed away on July 13, 2008, in Greenbrae, California, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy that spanned multiple industries—from early talk radio to television to music and, finally, software.
While he’s often remembered as a one-hit wonder due to “Desiderata,” Crane’s contributions to radio and television formats were influential. His boldness in discussing taboo subjects and encouraging live audience dialogue paved the way for modern talk formats.
His unique life journey—from a pilot and controversial radio host to a Grammy-winning recording artist and tech executive—makes Crane one of the more unusual and fascinating figures in mid-century American media.
Final Thoughts
Les Crane lived multiple lives. He helped shape modern talk radio, hosted television’s early late-night experiments, scored a chart-topping spoken word hit, and later became a leader in the software industry. His voice on “Desiderata” may be what people remember most, but Crane’s broader story is one of reinvention, creativity, and influence in places most wouldn’t expect.