Jelesnik, Eugene, 1914-1999

Jelesnik was a musician, entertainer, and concert broker who founded the Salt Lake Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also the host of the weekly television program, "Talent Showcase."

Eugene Jelesnik was born March 19, 1914 in Alexandrovsk, Ukraine, Russia. He emigrated to the United States in 1925 to escape the Bolshevik Revolution and lived in New York City for several years before moving to Salt Lake City around 1938 when he married Virginia Bell Washburn. His many activities include violinist, composer, conductor of the Salt Lake Philhamonic Orchestra, television host of the weekly Talent Showcase for over 34 years and more. He took 19 USO Shows overseas to entertain military personnel. After the death of his first wife he married Carleen Hall Brown. He died on February 16, 1999 in Salt Lake City at the age of 84.