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American jazz composer, arranger, and saxophonist renowned for his innovative compositions in complex, odd time signatures, primarily for big bands.Henry "Hank" Levy (1927-2001) was a groundbreaking figure in jazz composition, particularly within the big band genre. He gained significant recognition for his long association with Stan Kenton and his Orchestra, composing challenging pieces characterized by unusual meters like 5/4, 7/4, 9/4, and 10/4. Beyond Kenton, he served as Director of Jazz Studies at Towson University for over two decades, profoundly influencing generations of musicians. His compositions became staples in jazz education and performance.

• Levy's unique compositional style was partly influenced by his experiences as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II, where he encountered European folk music often featuring irregular meters.
• His compositions, especially the complex odd-meter pieces, were notoriously difficult to play. Kenton reportedly said some were "too difficult" even for his band, though many became iconic parts of their repertoire.
• Despite the challenges, Levy's music was championed by Kenton, who saw it as pushing the boundaries of big band jazz. Their collaboration produced landmark albums like 'Kenton Plays Levy'.
• Levy's academic career at Towson University (formerly Towson State College/University) spanned from the late 1960s until his retirement in 1991. He built a highly respected jazz program there.
• He died in 2001 after a long battle with cancer.