For many years, he headed a small, but expressive combo at the Carlyle, only graduating to a miniature version of a big band in recent years. Gleaming with vim and vitality, with black eyebrows bobbing high above his eyes, he would greet his well-tailored audiences with husky-voiced exclamations such as "You all look absolutely wonderful tonight, and we're just crazy about you!" The almost storybook elegance of his everyday existence extended to a wardrobe apparently composed of only tuxedos and white v-neck sweaters, as well as a second residence in France.