Bob Florence (May 20, 1932 – May 15, 2008) was an American jazz arranger and pianist. 　　Florence began taking piano lessons at five and initially intended to be a concert pianist. His direction changed when he was exposed to jazz at Los Angeles City College. 　　At the beginning of his career, Florence worked as a pianist and arranger with Dave Pell. He founded his first band in the late 1950s, working with, amongst others, Herb Geller, Bud Shank, Frank Capp and Bob Enevoldsen. Florence later participated in big band projects in the Los Angeles area, working mainly with session musicians and as an accompanist to various singers. Throughout his career, Florence worked as an arranger for Harry James, Louie Bellson, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Count Basie and Doc Severinsen. 　　In 2000, Florence won the Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance. He died of pneumonia, at the age of 75, in Los Angeles, California. 　　Florence took time in his later years to pass on his knowledge at summer jazz camps such as Centrum in Port Townsend, Washington. He'd teach master classes, arranging, do live performances with other masters such as acclaimed trombonist Jiggs Whigham and trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and rehearse combos and big bands filled with young players who would normally not have the opportunity to be taught and inspired by someone with the credentials and experience that Florence had.