Leon Hefflin Sr.
Leon Norman Hefflin Sr. (August 17, 1898 – November 20, 1975) was a pioneering African-American producer, director, business owner, furniture manufacturer, and entrepreneur. After losing his large and successful manufacturing business in the Depression he rebounded to produce the first and largest outdoor jazz entertainment event of its kind, the "Cavalcade of Jazz," in 1945. Held at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, it was part of the Central Ave jazz scene, and showcased over 125 artists over 15 years. Early life Leon Hefflin was born in 1898 in Palestine, Texas. His father was a blacksmith and his mother was a cook. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was 2, shortly after the murder of their father. He began technical training in grammar school and found he had a gift for woodworking. He excelled above all other students at 14th Street Intermediate School and his handiwork was entered into the State Exposition in 1915. Entrepreneur Hefflin opened Hefflin Manufacturing Company. He moved his factory four times. Hefflin developed many departments within his factory; dining rooms, living rooms and caskets. Leon was one of the first African-Americans to offer his investors capital stock. Hefflin presented his business plans to the