With degrees from the University of Toronto (Canada), the University of Miami (FL), and Michigan State University, he is currently Professor of Music at St. Bonaventure University in upstate New York. As well as receiving grants and awards from the Canada Council, the International Association of Jazz Educators, ASCAP, and the Performing Rights Organization of Canada, the latter organization named him Jazz Composer of the Year in 1988.
As a saxophonist, Les has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Della Reese, the Temptations, and many others.