DENTON, Texas - Leon Breeden, legendary director of the University of North Texas' jazz program who made its "One O'Clock Lab Band" internationally famous, has died.

Longtime friend Richard Cox said Breeden died Wednesday afternoon of complications from an abdominal infection.

Breeden led the jazz program and One O'Clock Lab Band from 1959 to 1981. It became the first college band to perform at the White House by presidential invitation in 1967. It also became the first college band to receive a Grammy nomination.

The band was named for its rehearsal time.

Among Breeden's students were future pianist and composer Lyle Mays and studio musicians "Blue Lou" Marini and Marvin Stamm. - AP

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