Born in Hollywood and raised in New York City, Sam had the good fortune of being exposed to the top music and musicians in the industry through his father. Like most youngsters, Sam’s first chosen instruments were drums and guitar, but he fell in love with the saxophone by the age of twelve. Harold always encouraged Sam and his music, occasionally bringing him along to shows and interviews. While attending the High School of the Performing Arts in New York City, Sam saw many of his friends gravitate toward the hip horn bands of the day, yet Sam held a steadfast role sticking with the Duke Ellingtons and Benny Goodmans, performing weekends for private parties and special affairs with put-together groups for many years.
   When Harold died in 1986, the loss to Sam was devastating because of their close relationship and Harold’s constant encouragement. “I loved the excitement being part of a Big Band, and the music that seemed such a part of me. I always kept my dream of leading a band, even while off doing other things to support myself” he says. So while Sam was performing as often as possible, Harold’s passing instead thrust him into another side of the industry for which he had no real knowledge - music publishing. Sam set up S.A. Music Publishing Co. to assure the administration and promotion of Harold’s vast catalog of music.
   While Harold Arlen was, and still is, Royalty among those in the music community, many in the general population still do not know his name. “It is because he was unassuming and never wanted all the publicity” Arlen says, and continues “but a man that wrote lasting greats like ‘Over The Rainbow’, ‘Stormy Weather’, ‘I’ve Got The World On A String’, ‘Come Rain Or Come Shine’, ‘Let’s Fall In Love’, ‘Ac-cen-tchu-ate The Positive’, ‘That Old Black Magic’, ‘Blues In The Night’, ‘It’s Only A Paper Moon’, ‘One For My Baby’, ‘Get Happy’, ‘I Love A Parade’; the list continues and is very long of well known American songs, and he deserves the widespread recognition.
   Yet many people say ‘Who? No not familiar with him.’ But when you mention the songs he wrote, inevitably they respond ‘He wrote THAT!?’ ” So for all Harold did for his son throughout his life, Sam is now on a selfless mission to give Harold the recognition he has long deserved via the ‘2005 Centennial Celebration of Harold Arlen.’ One of the many ways in tribute is the creation of his album “ARLEN PLAYS ARLEN – A Timeless Tribute to Harold Arlen.” It was the perfect way for Sam to consolidate his dreams into one package: first and foremost to give Harold the tribute and publicity that he is due, and to lead a Big Band playing Harold’s songs on stages around the world. “I loved Harold dearly, and this album, and the centennial, gives me the opportunity to do all the things for him in return that I always wanted to do.”