Wolfgang Lauth was a German pianist, bandleader, and composer. After studying at the Musikhochschule Mannheim, Lauth formed a quartet that initially included Werner Pöhlert, Wolfgang Wagner, and Joe Hackbarth. Lauth's breakthrough came with performances at the Jazzfestivals in Frankfurt am Main, where Lauth was named Jazzmusiker des Jahres in 1955 and 1956. Early works include Spielt modern Jazz (1956) and New Jazz from the Old World (1957). In 1957, a collaboration with Joachim-Ernst Berendt on the tour “Jazz und Alte Musik” resulted in a successful LP Jazz und alte Musik (1957) that won the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. Notable albums include Play Barock (1964). Lauth retired from active jazz performances in the late 1960s but performed with Fritz Münzer's Jazz Seniors in later years. Lauth died in 2011.
