Eugene Jelesnik was born Shura Jelesnikoff in 1914 in the Alexandrovsk, Ukraine, Russia. He was the only child of wealthy parents with their position in Russia being comparable to that of the Vanderbilts in the United States. His father was an outstanding singer, but used his talent more for his own and a select group of friends' enjoyment. Jelesnik's father made his fortune in real estate.

Eugene's father's love of music was inherited by his son. Eugene showed an interest and started playing the violin at age three. He didn't have formal lessons; he was just able to pick it up.

When the Russian Revolution occurred, Eugene was a small boy who remembered his father being "hounded" by the Bolsheviks. His father was forced to flee his home and family. The revolutionaries confiscated the family properties and threatened his mother to divulge his father's whereabouts. Eugene's father died in southern Russia while still being hunted by the Bolsheviks. After his father's death Eugene and his mother were able to get into Germany where they remained until they could legally enter the United States.

His interest in music expanded when he discovered he liked more than just classical music. This interest propelled him into the entertainment world where he wanted everyone to be able to enjoy his music (not just those who loved the classical genre). Young Eugene won a scholarship to study with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, but this was short-lived because he wanted to repay his mother for the sacrifices she had made to give him an education and to buy his first violin. He formed a group and his reputation as a musician grew. He realized he needed a manager whom he found in Meyer Davis. Eugene's first engagement under Meyer was at the Hotel Utah, 1937. A six-week engagement turned into months and Eugene decided to make Utah his permanent home. He became the resident orchestra leader at the Hotel Utah. Eugene also gained a following at the Cinegrill Restaurant where he took on musical requests. His signature song became .

Eugene met his wife, Virginia, while playing at the Hollywood Restaurant in New York City. They were married on 5 July 1938 and had a unique wedding that attracted nation-wide attention. Eugene called his aunt, Mrs. Ruth Rothaus, in New York and Virginia called her parents in Los Angeles so they could listen to the ceremony that took place in the Hotel Utah. Virginia and Eugene were married 54 years until she died in 1992 at the age of 87.

Shortly after World War II began, Eugene made the first of his 19 overseas USO tours to entertain the troops. He received the Civilian Service Award from the U.S. War Department for his service under fire in Italy.

Eugene began giving free concert with the Salt Lake Philharmonic in Liberty Park in 1964. It began a long tradition of giving free holiday pops concerts so everyone could enjoy his music and music in general. Over the years Eugene's signature became his silk-brocade jacket. He had many colorful jackets that he donated to the Utah State Historical Society's museum collections. Eugene worked with KDYL, KSL, the Utah State Fair, and Days of'47 events, Ringling Brothers Circus, Holiday on Ice, Talent Showcase and Utah Showtime. He was particularly proud of his he wrote in honor of President John F. Kennedy's visit to Utah in 1963

His many accolades include the Silver Medal Citation, Bronze Medal in Vietnam, Civilian Service Award ribbon from WW II, the George Washington Medal of Honor, 1981, from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce Music and Arts Award, and the Presidential Citation from BYU in 1993. Eugene Jelesnik died at the age of 84 on 16 February 1994 and was survived by various cousins, his second wife, Carleen Hall Brown, her six children, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Eugene is synonymous with the music/entertainment industry in Utah. His love of music was infectious and he wanted everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy music. A book called , by Gerald McDonough was written about this remarkable man and his life.