Ted Weems

Wilfred Theodore Wemyes (September 26, 1901 – May 6, 1963), known professionally as Ted Weems, was an American bandleader and musician.

Weems's work in music was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Born in Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, Weems learned to play the violin and trombone.

Young Ted's start in music came when he entered a contest, hoping to win a pony.

He won a violin instead and his parents arranged for music lessons.

He was a graduate of Lincoln School in Pittsburgh.

While still in school at Lincoln, Weems organized a band there, initially providing some instruments himself.

His teacher offered young Ted and his band a penny each if they would play when the alarm sounded for fire drills.

Weems kept the monies of the band and in turn charged each band member a penny for membership.

He used the money to purchase better instruments than those the band started out with.

When the family moved to Philadelphia, young Weems entered West Philadelphia High School.

He joined the school's band and became its director.

He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he and his brother Art organized a small dance band that became the "All American Band".

The brothers sought the most talented college musicians for the group.

The All American Band soon started receiving offers to perform in well-known hotels throughout the United States.

Weems, who had originally intended to become a civil engineer, found himself being attracted to a musical career.

His band had a contract to play four weeks at a Philadelphia restaurant; the owner was able to keep Weems and his band there for four months by making Ted a partner in his business.

They were one of the bands that played at the inaugural ball of President Warren G Harding in March, 1921.

Going professional in 1923, Weems toured for the MCA Corporation and began recording for the Victor Talking Machine Company.

Weems recorded for Victor/RCA Victor from 1923 through 1933, although the final three sessions were released on RCA Victor's newly created Bluebird Records label.

"Somebody Stole My Gal" became the band's first #1 hit in early 1924.

It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.

Weems moved to Chicago with his band around 1928.

The Ted Weems Orchestra had more chart success in 1929 with the novelty song "Piccolo Pete", which rewarded him with his second gold record, and the number one hit "The Man from the South".

The band gained popularity in the 1930s, making regular radio broadcasts.

These included Jack Benny's Canada Dry program on CBS and NBC during the early 1930s, and the Fibber McGee & Molly program in the late 1930s.

For his August 4, 1933 session, Weems recorded six tunes, including "Heartaches".

Since RCA Victor wanted the recording made quickly, Weems and his band had time for only one rehearsal session prior to this.

Weems did not like the song at first, and decided to have Elmo Tanner whistle rather than use a vocalist.

While rehearsing, someone came up with the idea of trying the song at a faster tempo than it was written for.

He then signed with Columbia for two sessions in 1934 and subsequently signed with Decca from 1936.

Weems also co-wrote several popular songs: "The Martins and the McCoys", "Jig Time", "The One-Man Band", "Three Shif'less Skonks", and "Oh, Monah!", which he co-wrote with band member "Country" Washburn.

In 1936, the Ted Weems Orchestra gave young singer Perry Como his first national exposure; Como recorded with the band for Decca Records, beginning his long and successful career.

Among Weems's other discoveries were whistler-singer Elmo Tanner, sax player and singer Red Ingle, Marilyn Maxwell, who left the band for an acting career; and arranger Joe Haymes, who created the band's unique jazz-novelty style.

Weems also signed 14-year-old ventriloquist Paul Winchell to a contract, after seeing him with one of the Major Bowes touring companies.

However, the biggest hit of Weems's career was a reissue on his former Decca label: the Weems Orchestra's 1938 recording of "Heartaches" topped the national charts for 13 weeks.

The first season of the Beat the Band radio show (1940–1941) included Weems and his orchestra as part of the cast.

In 1940, Weems and his orchestra were featured on Beat the Band on the NBC-Red radio network.

In November 1942, Ted Weems and his entire band enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine, directing the Merchant Marine Band.

Reorganizing his big band in 1945, he made records for Mercury, including the hits "Peg O' My Heart" and "Mickey".