Ted Weems (né Wemyes) (1901-1963) learned to play the violin and trombone. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he and his brother Art organized a small dance band. Going professional in 1923, Weems toured for several years. Somebody Stole My Gal became the band's first #1 hit in early 1924. 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", and the #1 hit The Man from the South. The band gained popularity in the 1930s, making regular radio broadcasts. His band gave singer Perry Como his first national exposure. During World War II, Ted Weems enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine. This great record was made in 1924.
