Conductor, composer and clarinetist, educated at Valparaiso University.
He played professional football and was an insurance salesman and an
auto and railroad mechanic. His musical career began when he played
clarinet for the Del Lampe Orchestra, eventually leading his own
orchestra for nine years at Chicago's Aragon Ballroom. Later, his
orchestra toured. Joining ASCAP in 1933, his popular-song compositions
include "Josephine", "Annabelle", "That Little Boy of Mine", "Baby
Shoes", "Blue Hours", "With You Beside Me", "So Close to Me", "I'd Give
My Kingdom for a Smile", "Beautiful Love", and his theme "The Waltz You
Saved for Me".
A prolific composer, his most famous songs include "Josephine",
"Goofus", "Beautiful Love", "Melody of Love" and his band's theme, "The
Waltz You Saved For Me".
Saxophonist/bandleader famous for his playing of waltzes, hence his
nickname.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 6251 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
He briefly played professional football with the Canton Bulldogs.