Ted Weems & His Band

Bandleader, violinist, and trombonist Ted Weems & His Orchestra were among the most popular attractions on the Midwest music circuit throughout the period separating the two World Wars, earning their greatest success with the novelty hit "Piccolo Pete." Weems was born September 26, 1901, in Pitcairn, PA; he organized his first band in 1922 with the aid of his trumpeter brother Art, and the following year the group notched its first hit with "Somebody Stole My Gal." The orchestra moved to Chicago in 1929, and the Windy City remained its primary base of operations throughout its...