Biography

A chief reason for his success lay in hiring good vocalists, including Perry Como, Mary Lee and Marvell Maxwell (who later became a Hollywood actress under the name Marilyn Maxwell).

Weems astutely recognised his shortcomings as a musician and eventually contented himself with fronting his band with a baton, instead of with an instrument.

Initially studied engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, eventually taking up violin and trombone and playing in campus bands. Weems formed his own band in 1923, eventually moved to Chicago and signed an exclusive contract with the Music Corporation of America, gaining him nationwide exposure. Most popular in the Midwest, he reached his peak in the 1930's with a million-selling record of "Heartaches" (for Decca).

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1680 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

In the 1950's, Weems worked as a disc jockey, first in Memphis, then in Dallas.