Wilfred Theodore (Ted) Weems (originally Wemyes) (26 September 1901 - 6 May 1963) was an American bandleader and musician. Weems' work in music was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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).
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Weems astutely recognised his shortcomings as a musician and eventually contented himself with fronting his band with a baton, instead of with an instrument.
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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).
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Led a band in the merchant marines during World War II.
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In the 1950's, Weems worked as a disc jockey, first in Memphis, then in Dallas.
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He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1680 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
2013
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Boardwalk Empire
2012
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Paint Cans
1994
performer: "Heartaches"
The Pope of Greenwich Village
1984
performer: "Heartaches"
Raging Bull
1980
performer: "Heartaches" 1931
New American Bandstand 1965
1967
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Thrills of Music: Ted Weems and Orchestra
1948
Short performer: "Heartaches"
Make Mine Music
1946
lyrics: "The Martins and the Coys" 1936 / music: "The Martins and the Coys" 1936
$14 Million
