You probably wouldn’t guess that someone born as Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski would become a country music star. But even though his real name contains a clue to his original musical background, it would be his stage name — Pee Wee King — that would be remembered by fans. And even though he was a skilled accordionist and a good singer, he’s probably most remembered for his songwriting talents.

Many of the best country songs that he wrote or co-wrote also crossed over and became pop hits. Songs like “Slow Poke,” recorded by Doris Day and others, or “Tennessee Waltz,” which became a huge number-one hit for Patti Page (video below) helped make King’s reputation. But it might surprise you to learn that he actually began his musical career leading a polka band.

Young Frank Kuczynski, born into a Polish-American family in Milwaukee, followed in the footsteps of his bandleader father by launching his own band while still in his teens. Calling himself Frank King and fronting the band with his accordion and vocals, he began to appear on local radio and in stage shows during the 1930s, playing everything from polkas to Western swing.

His fortunes took a jump when young Gene Autry, who was then a major recording star on his way up, chose King’s group as his backup band for his popular Louisville radio show. He also gave King his ‘Pee Wee’ nickname before later departing for Hollywood stardom. Although King would eventually appear in some movies himself, he continued to build his band’s popularity in Louisville before eventually joining the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

By then, King was calling his band the Golden West Cowboys, and the famously conservative Opry was a little startled by the group. Not only was the style of music unusual — it still featured the occasional polka — but the group’s flamboyant costumes were certainly something new for audiences (although decorative Western suits would eventually become commonplace at the Opry).

Over the next couple of decades Pee Wee King and his band would become fixtures on the country music scene. Vocalists like Redd Stewart (who co-wrote “Tennessee Waltz” with King), Eddy Arnold, and Cowboy Copas would often take over the spotlight as lead singer, but King was always the driving force. The band also worked with country stars like Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl, and in the post-war years even had its own TV show.

By the late 1950s things were slowing down a little for Pee Wee King, but he continued to tour and perform wherever possible, gradually winding down over the next decade. He remained active in country music for a number of years as the director of the Country Music Foundation, and eventually died at age 86 in 2000.

Pee Wee King – “Slow Poke”

To paraphrase one of James Brown’s best-known descriptions, you could make a good case that the Delta Rhythm Boys were ‘the hardest working close-rhythm singing group in show business’. Of course, there have been many combos that could make the same claim, but it would be difficult to top the longevity, versatility, and wide range of experiences enjoyed by the group.

Beginning way back in the 1930s and stretching for over fifty years, the group’s career spanned everything from hit songs like “Dry Bones” (see video in earlier post) and “Take The ‘A’ Train,” to backing up stars like Ella Fitzgerald and others. They also appeared in countless movies, toured extensively, and in later years even showed up on TV from time to time.

It all started way back in the mid-1930s, when a group of Oklahoma college guys moved to New Orleans. Kelsey Pharr, Carl Jones, Traverse Crawford, and Otha Lee Gaines had already worked together as singers, and when they met pianist Rene DeKnight the stage was set for the group’s success.

For the next five decades the Delta Rhythm Boys would build a solid career, even through occasional changes in personnel. As early R&B evolved into doo-wop they continued to prosper, and the rise of rock and roll didn’t slow them down much, although they did eventually relocate to Europe. The remaining members of the group would continue to perform into the 1980s before finally retiring.

Delta Rhythm Boys – “Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho”

Although I wasn’t born there, I have spent a substantial part of my life in and around the home city of today’s subject. In fact, a statue was recently unveiled there to commemorate him — Hoosier native Max Ehrmann, who died way back in 1945 at age 72.

Ehrmann was an attorney and businessman who in his later years turned more and more to writing. He is most remembered for his classic poem, Desiderata, but it didn’t attract much attention until years after his death.

The poem was at first mistakenly thought to be an ancient church verse, but when Adlai Stevenson died in 1965 and it was found at his bedside, interest was piqued. When talk-show host Les Crane made a spoken-word record a few years later, it became a huge hit and even won him a Grammy. It also brought more attention to Ehrmann’s classic work and the poem eventually became his legacy.

In the years since, the poem has been rediscovered by many who find in its message a soothing balm for the problems of today’s hectic world. In fact, the poem’s first line has almost become a mantra for many.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

(You can read the entire poem HERE.)

Tragic stories have always been a part of music history, and have played out in almost as many varieties as there are performers who’ve lived them. But one of the most most poignant types of tragedies is when a performer throws away his opportunity, and that would be the case with R&B pioneer Little Willie John. Although he is remembered by many as one of the most influential early performers in R&B, a short career tied to the disappointing circumstances of his final days probably cost him the kind of lasting fame enjoyed by contemporaries like James Brown and Sam Cooke.

William Edward John, born in Arkansas but raised in Detroit, first got a taste for performing by being part of a family gospel singing group. But as he grew up his voice developed into a strong and vibrant instrument, one that would land him a solo recording contract while still in his teens.

It happened pretty fast for Little Willie John. For a few years beginning in the mid-1950s, he would churn out a number of startling performances with songs like “All Around the World,” “Need Your Love So Bad,” and “Talk To Me, Talk To Me.” He also had a best-seller with “Fever,” which would inspire Peggy Lee’s later classic.

But even though he was greatly admired for his talent, things didn’t continue to go smoothly for Little Willie John. He was always touchy about his small stature — barely over five feet — and was also possessed of a violent temper that flared even higher when he was drinking. Add in the fact that he often carried a gun and knife, and it was a deadly combination. In 1964 he was sent to the Washington State penitentiary for stabbing a man, and he never left — he grew ill and died in 1968, just 30 years old.

Little Willie John – “Talk To Me, Talk To Me”