Gene Austin "The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" (1927)

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"The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi"
Words by Byron D. Stokes, music by F. Dudleigh Vernor
Sung by Gene Austin
Recorded September 16, 1927, New York
Victor 20977

Gene Austin (1900 - 1972) was a popular entertainer and top recording artist of the 1920s. he had a soft voice and effortless manner and played piano in the same easy style to complement his voice perfectly. He grew up in Yellow Pine, Louisiana and at 15 ran off with the circus where he learned to play calliope. During World War I he was in the military service, later teamed with Roy Bergere in vaudeville. They composed hit song of 1924, "How Come You Do Me Like You Do?" which became a standard, as did two other Austin songs"When My Sugar Walks Down the Street" and "The Lonesome Road."

Austin began his recording career in the mid-1920s, established himself as star with 1927 hit record of "My Blue Heaven", multi million seller, remained top all-time seller until supplanted by Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" fifteen years later. By early 1930s Austin's name had faded. He remained active, working clubs as soloist or with small group. Good MC, entertainer and showman, sometimes worked with Candy and Coco. In 1934 appeared in Movie "Gift of Gab" singing "Blue Sky Avenue." Brief roles in "Sadie McKee" (1934) and "Klodike Annie" (1935). In mid 1930s dropped out of show business for a time but came back as featured vocalist on Joe Penner radio show (1936-1938). In early 1940s Austin ran own club in California, titled Blue Heaven. In later years largely incative in entertainment world except for occasional club jobs and rare TV appearances. Last public appearance 1971 on Merv Griffin late-night TV show that spotlighted various composers.