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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWEEKS, Anson(b 14 Feb. 1896, Oakland CA; d 7 Feb. '69, Sacramento) Pianist, bandleader. Led highly successful hotel dance band, dispensing strict tempo fare. First band at U. of CA '24; first pro date at Hotel Oakland, then Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, then residency at San Francisco Mark Hopkins Hotel '27-34. National fame with Lucky Strike Magic Carpet radio show early '30s; then tours of most major USA cities, also appearing in films. Band's vocalists incl. Tony Martin, Bob Crosby, Dale Evans; recorded with Bing. Wrote own theme "I'm Writing You This Little Melody', other songs. Less active after injury in '41 bus crash; made film Rhythm Inn '51, returned with 7-piece lineup late '50s, played same hotel circuit he'd been king of 25 years earlier. Residencies in San Francisco '56, Sacramento Inn mid-'60s; Dancin' With Anson LPs on Fantasy. |