Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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AUSTIN, Gene

(b Eugene Lucas, 24 June 1900, Gainesville TX; d 24 Jan. '72) Singer. Ran away at 15 to join the circus; US Army in Mexico and WWI; started in vaudeville '23, first records for Victor March '25, become famous with "My Blue Heaven' '27. It may have sold five million copies, astonishing when a hit song normally sold more sheet music than discs; it was one of the biggest hits of the entire era before '55, and "Ramona' was almost as big '28. Altogether Pop Memories lists 55 hits '25-34 incl. nine at no. 1. A genial man who enjoyed his success, he did radio and film work; co- wrote flapper-era standards "How Come You Do Me Like You Do', "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street', "The Lonesome Road'. He had good taste in entertainers; among his friends were Jimmy Rodgers and Fats Waller; he recorded with Waller '29, crooning Waller's "Your Fate Is In My Hands', again '39: "Sweet Sue', "I Can't Give You Anything But Love'. Featured guest on radio series '368; had own California club My Blue Heaven '40s; appeared on Merv Griffin TV show '71.