Wayne King

Wayne King, born Harold Wayne King, (February 16, 1901 – July 16, 1985) was an American musician, songwriter, singer and orchestral leader. He was sometimes referred to as "the Waltz King" because much of his most popular music involved waltzes; "The Waltz You Saved For Me" was his standard set closing song in live performance and on numerous radio broadcasts at the height of his career.

Born in Savanna, Illinois, King was an impressive athlete in high school, and briefly played professional football with the Canton Bulldogs. He also attended Valparaiso University in Indiana for two years, but left to begin a career in music.

After playing saxophone for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, he created "Wayne King and Orchestra" in 1927. It was disbanded during World War II, and King joined the army, advancing to the rank of major. The orchestra was reestablished in 1946.

King's orchestra had a television show in Chicago from 1949 to 1952. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Radio category. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the retired silent film actress Dorothy Janis.

Recordings

*"Dream a Little Dream of Me", 1931, a #1 hit
*"Maria Elena", 1941, a #2 hit
*"All Alone", recorded 1946
* Dancing with tears in my eys (orchestral 1952)

References

* [http://stevensorchestra.tripod.com/id11.html Stevens Orchestra Project website]
* [http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/artist_bio.asp?artistId=79 Songwriters Hall of Fame]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:mj2vad7kv8wj~T1 All Music Guide]
* [http://www.bigbandlibrary.com/wayneking.html Big Band Library]