Performed by: Smith Ballew
Accompanied by: Ben Selvin & His Orchestra
Full Song Title: I Wouldn't Change You for the World
Recorded in: 1931
Sykes "Smith" Ballew (January 21, 1902 - May 2, 1984) was an popular American actor, sophisticated singer, orchestra leader, and a western singing star.
Smith Ballew was born in Palestine, Texas on January 21, 1902, the youngest of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. W.Y. Ballew. He studied arts at Sherman High School and Austin College before his interest in music was really sparked. It was at the University of Texas that he began to be involved in music. There together with his brother Charles Robert Ballew, he become entranced with jazz music. Smith Ballew's major concerns were with playing guitar and banjo, and he had undertaken formal studies in music, as well as wood-shedding his talents by learning jazz styles from a african american musician who lived close to town.
At the University of Texas, Smith and Charlie Bob met clarinet player and bandleader Jimmy Maloney, who invited them to join "Jimmy's Joys". Such was their success that by 1923 they headed to California, where the band recorded for Golden Records.
Then came a new orchestra in 1932, put together by Glenn Miller whom Smith Ballew knew well from early Ben Pollack days going back to 1927. This band featured Bunny Berigan on trumpet, and Chummy MacGregor on piano. The orchestra toured to New Orleans late in 1932 and such was the success at 'Club Forrest' they did not return until late in 1933. On the band's return, it broke up and Smith Ballew had little work. He recorded with musicians who were loyal to him during the New Orleans tour including trumpet player Stew Pletcher, and drummer Ray McKinley. Victor Young put together the rest of the recording sessions at American Recording Company (ARC). One memorable session included fellow Texans (and family friends) the Teagarden Brothers. Jack played a lovely solo on "Forbidden Lips" issued on Melotone 13029. As Victor Young was enticed to Join Decca as Musical Director by Jack Kapp late in 1934, some of the studio session work for Smith Ballew's Orchestra was taken over by the new ARC House Director, the much talented Russ Morgan. Glenn Miller continued to assist Smith Ballew throughout 1934 where possible, but demands were becoming greater on this bandleader- to-be. The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra took Number One priority, to be overtaken by newcomer Ray Noble who had arrived from England with his Manager/drummer Bill Harty and vocalist Al Bowlly. Smith Ballew's Orchestra took third and last position with Glenn Miller's time management. The final farewell for Smith Ballew as an orchestra leader was at a session for Columbia in April 1935. The four titles were released as 'Glenn Miller and his Orchestra' for the first time (Smith Ballew stated that this was an acknowlegement on his part to long-time friend Glenn Miller for his contributions to Ballew when he was bandleader).
The band was really Smith Ballew's nightly working outfit, but included musicians who were to star with the new Ray Noble Orchestra. As well, Bunny Berigan shone in solos with this band and Smith Ballew sang the now-classics "Moonlight On The Ganges" and "A Blues Serenade," issued on Blue Wax Columbia 3051-D. Shortly thereafter, Smith Ballew surrendered to changing demands and dissolved his orchestra, which was a hallmark of style in New York, and headed west to Los Angeles. Victor Young had arranged that Smith Ballew be offered the role of Compere in the Hollywood-based Radio Show "Shell Chateau" in 1936. Victor was Musical Director for Decca Records and N.B.C. Radio in Hollywood (Smith Ballew worked extensively on records with Victor Young; they had been friends since 1926 when Victor played violin in the Ted Fio Rito Band). The program, which was a high-rating Saturday night show, featured the best musical talent, feted sports celebrities and acclaimed Hollywood actors. In fact, Smith Ballew was carving out a name for himself as an actor when Sol Lesser invited Ballew to do a series of 'B' Westerns for Twentieth Century Fox as a singing cowboy. These have become cult movies in their own right. Smith Ballew retired from movie making in the early 1950's and concentrated on a new career in public relations with jet aeroplane maker General Dynamics and stayed with them until he retired in 1967.
He died in his home state of Texas on May 2, 1984. Smith Ballew was 82 years of age.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I have.
Best wishes,
Stu
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