Phil Baxter (Sept.5,1896 - 1972)
was an American songwriter, singer and band leader.
Born on September 5, 1896 in Navarro County, Texas, he graduated from Daniel Baker College. He is perhaps best known for his novelty song, "Piccolo Pete", a notable hit for Ted Weems and His Orchestra. Another song, "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas" was successfully recorded by many artists, including Sidney Bechet, Bennie Moten and Louis Armstrong.
Baxter led his own orchestra in the 1920s through the mid-1930s, leading two recording sessions, the first in October 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri, and the second in October 1929, in Dallas, Texas. In June 1927, "Phil Baxter and His Texas Tommies" performed at the just-opened El Torreon Ballroom in Kansas City, Missouri, becoming, as "Phil Baxter and His El Torreon Orchestra", the ballroom's houseband from 1927 to 1933.Baxter would open and close each night with the band's theme song, "El Torreon", and their nightly performances were frequently broadcast by KMBC. He ultimately suspended much of his musical activities due to difficulties stemming from arthritis.
Phil Baxter and his Orchestra - I Don't Love Nobody But You (1929)
What a blessing, to hear these songs. Uncle Phil was my great-uncle, and he played that piano all his years, long after he had to stop performing in public. He could never have imagined the internet - or the fact his music would be heard by his brother's grandchild. I'm going to play this for my mom (Uncle Phil's niece) when I go to texas this weekend for thanksgiving. I'd love to buy a record if one could be found. I understand they are rare. yours, hollis
hwhitson 3 months ago
Cool picture..
3rdStreetStudio 1 year ago