Gene Austin Biography

Fast Facts

• His recording of "My Blue Heaven" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978
• Campaigned for the Democratic nomination for governor of Nevada in 1962
• On a dare, he volunteered to sing on the stage at a vaudeville act when it asked for audience volunteers, and the response was so positive that the company offered him a billed spot on their ticket immediately
• Hoping to fight in Europe during World War I, he joined the U․S․ Army, but was first stationed in New Orleans where he spent his nights playing piano in the city's vice district
• Learned to play piano and guitar while growing up
• Composed and sang such songs as "How Come You Do Me Like You Do?" "When My Sugar Walks Down the Street," "Wedding Bells Are Ringing" and "Ridin' Around in the Rain․"
• His song "My Blue Heaven" propelled him into fame, selling approximately 12 million copies
• Sold about 86 million recordings between 1924 and 1930
• His recording of "Bye Bye Blackbird" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2005
• Was selected as country singer David Houston's godfather