Gene Austin

Birth Name:

Eugene Lucas

Birth Place:

Gainesville, Texas, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actor, Music department

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

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