Singer, pianist, composer, and record company executive. Graduated from Lincoln High School, Port Arthur. Sang in church choir and played in high school band. Had own radio show on station KFDM, Beaumont, Texas and formed a band which played in Houston and Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange area clubs. Wrote and recorded "Blues at sunrise" (on his own Ivory label in 1943) and such 1950's hits as "I Almost Lost My Mind," "Since I Met You Baby," and "Love is a Hurting Game." Wrote 7000-8000 songs by 1972, including compositions that resulted in recording hits for Pat Boone and Elvis Presley. A Texas State Historical Marker now stands at his gravesite in Kirbyville, Texas.

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