Biography

Musician. Accordion player. Member of Dude Martin’s band during the 1940s and 1950s.

Interview Summary

1976 December 29
(1 hour, 14 minutes)
Musician Ted Johnson talks about his career in Dude Martin’s band. Discussion includes his early musical interests; his entry into an entertainment career; joining Dude Martin’s band in 1936, and later becoming the manager and business partner; producing the Hoffman Hayride television show; a brief overview of Dude Martin’s early career; the band’s work on San Francisco area radio; memories of performing in California dance halls during the early 1940s; the popularity of Bob Wills on the West Coast; the popularity of western swing; the band’s recording career; memories of the band’s singers, including Sue Thompson and Arvada Miller; the operation of his music store; his songwriting; and memories from working on live radio.