Composer and conductor, educated on scholarship at Ohio University. He organized his first dance band while in college, eventually opening the College Inn, featuring his orchestra. With the Ohio U. band, he toured the USA, appearing on radio and introducing the program "So You Want to Lead a Band", which became his trademark. He would often read poetry during the broadcasts, and even recorded a spoken-work album of his recitations. Joining ASCAP in 1964, he also composed a number of other songs including "Until Tomorrow", "Hawaiian Sunset", "Tell Me You Love Me", "Dance of Mexico", and "Wanderin'".
Leader of one of the most popular so-called "sweet" bands of the big band era, he recorded prolifically for RCA Victor, Columbia, and American Decca records. His hit records included "It Isnt Fair," "Daddy," "Room Full of Roses," "Charade," and his theme, "Kayes Melody."
Was famous for his audience-participation gimmick, "So You Want to Lead a Band?," where audience members would try leading his band and win batons for their efforts.
Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992.
Big band bandleader.
Tagline: Swing and Sway With Sammy Kaye.
Graduated from Rocky River High School, Rocky River, Ohio in 1927.
First-generation American. Parents emigrated from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic).
Member of Theta Chi Fraternity (Alpha Tau Chapter, Ohio University)
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume Two, 1986-1990, pages 475-476. New York: Charles Scribners Sons, 1999.
He was awarded 3 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6767 Hollywood Boulevard; for Television at 6419 Hollywood Boulevard; and for Radio at 6821 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
