Theodore Leopold Friedman, known professionally as Ted Lewis, was born on June 6, 1890 in Circleville, Ohio. He began his career playing clarinet and performing with local bands. In 1917, he recorded with Earl Fuller's Jazz Band, marking the start of his professional music journey. By 1919, Lewis was leading his own band and starring in The Greenwich Village Follies of 1919. In the early 1920s, Lewis's band was one of the most popular in the United States. He signed with Columbia Records, where he released several records including When My Baby Smiles At Me / Keep A Little Sunshine In Your Smile (1929). His band featured notable musicians like Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey. Throughout his career, Lewis was known for his catchphrase "Is everybody happy?" He appeared in several films including Show of Shows (1929) and Here Comes the Band (1935). Lewis continued to perform until his death on August 25, 1971.
