Anson Weeks

American pianist, bandleader and songwriter. Born February 14, 1896, Oakland, California, USA. Died February 7, 1969, Sacramento, California, USA. Father of bassist and arranger Jack Weeks. He formed his first orchestra in 1924 in Oakland, California. He was the leader of a popular west coast dance band from the late 1920's through the 1960's, primarily in San Francisco. Its popularity grew rapidly, and in 1931 gained national recognition with his weekly radio program on the Lucky Strike Magic Carpet Show. In 1941, at the height of his popularity, Weeks was involved in a bus accident on a mid-western highway. He suffered multiple injuries, particularly to his right arm. Forced to give up bandleading, he dabbled in car sales and sold real estate in Santa Rosa, California. In the late 1950's and following a string of operations, he reemerged, more or less rehabilitated, fronting a seven-piece orchestra.