Pete Wendling

Pete Wendling (June 6, 1888 – April 7, 1974) was an American composer and pianist, born in New York City to German immigrants. He often collaborated with fellow QRS pianist and composer, Max Kortlander.

He started his working life as a carpenter, but gained fame during the mid-1910s as a popular music composer, with his name appearing on the "Soup and Fish Rag" in 1913. He worked on such hits as "Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula" (recorded by Al Jolson), "Take Me To The Land Of Jazz", "Take Your Girlie To The Movies", "Felix The Cat", and "Oh What A Pal Is Mary". In 1927, QRS, tightening their belt due to declining sales, released Wendling, and he concentrated on his composing career until his retirement in the 1950s. In 1955, he co-wrote "I Wonder", which became a UK chart hit for both Jane Froman and Dickie Valentine. Wendling's last notable work was "Rich in Love" in 1956.

Married to Anna, he had no children. A resident of Manhattan, he died in New York City in April 1974, aged 85 after several strokes.

Selected Discography Source: Al Jolson- Yaaka Hula Hickey Dula (1916), Columbia Henry Burr- Oh How I Wish I Could Sleep (Until My Daddy Comes Home) (1918), Victor Marion Harris- Take Me to the Land of Jazz (1919), Victor Henry Burr- Oh, What a Pal Was Mary (1919), Victor Irving Kaufman- Take Your Girlie to the Movies (When You Can't Make Love at Home) (1919), OKeh Al Jolson- In Sweet September (1920), Columbia (as lyricist) Billy Murray & Aileen Stanley- Whenever You're Lonesome (Just Telephone Me) (1922), Victor Johnny Marvin & Aileen Stanley- Red Lips (Kiss My Blues Away) (1927), Victor Paul Whiteman Orchestra- Felix the Cat (1928), Columbia Paul Specht Orchestra- (That's What I Call) Sweet Music (1929), Columbia Seger Ellis- There's Danger In Your Eyes, Chérie (1930), OKeh