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Smith Ballew

1902 – 1984

American actor, singer and orchestra leader

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About Smith Ballew

Lived 1902 – 1984 (aged 82). Smith Ballew was an American actor, film actor, singer, banjoist, bandleader and songwriter.

Sykes "Smith" Ballew (January 21, 1902 – May 2, 1984) was an American actor, sophisticated singer, orchestra leader, and a western singing star. He also was billed as Buddy Blue, Charles Roberts, and Billy Smith.

Early years The son of William Young Ballew and his wife, May Elizabeth (Smith) Ballew, he was born in Palestine, Texas in 1902, where he grew up attending local schools. He attended Sherman High School, Austin College and the University of Texas.

Ballew was one of the hosts of old-time radio's Shell Chateau.

Ballew's band's opening theme song was "Tonight There Is Music in the Air"; its closing theme was "Home".

Between 1929 and 1935, he made scores of records issued under his own name for OKeh, the dime store labels (Banner, Domino, Jewel, Regal, Perfect, Oriole as Buddy Blue & His Texans or Jack Blue's Texans), Columbia, and Crown. Few of these popular records gave any indication of his future Cowboy style.

Death Ballew died at the age of 82 in Longview, Texas. He was buried in Fort Worth.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
University of Texas at Austin, Austin College
Also known as
Buddy Blue, Charles Roberts, Billy Smith

People in Smith Ballew's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Smith Ballew's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Smith Ballew?

American actor, singer and orchestra leader (1902-1984)

When was Smith Ballew born?

Smith Ballew was born on 21 January 1902 in Palestine.

When did Smith Ballew die?

Smith Ballew died on 2 May 1984 in Longview.

What was Smith Ballew's occupation?

Smith Ballew was an actor, film actor, singer, banjoist, bandleader and songwriter.

What nationality was Smith Ballew?

Smith Ballew was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Smith Ballew

· Wikidata: Q428493

· DBpedia: Smith Ballew

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Smith Ballew. https://biography.guide/smith-ballew/

MLA: "Smith Ballew." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/smith-ballew/.

Chicago: "Smith Ballew." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/smith-ballew/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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