Trivia

His 14-piece band was known as Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights. Sidemen at various times included the well-known composer, arranger and saxophonist Frank De Vol, pianist Frankie Carle, trumpeter Shorty Sherock, clarinetist Irving Fazola and Alvino Rey (on electric guitar).

Heidt's theme song was "I'll Love You in My Dreams" (which he co-wrote). His biggest hit was "Deep in the Heart of Texas".

Popular big band leader and radio personality of the 1930s and 1940s. In later years, after retiring from show business, he served as honorary Mayor of Van Nuys, CA, for many years.

He was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame--for Radio at 1631 Vine St. and for Television at 6628 Hollywood Blvd.

Had two children: Hildegarde Heidt (born December 7, 1941) and Hugh Hamilton Heidt (born October 7, 1946).

Had adopted twin sons from his wife Adaline Sohns' first marriage: Gerald and John.

Attended and graduated from Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana.

Started his first band at the Claremont Hotel in Oakland, CA, in 1923.

Had recording contracts with Victor Records, Brunswick Records and Columbia Records.

Was prevented from becoming a professional athlete by a serious back injury sustained during a game for the University of California football team.

Heidt was extremely fond of gimmicks, such as tricks performed by the band mascot, a German shepherd named Lobo, or Frankie Carle playing the piano with his hands behind his back.

Reached the peak of his popularity while broadcasting "Pot o' Gold", one of the first radio shows awarding money ($1000) to listening audiences.

Eventually retired from the music scene to manage a real estate business in the San Fernando Valley. He later built a 160-unit, 100acre luxury retirement resort community in Sherman Oaks, CA.

He was posthumously awarded a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on May 19, 2001 (two days before what would have been his 100th birthday).

Following his death, he was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) in Los Angeles, California.