As a matter of total disclosure, I have a vested interest in offering this new book from McFarland Publishing. They gave me a contract to write it. It’s the story of a Swedish-born showman who lived through Prohibition, the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Era, and the dawn of electronic media.

He wrote music, flew airplanes, discovered entertainers, and was the first New York Deejay. He created the film trailer and was the first to use a microphone at a sporting event. He brought showgirls to Las Vegas before it had chorus lines. He made millions and died nearly penniless.

His once-famous name and routine was nearly completely forgotten. It was a pleasure to preserve the story of his many adventures and accomplishments and to solidify his place among the early entertainment world greats.