He is most known for being a songwriter and composer for many songs including "Blueberry Hill" which was later recorded by Fats Domino.
He went on to perform at various nightclubs as it was difficult to find any jobs as a concert artist during the Great Depression.
He would use his leftover time for songwriting which would go unrecognized until 1938 when enjoyed his first major success for "The Umbrella Man".
Among the many singers who recorded his music were Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Marie Osmond, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Guy Lombardo.
A second cousin named Jerry Wexler became well known in a different music field, coining the phrase "Rhythm and Blues", and being one of the founders of Atlantic Records.