Born in St Louis, Missouri, Straeter was a child prodigy as a piano player and made his first tour at the age of 12, billed as "The 12-Year-Old Wonder".
After two years formally studying music, he set up his own vocal studio, coaching singers including Benay Venuta, Carol Bruce, and Dorothy Kirsten.
[1][2] He moved to New York in 1935, and at Irving Berlin's suggestion worked in Tin Pan Alley before becoming the pianist in Billy Rose's stage musical Jumbo.
[3] Straeter also worked with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, and became the arranger and musical director for Kate Smith's radio shows.
[2] Praised by orchestral conductor Walter Damrosch, Straeter became a leading performer at society dances in New York after the end of World War II.