Ted Lewis, born Theodore Leopold Friedman on June 6, 1890, in Circleville, Ohio, was an influential American entertainer, bandleader, singer, and musician known for his charismatic performances and the catchphrase "Is everybody happy?" Raised in a Jewish family, he developed an early interest in music, initially playing the piccolo before transitioning to the clarinet. His musical journey began in the Circleville Cadet Band, where he learned syncopation from a local barber, Cricket Smith.

Lewis's career took off in the 1910s when he became one of the first Northern musicians to emulate the New Orleans jazz style. He recorded with Earl Fuller's Jazz Band in 1917 and later formed his own band, achieving success with performances in Broadway revues like The Greenwich Village Follies of 1919. His band was known for its blend of hot jazz, comedy, and nostalgia, captivating American audiences before and after World War II.

In 1916, Lewis formed the Ted Lewis Nut Band, which gained popularity with performances at venues like Coney Island. His trademark top hat, acquired in a dice game, became a symbol of his act, along with his clarinet and cane. Lewis's career spanned several decades, during which he recorded extensively for Columbia Records and became a prominent figure in the jazz scene. He passed away on August 25, 1971, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering jazz musician and entertainer.