West first performed professionally as a member of
Irene West's touring band, adding the "West" surname to his birth name, Sam Ku, Jr.. After playing in
Singapore in 1926, Prince George of England gave him the name "the
Kreisler of the steel guitar". He also played
concert harp live, though he never recorded with it. West toured America on the
vaudeville circuit and also performed abroad throughout
East Asia and Europe. He recorded in 1927 and 1928 for several labels; 27 recordings are still extant. He died in
Paris at the age of 23 on September 7, 1930. == Discography ==