Originally employed as a railway clerk in the Columbus, Ohio station,
Speaks decided to follow a career in music and took lessons in New York
City. He became a successful singer, appearing in concerts and
oratorios. As a composer, he began writing art songs, which were
unsuccessful. His first million-selling song was "On the Road to
Mandalay" (1907). Speaks was the director of ASCAP 1924-1943.