William Edward Cotton, also known as Billy Cotton, was born on May 6, 1899, in Smith Square, Westminster, London, and was an English band leader and entertainer. He began his musical career as a drummer and choirboy before serving in World War I. After the war, he formed the London Savannah Band in 1924, which initially played conventional dance music but later incorporated humor into their performances. Their signature tune was "Somebody Stole My Gal", and they made numerous recordings for Decca. His career spanned several decades, including touring France during World War II with the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Post-war, he hosted the successful Billy Cotton Band Show on BBC radio from 1949 to 1968. He suffered a stroke in 1962 and passed away on March 25, 1969, while watching a boxing match at Wembley Arena.
