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 wi...