Billy Cotton facts for kids

William Edward Cotton (born May 6, 1899 – died March 25, 1969), known as Billy Cotton, was a famous English band leader and entertainer. He was one of the few band leaders whose orchestras stayed popular even after the main era of British dance bands ended. Many people remember Billy Cotton as a well-known radio and television star in the 1950s and 1960s. However, his music career actually began much earlier, in the 1920s.

When he was younger, Billy Cotton was also a talented amateur footballer. He played for teams like Brentford and Wimbledon. He was also a skilled racing car driver and even owned his own plane, a De Havilland Gipsy Moth, which he flew himself! His life story, called I Did It My Way, was published in 1970, the year after he passed away.

Billy Cotton's Early Life and Career

Billy Cotton was born in Smith Square, Westminster, London, England. His parents were Joseph and Susan Cotton. As a boy, he was a choirboy and started his music journey as a drummer. He joined the Royal Fusiliers by changing his age on the forms. He served in the First World War in Malta and Egypt. He even landed at Gallipoli during a heavy artillery attack.

He was later suggested for a special officer role and learned to fly Bristol Fighter planes. In 1918, when he was not yet 19, he flew alone for the first time. This was on the very day the Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force. After the war ended, in the early 1920s, he worked different jobs, including being a bus driver. Then, in 1924, he started his own music group called the London Savannah Band.

The London Savannah Band

At first, the London Savannah Band played typical dance music. But over time, they started to add more music hall and vaudeville entertainment to their shows. This meant they included funny visual acts and jokes between their songs. Some famous musicians played in Billy Cotton's band during the 1920s and 1930s. These included Arthur Rosebery, Syd Lipton, and Nat Gonella.

The band was also known for their amazing African American trombonist and tap dancer, Ellis Jackson. The band's special theme song was "Somebody Stole My Gal". They recorded many songs for Decca.

Wartime and Broadcasting Success

During the Second World War, Billy Cotton and his band traveled through France. They performed for soldiers as part of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). After the war, he began his very popular Sunday lunchtime radio show on the BBC. This show was called the Billy Cotton Band Show. It ran for many years, from 1949 to 1968.

In the 1950s, the famous composer Lionel Bart wrote funny songs for the show. The show always started with the band's theme song and Billy Cotton's famous shout, "Wakey Wakey!" From 1956 onwards, the show was also shown on BBC television. Billy Cotton often sang on his band's recordings. He also sang on other recordings that did not feature his band.

Billy Cotton as a Racing Driver

Besides music, Billy Cotton was also a skilled racing driver. He raced cars at Brooklands between the two World Wars. His most impressive moment in racing happened in 1949. He finished fourth in the 1949 British Grand Prix. He shared an English Racing Automobiles car with another driver named David Hampshire.

Billy Cotton's Personal Life

Billy Cotton married Mabel E. Gregory in 1921. In 1962, he had a stroke. He passed away in 1969 while watching a boxing match at Wembley Arena.

Interestingly, Billy Cotton was the great-great-uncle of the well-known TV and radio presenter Fearne Cotton.

Selected Films

• The First Mrs. Fraser (1932)
• Variety (1935)
• Music Hall Parade (1939)