Eric Coates

Eric Francis Harrison Coates (27 August 1886 – 21 December 1957) was an English composer of light music and, early in his career, a leading violist. Coates was born into a musical family and reluctantly allowed to pursue a musical career. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and played in orchestras before focusing on composition. His works include the London Suite, 'By the Sleepy Lagoon', and 'The Dam Busters March'. His style evolved from influences of Sullivan and German to incorporating jazz and dance-band music.