Famed band leader, composer, author, arranger and conductor, educated at Ithaca College, the New York Military Academy, and Duke University (where he led the dance orchestra). He worked as a freelance arranger, and formed the Band of Renown in 1938, touring until 1947. He joined ASCAP in 1952, collaborating with Ben Homer and Bud Green. He made many records, and his popular music compositions include "Sentimental Journey"; "We Wish You the Merriest"; "Dance of the Blue Devils"; "Trylon Stomp"; "Duckfoot Waddle"; "Plumber's Revenge"; "My Number One Dream Come True"; "Bill's Well", and "Bill's Ill".