Eric Coates

Born in Hucknall, Notts., 27th August 1886, Eric Coates belonged to a musical family. He studied at the Royal Academy before playing viola under Sir Henry Wood's baton in the Queen's Hall Orchestra. Chronic pain forced him to give up viola, and he concentrated on his considerable powers as a composer. Much of his music is still well-known, such as the theme of ''Dambusers"The Dam Busters March ; the signature tune to Radio Four's 'Desert Island Discs' By the Sleepy Lagoon and the BBC's "Music While You Work" signature tune(1940-1967)Calling All Workers .