Billy Joseph Mayerl (May 31, 1902 – March 25, 1959) was an English pianist and composer who built a career in music hall and musical theatre and became an acknowledged master of light music. Best known for his syncopated novelty piano solos, he wrote over 300 piano pieces, many of which were named after flowers and trees, including his best-known composition, Marigold (1927). He also ran the successful School of Syncopation for whose members he published hundreds of his own arrangements of popular songs.He also composed works for piano and orchestra, often in suites with evocative names such as the 'Aquarium Suite' (1937), comprising "Willow Moss", "Moorish Idol", "Fantail", and "Whirligig".
Pianist, composer and band leader. From 1927, he operated a 'School of Syncopation' and a booking agency for dance bands, as well as fronting 'Billy Mayerl and His Vocalion Orchestra'. Mayerl had recording contracts with HMV, Decca and British Columbia.
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A child prodigy, he performed Grieg's Piano Concerto at Queen's Hall at the age of twelve.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Heart of Me
2002
performer: "Heart and Soul" 1938
Swallows and Amazons
1974
music: "Marigold" - uncredited
Mister Magoo
1960
TV Series music - 2 episodes
The Tunnel of Love
1958
music: "Annual Outing" - uncredited
Champagne Charlie
1944
music: "Strolling in the Park", "Hunting After Dark", "Burgundy, Claret and Port", "The Brandy and Seltzer Boys", "I Do Like a Little Drop of Gin", "A Glass of Sherry Wine" - uncredited
We'll Smile Again
1942
music: "Marigold" / performer: "Marigold"
Oh Boy!
1938
music: "Marigold" - uncredited
Over She Goes
1937
music: "A County Wedding", "I Breathe On Windows", "To Fame We'll Ride, Side By Side", "We Policemen Think We Police Are Grand"
Cheer Up
1936
music: "Steak and Kidney Pudding" uncredited, "There's a Star in the Sky"
The Deputy Drummer
1935
writer: "Bread And Cheese And Kisses", "Old Pal"
Blackmail
1929
music: "Miss Up-to-Date" 1929 - uncredited
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Heart of Me
2002
musician: "Heart and Soul"
Crusader Rabbit
1957
TV Series composer - 4 episodes
Champagne Charlie
1944
new music and lyrics by
Sporting Love
1936
musical director
Cheer Up
1936
music: songs
Trust the Navy
1935
composer: songs / musical director
Gwen Farrar
1926
Short composer: song "I've Got a Sweetie on the Radio"
$1.1 Million
