Ray Noble

Ray Noble had an odd career. Most notable as the composer of "The Very Thought of You," "I Hadn't Anyone Till You," "The Touch of Your Lips," "Goodnight Sweetheart" and "Cherokee" (as well as leader of the orchestra which backed the popular radio show of Edgar Bergen), Noble was an important bandleader in the 1930s but he never seemed to reach his potential. Classically-trained as a pianist, Noble was more interested in dance music and he won a big band arranging contest sponsored by Melody Maker in England. He became the musical director for the important HMV label (1929-34) ...