Coates, Eric (1886-1957), was an English composer, conductor, and viola player. He is best known as a composer of light music that reflected the popular dance and band music of the 1920's and 1930's. Several of his works became theme songs for popular British radio programs. Coates composed more than 160 songs along with orchestral suites, marches, and waltzes. Among his most popular light works are the Merrymakers Overture (1923), the London Suite (1932), and the march from the motion picture The Dam Busters (1955). He also wrote ballets, including The Jester at the Wedding (1932).