Fred W. Leigh

William Frederick Bridgen (1871 – 21 August 1924), known professionally as Fred W. Leigh, was an English lyricist who co-wrote several popular music hall songs of the early twentieth century,

Biography

Born in London, he worked when young in the offices of the humorous magazine ''Punch'', and later wrote stories for boys' magazines. In 1901, he joined the staff of music publishers Francis, Day & Hunter, as literary editor, and remained there until his death. He was described as a person with serious literary interests, and Marie Lloyd told him that he should have become a clergyman.Richard Anthony Baker, ''British Music Hall: an illustrated history'', Pen & Sword, 2014, , pp.138-140

In 1905, when the young Jerome Kern visited London, Leigh collaborated with him on a song, "Won't You Kiss Me Once Before I Go?"; almost forty years later, Kern used Leigh's song "Poor John" in the Rita Hayworth film '' Cover Girl''. Hal Erickson, Review of ''Cover Girl'', ''Allmovie.com''
Retrieved 13 July 2020 Leigh went on to write the lyrics for some of the most popular music hall songs of the early twentieth century. These included " The Galloping Major" (1906), co-written with George Bastow, who performed it while cavorting about the stage on a wooden hobby horse; "Waiting at the Church" and "Poor John!" (1907), both very successful songs written with Henry Pether and performed by Vesta Victoria; "A Little of What You Fancy Does You Good" (1915), written with George Arthurs and performed by Marie Lloyd; "Why Am I Always the Bridesmaid?" (1917), written with Charles Collins for Lily Morris; and "Don't Dilly Dally on the Way" (1919), written with Collins for Marie Lloyd.

Leigh died in Edmonton, London, in 1924.

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Leigh, Fred W.
1871 births
1924 deaths
English lyricists