Bennett Scott Explained

Bennett Scott (12 October 1871 – 1 June 1930)[1] was an English writer of music hall songs.

Born in London, of Jewish background, he started working in warehouses, but in 1894 advertised his services as a provider of "good songs and catchy melodies... at a guinea a time."[1] His first major success came with "I've Made Up My Mind to Sail Away" (1902), sung by Tom Costello. He established a working partnership with fellow songwriter A. J. Mills. They set up the Star Music Company, and together wrote "By the Side of the Zuider Zee" (1906, performed by Fanny Fields); "Ship Ahoy! (All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor)" (1908, performed by Hetty King), "Fall In and Follow Me" (1910, performed by Whit Cunliffe), "When I Take My Morning Promenade" (1912, performed by Marie Lloyd), and "Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty" (1916, performed by Florrie Forde).[1] [2]

Scott died in 1930, aged 68. His brother, Maurice Scott, also worked as a songwriter.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Richard Anthony Baker, British Music Hall: an illustrated history, Pen & Sword, 2014,, pp.154-156
  2. Web site: Bennett Scott (1875–1930). fredgodfreysongs.ca. 16 February 2015.