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Born in Lambeth, London, Cotton was a choirboy and then started his musical career as a drummerA drummer is a musician who plays the drums, particularly the drum kit, marching percussion, or hand drums. The term percussionist usually refers to a person who plays classical or latin percussion. Drummers are sometimes regarded as not being "real music, an occupation he also pursued in the army during the First World War. In the interwar years he had several jobs such as bus driver before setting up his own orchestra, the London Savannah Band , in 1924See also 1923 in music, other events of 1924, 1925 in music and the list of 'years in music'. Events October 17 Leos Janacek's String Quartet No. 1, Kreutzer Sonata is premiered in Prague Published popular music "Adoring You" w. Joseph McCarthy m. Harry T. At first a straight dance band, over the years the London Savannah Band more and more tended towards Music HallMusic Hall is a form of British theatrical entertainment which reached its peak of popularity between 1850 and 1960. The term can refer to 1) A particular form of variety entertainment involving a mixture of popular song, comedy and speciality acts. 2) Th/ vaudevilleVaudeville is a style of theater, also known as variety which flourished in North America from the 1880s through the 1920s. Its popularity rose in step with the rise of industry and the growth of North American cities during this period, and declined with entertainment, introducing all sorts of visual and verbal humour in between songs. Famous musicians that played in Billy Cotton's band during the 1920s and 30sCenturies: 19th century 20th century 21st century Decades: 1880s 1890s 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s Years: 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 Events and trends Technology Jet engine invented Link Trainer invented Sc included Arthur Rosebery , Syd Lipton and Nat Gonella . The band was also noted for their African AmericanAfrican Americans also known as Afro- Americans or black Americans comprise an ethnic group in the United States of America whose dominant ancestry is from Sub-Saharan West Africa. Many African Americans also claim European, Native American, or Asian ance trombonist and tap dancerTap dance was born in the United States during the 19th century, and today is popular all around the world. The name comes from the tapping sound made when the small metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch a hard floor. This lively, rhythmic tapping make, Ellis Jackson . Their signature tune was " Somebody Stole My Gal ", and they made numerous records – 78s, that is – for Decca.

During the Second World War Cotton and his band toured France with the Entertainments National Service Association ( ENSA). After the war, he started his successful Sunday lunchtime radio show on BBC, the Billy Cotton Band Show , which ran for more than 20 years from 1949. It regularly opened with the band's signature tune and Cotton's call of "Wakey Wakey". From 1957, it was also broadcast on BBC television.

In 1962 Billy Cotton suffered a stroke. He died in 1969 while watching a boxing match at Wembley.

His son, Bill Cotton, later became BBC's head of variety.