Leigh, Fred W

Fred W Leigh (1871-1924) was born in London as William Frederick Bridgen. As FW Leigh he was a prolific lyricist who worked with many of the great names of early 20th century Music Hall song writing.

As far as I can tell he was never a performer in the halls. He began his professional life as a writer at Punch magazine, and also wrote children’s stories. In 1901 he became literary editor of the most successful publishers of Music Hall songs: Francis Day and Hunter. Some of his more famous songs include:

• Don’t dillydally on the way (with Charles Collins, sung by Marie Lloyd)
• Jolly good luck to the girl that loves a soldier (with Kenneth Lyle, sung by Vesta Tilley)
• A Little bit of what you fancy does you good (with George Arthurs, sung by Marie Lloyd)
• A Little bit off the top (with Fred Murray, sung by Harry Bedford)
• Waiting at the church (with Henry Pether, sung by Vesta Victoria and Florrie Forde)

Given the impact of these songs its surprising don’t know more about him….

The following songs by Leigh have been collected from the singing of traditional singers and might therefore be considered to be folk songs:

1. Amateur whitewasher, The (1754)
2. Arry, Arry, Arry (23566)
3. Father, mother and an apple (24212)
4. Fol-the-rol-lol! : Limerick song (9484)
5. Galloping Major, The (25342)
6. Go ‘way, good Massa bee (10236)
7. Horse the missis dries the clothes on, The (5661)
8. I never work upon a Monday (23500)
9. Mary Ann, She’s after me (5391)
10. More work for the undertaker(13201)
11. She’s proud and she’s beautiful: the plough-boy (16652)
12. Shift up a little bit farther (5662)
13. They were very very good to me (22665)
14. That Gorgonzola Cheese (13670)
15. Wire in, my lads (21960)

Sources

• Richard Baker British Music Hall