Today is the centenary of the birth of one of Britain's most successful composers.

Born in Brighton and Hove, Ray Noble was educated at Cambridge before studying at the Royal College of Music.

Ray's his first hit song was Goodnight Sweetheart, which he following with By The Fireside, I Found You, What More Can I Ask and Love Is The Sweetest Thing.

Ray's records had big sales in the US - the first British band to do this. In 1934 he went to the States taking Bill Harty, his drummer manager, and Al Bowlly.

Not knowing the music scene in America, Ray hired trombonist Glen Miller to assist him in forming a band.

The band was successful and it was during this time that Ray wrote The Very Thought Of You, Love Locked Out and The Touch Of Your Lips.

In 1935 Ray went to Hollywood to appear in The Big Broadcast Of 1936 starring Bing Crosby and Ethel Merman.

He returned to Hollywood after the band broke up in 1936. This time Ray appeared with Fred Astaire in Damsel In Distress. He also accompanied him on songs such as A Foggy Day and Change Partners.

He also provided the backing for Buddy Clarke's US No.1 hit Linda and I'll Dance At Your Wedding.

Ray came back to England in 1938 to appear in variety but returned shortly to America playing musical and comedy roles on Gearge Burns and Gracie Allen's radio show and later through the 1950s with Edgar Bergen on radio and television sometimes playing the stooge to Charlie McCarthy.

When the series ended in the mid-1950s Ray retired to Santa Barbara, California, and spent some time in Jersey. He died in London in 1978.

There is a plaque over the entrance to the house commemorating his birth and death. I hope those responsible for our Walk of Fame will include Ray Noble's name.

-Jim Dorrington, Brighton