Lester Santly

American songwriter, author, musician, and publisher. Born 2 April 1894, New York, New York Died February 1983. Brother of songwriters Henry W. Santly and Joseph H. Santly. He's best known for "I'm Nobody's Baby" recorded by Judy Garland in 1940, though others recorded it earlier in jazz style. The song, which he co-wrote with Milton Ager and Benny Davis, charted six times between 1921 and 1940--first by Aileen Stanley. Marion Harris's version, also in 1921, hit #3 on the U.S. charts, as did Garland's version nearly 20 years later. He also charted twice in 1949 with "Yes, Yes, in Your Eyes" by Eddy Howard and "There's Yes! Yes! in Your Eyes" by Carmen Cavallaro and His Orchestra (both songs were co-written by Cliff Friend). He made a bigger name for himself in publishing. His first publishing company was with his brothers: Santly Bros., Inc.. Next, he was the co-owner of Joy-Santly publishing with Georgie Jones. He remained with the companies as they consolidated and changed names until 1966, when he sold his last shares. Jones sold the company in 1966 to Hill & Range. Refer to: Santly Bros., Inc., Santly Bros., Santly-Bros-Joy Inc., Santly-Joy, Santly-Joy, Inc., Santly-Joy Music, Santly-Joy Music, Santly Joy Select, Inc., Santly-Joy Music Co. which became Joy Music, Inc..