Joyce Cochrane

British composer and pianist. Born 1909. Died 1988. She composed several popular melodies during the 1940s and 1950s, one of her biggest successes being "Honey Child" which enjoyed a vocal recording by Gracie Fields as well as an orchestral version arranged by Robert Farnon. Also known for songs "Paddle Boat" and "Starry Night", all recorded for the Chappell Recorded Music Library in London. Her father Frank Cochrane played the violin, but she was the only one of his five children with a talent for music. She settled in Kensington, London, and wrote several songs for shows and films, such as "You’re Only Dreaming" for the 1950 film "Dance Hall" featuring the Ted Heath and Geraldo orchestras. She contributed mood music compositions to several publishers’ libraries including "Conroy Recorded Music Library". The artists she accompanied at various times included household names like Benny Hill, Cliff Richard, Gracie Fields, Vera Lynn, Charlie Chester and Richard Hearne (Mr. Pastry).