We regret to report the death, on December 22 Gerald Crossman ­ distinguished accordionist, bandleader and light music composer, at the age of 94. He was particularly known to radio listeners in the 1950s and 1960s, directing his Gerald Crossman Players, which gave hundreds of broadcasts on the Light Programme and Home Service of the BBC. These included 123 editions of 'Music While You Work.' His signature tune was' A Night in Montmartre', one of over 100 pieces of light music which he composed during his long career. He also played regularly for many other Broadcasting Orchestra leaders of the day, such as Louis Voss, Ralph Elman, Sidney Davey, Arthur Anton, Lionel Falkman, Marcel Gardner and George Scott-Wood, to name but a few! I was privileged to know him for many years. He was real gentleman and one of those rare people who never had a bad word to say about anyone.

A full account of his life and work can be found on Brian Reynolds’ site ‘MASTERS OF MELODY’

Brian Reynolds – January 2015