Eric Coates was a British composer and conductor, born on June 27, 1886, in Nottingham, England. He is best known for his light orchestral music, which became popular in the early to mid-20th century. Coates's works often featured catchy melodies and were frequently performed on radio and in concert halls. One of his most famous pieces is the "Dambusters March," composed in 1954 for the film The Dam Busters. Coates also wrote music for various other films and stage productions, contributing significantly to the genre of light music. He passed away on December 21, 1957, leaving a lasting legacy in British music.