Billy Baskette


William James Baskette was an American pianist and composer who wrote popular songs of the Tin Pan Alley era. He also wrote one of the most successful World War I war songs, "Good Bye Broadway, Hello France".
Baskette was born in Henderson, Kentucky. His career in music began as a bassist in a circus band. He also was involved in vaudeville performances as a dancer and a pianist. Later, he became a staff composer for various music publishing firms in Chicago and New York City. He died in Culver City, California on November 8, 1949.
Baskette was a part of the Tin Pan Alley movement of music. In 1918, there was a focus on music called "goodbye songs" referring to U.S. soldiers who were deployed to France during World War I. One of Baskette's most notable works was "Goodbye Broadway, Hello France," which was a hit song of the period.

Selected compositions

Leo Feist, Inc.
  • "Hawaiian Butterfly", lyrics by George A. Little ; music by Baskette & Joseph Santley
  • "Goodbye Broadway, Hello France", C. Francis Reisner & Benny Davis; music by Baskette
  • "Take a Letter To My Daddy Over There", lyrics by Roger Lewis & Bobby Crawford; music by Baskette
  • "Jerry, You Warra A Warrior In the War", lyrics by Dannie O'Neil, music by Baskette
Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., New York
Berlin & Snyder, Inc.
  • "Waiting for the Evening Mail", lyrics by James Barton, music by Baskette
H. Waterson, New York
  • "Dream Pal", lyrics & music by Baskette
McCarthy & Fisher, Inc.
J. Albert & Son
  • "Tell the Rose", lyrics & music by Baskette
Milton Weil Music Co., Chicago
  • "Talking to the Moon", lyrics by George A. Little; music by Baskette
  • "Let Me Spent the Journey's End With You", lyrics by Baskette, music by Paul Ash
  • "Hoosier Sweetheart", lyrics & music by Joe Goodwin, Paul Ash, & Baskette; arr. by Rube Bennett
  • "The Man In The Moon Told Me", lyrics & music by Baskette, Theo Alban, & Paul Ash; arr. by Rube Bennett
  • "My Secret of Happiness", lyrics & music by Baskette & Theo Alban ; arr. by Rube Bennett
  • "Night Time in Picardy", lyrics & music by Baskette & Theo Alban ; arr. by Rube Bennett
  • "Save a Little Girl For Me", lyrics & music by Baskette & Theo Alban ; arr. by Rube Bennett
  • "Tune In To-Night", lyrics & music by Baskette, arr. by Rube Bennett
  • "Right After They Leave My Arms", lyrics & music by Rube Bennett, Ed Rose, & Baskette
  • "One Hour of Love", lyrics by Baskette, music by Rube Bennett
  • "Dream Train", words by Charles Newman, music by Baskette
Harold Rossiter Music Co., Chicago
  • "I Could Waltz On Forever With You Sweetheart", lyrics by Rube Bennett, music by Baskette
  • "Ula-hoo", lyrics by Baskette, music by Rube Bennett
  • "Love Is Like That", lyrics by Paul Ash, music by Baskette
C. Bayha Music, New York
  • "That's When I Learned To Love You", lyrics by Bartley Costello, music by Baskette
Harms, Inc.
  • "The Perfect Dream", lyrics & music by Baskette & Theo Alban
Bobbins Music Corp., New York
  • "Honolulu Sweetheart", lyrics & music by Baskette
Billy Baskette Music Co., New York
  • "Old Shoes", lyrics & music by Baskette ; Helmy Kresa arranged for band
Publisher unknown
  • "Forever and Ever and Ever", lyrics & music by Jesse Crawford, Baskette, & Bartley Costello
Mason Music Company, New York
  • "The Blue Eagle Is Flying High", lyrics & music by Baskette & Theo Alban
Joe Davis, Inc., New York
  • "Carolina Lullaby", words and music by Cecelia G. Reeker, Ed Rose, & Baskette
Mort Beck Music Co.
  • "Whistlin' Joe From Kokomo", lyrics & music by Baskette, Harry Edelheit, & Arthur Berman
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