Syd Dale
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An English self-taught composer and arranger of big band, easy listening and library music, Dale was born in York, and started as an apprentice technician at Rowntree's chocolate factory at 16, soon big band music pulled him away from the world of chocolate as he spent as much time as possible listening to bands and studying the arrangements, joining several local bands as pianist and arranger.
In 1952 he signed up a pianist for the dance orchestra of the Royal Air Force, where he worked with the conductor Ronnie Aldrich. He also played in several London hotels, and later joined the Cyril Stapleton Show Band.
In the late 1950s he acted as musical director on several tv shows and library music for Weinberger's Audio series and KPM Music Recorded Library.
In 1971, he founded his own Amphonic Music company and record label for the express purpose of recording and producing his compositions and supplying library and production music to the television, film and radio business.
His music is still used in productions today, and in the television comedy series Episodes, Matt LeBlanc uses the tune "Two Time" as his iPhone's ringtone.
