Coots, J. Fred

J. Fred Coots Composer Brooklyn, New York, May 2, 1897; New York City, April 8, 1985. He started in the Alley as a stock clerk and piano demonstrator in the New York branch of Chicago’s McKinley Music. His first big hit, “Doin’ the Raccoon” (1928), with lyrics by Ray Klages, was made by the George Olsen band’s recording (Victor 21701). The same year, Coots and Lou Davis wrote “A Precious Little Thing Called Love,” which was introduced by Nancy Carroll in the film The Shopworn Angel (1929). It…