Kresa, Helmy

Helmy Kresa Piano arranger Meissen, Germany, November 7, 1904; Southampton, New York, August 19, 1991. His only hit was the 1931 “That’s My Desire,” which finally broke in 1947, thanks to Frankie Laine (Mercury 5007). Helmy Kresa is recognized as the premier piano arranger and orchestrator, not only for Irving Berlin but for a list of songwriters who insisted that Kresa arrange their numbers on a freelance basis. The list of songwriters who used his services is a virtual “Who’s Who” of Alley…