Ernie Burnett (1984-1959) was a vaudeville performer in his youth and went to Europe in his teens to study music. When he returned to America, he returned to vaudeville as a pianist. He composed over a dozen songs, among them “Dearie” (1920) and “We’ll Meet Again” (1938). But his claim to fame is his tune “Melancholy” which became “My Melancholy Baby” in 1911 when George A. Norton added lyrics. It has been recorded by numerous artists such as Teddy Wilson, Sonny Rollins, and Frank Sinatra.

Burnett led his own orchestra and owned a music publishing business. He also served in WWI.

- Sandra Burlingame