US born (ca. 1890) bandleader, reeds player and vocalist Billy Barton (not to be mistaken for British bandleader Billy Bartholomew) got his his first engagements in China (1920) and Australia. In 1925, he relocated to England, and found a position in Bert Ralton's Savoy Havana Band. During 1925-'26, he recorded with Bert Firman's Orchestra. In 1926, He toured South Africa with Ralton and subsequently led the band after Ralton's death in 1927. Returning to England, he again recorded with Bert Firman's orchestra. In 1928, he moved to Germany where he both played as a sideman, and made recordings as a leader. During 1930-'31, he again led his own studio dance band, as well as working with the bands of Ben Berlin, Julian Fuhs, Harry Jackson, Marek Weber, and Theo Mackeben. During 1932-'33, he toured Germany and Switzerland; subsequently he probably returned to the USA, where he was to die soon after his arrival. This great 1930 record probably features Barton himself on vocal.