George Cates (October 19, 1911 – May 10, 2002)[1] was an American music arranger, conductor, songwriter and record executive known for his work with Lawrence Welk and his orchestra.

His early career included arranging and playing saxophone with such bands as Henry Busse, Dick Stabile, and Russ Morgan between 1945 and 1951.

In the mid-1950s, he was A&R director for Coral Records,[2] writing and conducting for the label's stars that included the Andrews Sisters, Teresa Brewer, Bing Crosby, and Danny Kaye.

"[2] The record "Moonglow and Theme from Picnic" had some wordless vocal effects by Norma Zimmer, at the time a session vocalist, who, coincidentally, would later become Lawrence Welk's Champagne Lady.

[2] After leaving the ABC television network in 1971, Welk syndicated his show and continued on TV using the theme song "Champagne Fanfare," which Cates had composed.