George H. Clutsam

George Howard Clutsam (26 September 1866 – 17 November 1951) was an Australian pianist, composer and writer, best remembered as the arranger of Lilac Time.

After establishing himself in Australia and New Zealand, he moved to London in 1889, where he continued as an accompanist to various artists including fellow Australian Nellie Melba in 1893.

From 1888,[1] Clutsam frequently shared the stage as pianist with Australian singer Minna Fischer,[2] who was married to Herbert Flemming but separated with two sons.

Aside from his many stage works, he wrote numerous songs, including the popular "Ma Curly-Headed Babby".

His brother, Fred Clutsam (1869–1934), was a pianist described as George Marshall-Hall's prize pupil,[5] an inventor[6] and the conductor of Melbourne's Orpheus Society.