Kenneth J. Alford

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Kenneth J. Alford
Born	Frederick Joseph Ricketts 21 February 1881 Ratcliff, London, England
Died	15 May 1945(1945-05-15) (aged 64) Reigate, Surrey, England
Occupation(s)	Bandmaster, composer, arranger
Known for	British March King
Spouse	Annie Louisa Holmes ​ (m. 1907)​
Children	6
Military career
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army (until 1927) Royal Navy Royal Marines
Years of service	1895–1944
Unit	Royal Irish Regiment

Frederick Joseph Ricketts (21 February 1881 – 15 May 1945) was an English composer of marches for band. Under the pen name Kenneth J. Alford, he composed marches which are considered to be great examples of the art. He was a Bandmaster in the British Army, and Royal Marines Director of Music. Conductor Sir Vivian Dunn called Ricketts "The British March King".^[1] Ricketts' frequent use of the saxophone contributed to its permanent inclusion in military bands. His best known work is the "Colonel Bogey March".^[2]