Joseph J. Lilley was an influential American composer, songwriter, and orchestrator born on August 16, 1913, in Providence, Rhode Island. He demonstrated exceptional musical talent from a young age, gaining a scholarship to La Salle Academy. However, after his father's death, Lilley left school at 14 to support his family, working at a textile mill and playing piano for local orchestras. By 16, he was performing on a Boston-to-New York boat and later attended the New England Conservatory of Music and Juilliard School of Music, graduating in 1933.

Lilley's career began as a pianist-arranger for Al Donahue's orchestra, leading him to international venues like Bermuda, Nice, and Monte Carlo. He furthered his studies at the Nice Conservatoire and worked as a vocal coach and music supervisor for NBC. In New York, he formed a successful duo piano act with Jules Monk and collaborated with rising stars like Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.

In 1940, Lilley moved to Hollywood and became a pivotal figure at Paramount Studios, serving as Music Director for over 25 years. He contributed to numerous successful musicals, working with stars such as Bing Crosby, Martin and Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Lilley was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on "Li'l Abner" and was instrumental in the creation of iconic films like "White Christmas" and the Hope/Crosby/Lamour Road pictures.

Lilley also led his own orchestra, producing recordings with artists like Betty Hutton and Bing Crosby. His notable compositions include the hit song "(I've Got Spurs That) Jingle Jangle Jingle," co-written with Frank Loesser. Joseph J. Lilley passed away on January 1, 1971, in North Hollywood, California, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of film music and orchestration.