Daniel Godfrey

Daniel Godfrey (4 September 1831 – 30 June 1903) was a British bandmaster, composer and arranger of compositions for military bands. He was for many years bandmaster of the Grenadier Guards. He was the father of the Bournemouth conductor Daniel Eyers Godfrey.

In 1856, on the recommendation of Sir Michael Costa, he was, through the influence of the Prince Consort Albert, appointed bandmaster of the Grenadier Guards. One of his first duties was to play into London the brigade of guards returning from the Crimean War. In 1863 he composed his "Guards" waltz for the ball given by the officers of the guards to the Prince and Princess of Wales, later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, on their marriage. This became popular, as did his "Mabel" and "Hilda" waltzes. He was also successful as an arranger of compositions for military bands. He died in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, on 30 June 1903 aged 71.

Godfrey married Joyce Boyles in 1856 and there were two sons and three daughters. His eldest son, Dan Godfrey (1868–1939), became a successful conductor in Bournemouth.