The Laughing Policeman (song) The Laughing Policeman (song) "The Laughing Policeman" is a music hall song by Charles Penrose (published under the pseudonym Charles Jolly). In June 1922, Penrose made the first recording of this song, which was released on Regal Records G-7816. The version more usually heard was recorded on 22 April 1926 and released on Columbia Records 4014 and later FB 1184. The composition of the song is officially credited to his wife Mabel under the pseudonym "Billie Grey"; however, the music and melody are taken from "The Laughing Song" by George W. Johnson which was originally recorded in the 1890s. The
William Purvis (Blind Willie) William Purvis (Blind Willie) William Purvis, probably better known as "Blind Willie" (1752–1832), was a Tyneside concert hall song writer and performer in England at the end of the 18th and start of the 19th century. His most famous song is "Broom Buzzems". He became known later as the "ancient laureate of the Tyne" and was remembered in the songs of Robert Gilchrist (1797–1844) and Thomas Thompson (1773–1816). William Purvis was the son of John Purvis, a waterman, and Margaret Purvis (who died in All Saints Poorhouse aged over 100). William was born early in the year of 1752 in