Derek Hilton (born 3rd February 1927 in Whitefield, Manchester; died 11th July 2005 in Didsbury) appeared on Coronation Street as a pianist in both May 1965 and May 1996.
He was also specially credited on various other episodes for his musical work, and composed the music to the song Dreaming Time, which featured in a March 1970 storyline.
By the age of fourteen, he led his band "The Rhythmic Blue Notes" on the accordion and, on the trombone was a founding member of "Besses o' th' Barn Brass Band". The musician and composer (also writing music under the pseudonym "John Snow") predominantly worked as musical director at Granada Television and was credited with writing 241 television themes.
The Derek Hilton Trio (Derek - piano, Bob Duffy - bass, and Bob Turner - drums) had a regular spot on Granada's People and Places, although the line-up changed over time to include Amos Smith and Dave Hassall - drums and Dave Lynane - bass.
His other credited composition work included The Odd Man, The Man in Room 17, The Corridor People, The Flower of Gloster, The Caesers, Her Majesty's Pleasure, Judge Dee, Nearest and Dearest, Shabby Tiger, Village Hall, Nightingale's Boys, The Ghosts of Motley Hall, Fallen Hero, The Cuckoo Waltz, Cribb, The Glamour Girls, A Kind of Loving, Affairs of the Heart and The Brothers McGregor.