Initially known as the London Savannah band, this orchestra was formed by Billy Cotton in 1924. Cotton continued to direct the band throughout its existence.

The band began recording for the Metropole and Piccadilly labels in 1928. While the Metropole releases were given name credit, Piccadilly (the Metropole company's budget label) credited sides by Cotton under the pseudonyms of Bohemian Band and Piccadilly Dance Band. By 1930 the band was appearing at the Streatham Locarno and the Astoria Ballroom and under contract to the Regal label, Columbia's lower-priced subsidiary. When Cotton secured a high-profile engagement at Ciro's Club in London's West End the band's recordings appeared on Columbia, going back to Regal in late 1931 and then to Regal-Zonophone following Columbia's merger with HMV. At first a conventional dance band, the orchestra gradually tended towards music hall/vaudeville entertainment, introducing visual and verbal humor in between songs. Cotton's early records are sought after for their distinctive driving rhythm and fine arrangements punctuated by hot solos. The band recorded for Regal-Zonophone, Rex and Decca throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Famous musicians who played in Billy Cotton's band during the 1920s and 1930s included Syd Lipton and Nat Gonella. The band was also noted for their African American trombonist and tap dancer, Ellis Jackson. Their signature tune was Somebody Stole My Gal.