Actually, I spent considerable time looking for a freeware program that would let me input note-sequences (by letter), and play them back to me. (I think my 5-year-old son used to have a toy that did this, but I didn't feel like fetching it from the hot attic and putting batteries in it.)

I found dozens of sophisticated freeware music progs, but none which, as far as I could tell, do exactly that. If anybody knows of such freeware, I'd still be happy to hear about it.

Neither "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" nor the national anthem was heard in the Columbo soundtrack -- but, they are definite clues to the episodes.

"Columbo: No Time To Die" featured a character named Bill Bailey, who told Columbo how people always make jokes about his name and the song.

And, "By Dawn's Early Light" is a title taken from the (US) national anthem's lyrics.

Thanks for letting us know what those letters meant!

We have a long-time vistor here named Laura, who comes and goes periodically, and is a real expert on music as well as a big Columbo fan. Too bad she's not around right now, or whe would have cleared this up immediately.

Bill Bailey is being played by the band in the opening credits of A Trace of Murder, and continues into the first scene when the Calverts are at the banquet when he first encounters the future victim.

Ted is correct on Nation Emblem March..it is in the background on Dawn's Early light.

Thanks Abe. You're some detective. Photographer you say? Have you any references?

It was from Dawn's early Light.. but it was National Emblem March by E.Bagley...not the National Anthem.

I checked> Bill Bailey on Trace of Murder.

Nat.Emblem in Dawn'sEarlyLight.

Bob: to answer your question, mostly I do contract real estate work..but i'm into a lot of music..and love Columbo.

Thanks, guys.