Robert Deitcher is a name many people in the region wouldn’t recognize.

The late Scotia native, however, wrote the tunes for millions of recordings of celebrated jazz and pop vocalists. He will be honored today with a plaque and concert.

Deitcher, known professionally as Robert Allen, wrote music for Johnny Mathis and The Four Lads. He also had his music regularly recorded and performed by Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Mitch Miller, Carol Burnett, George Shearing, and Doris Day.

Former mayor and village trustee William Seyse led an effort over the past year to get the composer recognition. At 4 p.m. today, a marker is to be unveiled at 528 Charles St., in front of Deitcher’s boyhood home. The $1,000 it took to get the sign was raised locally with donations.

According to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Deitcher’s compositions have sold in excess of 500 million recordings.

“Most people from around here haven’t heard of him,” Seyse said. “But when you start naming songs, inevitably people say, ‘Oh, yeah.’ ”

The Scotia-Glenville High School Choralaires will be performing some of Deitcher’s music at its annual spring concert today at 7:30 p.m. as part of the celebration of his work, Seyse said.
Some of his better known songs are “It’s Not For Me To Say,” “Chances Are” and “Home for the Holidays.”

Patty Allen, his widow, and sister Judy Holmes, of Clifton Park, are expected at the ceremony.
Seyse said Deitcher’s work needs to be recognized locally.

“I felt he made very significant contributions to American pop music,” Seyse said. “It’s really astounding.”

Deitcher was a 1945 gradaute of Scotia High School.