Denny Dennis, the 'British Bing Crosby', was born in Derby and played the drums in a local dance band while also providing the occasional vocal. One night in 1932 at a locally held contest he was heard by Percy Mathison Brooks, Editor of Melody Maker, who arranged for Denny to audition with Roy Fox who was then leading one of the most successful of Britain's pre-war big bands. With Roy Fox Denny made regular broadcasts for the BBC and more than 200 records, most of which were romantic ballads and big sellers. They also toured extensively Britain's variety halls. As a result Denny Dennis became a house-hold name and in 1936 Denny came second in a Melody Maker poll.

When the Roy Fox band broke up Denny joined the Ambrose Orchestra. The recordings he made with Ambrose impressed American bandleaders Paul Whiteman and Sammy Kaye so much they both attempted to sign him up, but wartime restrictions forced Denny to decline these offers. After a spell as a solo singer where he was signed to the Decca label and produced many classic recordings Denny enlisted in the RAF. Following his demob in 1946 he recorded a vocal version of the Django Reinhardt composition 'Nuages' now given a new name of 'It's the Bluest Kind Of Blues'. Backed by a Stanley Black arrangement the song took off in America and led to an offer from Tommy Dorsey in 1948 which he accepted.

After touring the USA Denny completed a season in New York's Pennsylvania Hotel where his initial six month contract was renewed for a further six months. Because of a recording ban by the American Federation of Musicians Denny only recorded five sides with Tommy Dorsey before family problems forced him to return to Britain where he was never to recapture his former glory.

All but one of the 26 tracks here were recorded in the 1940s, many on CD for the first time and these twenty six tracks confirm exactly how good Denny Dennis the singer was.

Additional Details

Label: Sepia Records

Genre: Adult Contemporary/MOR

Release Date: 03/11/08

UPC: 5055122111085