Listen to Denny Sing.

This site is a tribute to Denny's singing, so every month different recordings will feature. The recordings are taken from my own collection and from the original 78rpm records themselves. Therefore, do not expect Hi Fi quality. 

I have tried various ways to clean up the original 78rpm recordings, but with little real success. However, the results are much more pleasing to the ear than the quality of the original disc. Whatever I do I can't seem to eradicate what I call 'snap crackle and pop' entirely without seriously entering the 'squeak' and 'squeal' zone that the process often seems to produce. Any advice gratefully received. 

Many of the recordings on this site are not usually available as reissues. The recordings used are in the public domain. Enjoy. 

I have not linked the recordings to any particular player. One needs to right click the title and download the file. 

It's The Bluest Kind Of Blues          Decca   F8694           (London  DR 10620)   

This was recorded on September 12th 1946, with the Stanley Black Orchestra. It features Joe Crossman on alto sax. This recording is from Denny's own copy. This recording earned him a contract with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in the United States. A fully restored version now appears on the new Sepia Cd - 'The Bluest Kind Of Blues'.

Every Time I Meet You                    Decca F9184

Recorded with the Bob Farnon Orchestra on March 11th 1948. A lovely romantic ballad from Denny. A beautifully clean and restored version of this one has recently appeared on a 'Living Era' Robert Farnon CD. However, my 78rpm version is the one included here. A fully restored version now appears on the new Sepia Cd - 'The Bluest Kind Of Blues'.

I'd Love To See You Home Tonight                        Decca  F8915

Recorded March 16th 1948 with the Bob Farnon Orchestra. This is a lovely romantic ballad from Denny in the smooth Sinatra influenced style of the period. It shows just what a talent Denny was. A slightly cleaned up version here from a prized old 78rpm that was released in the States. A fully restored version now appears on the new Sepia Cd - 'The Bluest Kind Of Blues'.

Yours For A Song                                                       Rex 9653

Recorded October 12th 1939 with Dudley Beaven at the organ. This was one of many solo recordings with organ accompaniment that Denny would make in the early stages of the war and prior to his joining the RAF. 

Did You Ever See A Dream Walking?                    Decca F3804

Recorded December 14th 1933 with Roy Fox and his orchestra. This was Denny's first recording session with Fox and Denny appears very confident on this ever popular number. Denny was to record it again some nineteen years later with the Sid Phillips band, but this version has stood the test of time very well. 

Lou'siana Lullaby                    Decca  F3804

Recorded with Roy Fox on December 14th 1933, the B side to 'Did You Ever See A Dream Walking'. I have not attempted to clean this 78 recording. It may sound better for it. One may compare it to 'Did You Ever See A Dream Walking' which I have attempted to clean up a little.

This Is Romance                    Decca  F3811

Recorded at Denny's second recording session with Roy Fox, December 21st 1933. This number was recorded by other vocalists, notably Al Bowlly, but the song remains firmly associated with Denny.

The Music Stopped                Decca     F8435  

Recorded May 8th 1944 with the Art Strauss Orchestra. At this time Denny was still very much in the RAF and the war had more than a year to run. This number is in a very different style to his pre war recordings and it shows that Denny was adapting well to changing musical tastes. This particular number was a regular with the GI Sinatra, Johnny Desmond, who came to Britain with the Glenn Miller orchestra during that year. 

I'll Always Be With You                   Decca F8573

This romantic number was recorded on the 13th of October 1945 with Stanley Black and his orchestra. The smooth and romantic style does reflect the growing influence of the popular and very smooth Frank Sinatra. Denny retains his own style but he is moving with the times. This type of delivery was to further American interest in Denny. A fully restored version now appears on the new Sepia Cd - 'The Bluest Kind Of Blues'.

The Four Winds and The Seven Seas                Decca F9218

Recorded May 18th 1949 with the Stanley Black Orchestra. Denny does a fine job on this rather routine period piece. This version is taken from the sample recording for radio stations.  A fully restored version now appears on the new Sepia Cd - 'The Bluest Kind Of Blues'.

Tune In                                                Decca F5123

Radio was the medium by which artists such as Denny became stars. We take it very much for granted today, but back in the early thirties it was new and popular entertainment, rivaled only by cinema. Television at this time was very much in its infancy and available to only the few. Many of the artists of the dance band era found homes in radio in later years, notably Sam Costa and Jack Jackson. 

Recorded July 11th 1934 with the Roy Fox Band, this number invites us to enjoy the new medium and tune in. The recording advertises the Radio Olympia event. 

Let me Be Loved                        Embassy WB255

Denny made several recordings for the Embassy label in the mid fifties. The label offered cover versions of the hits, and Denny was one of many stars of the dance band period reduced to doing this as musical tastes and fashions changed. This one was recorded in November 1957. 

In The Still Of The Night                    HMV  BD5327

Recorded January 5th 1938 with Roy Fox. This particular Cole Porter number is from the film 'Rosalie' and it has since become a classic performed by later stars such as Frank Sinatra and Vic Damone. Here, with a lovely Roy Fox arrangement, is an original performance from one of the original stars of the period. 

Rosalie                                                  HMV  BD5327 

Recorded January 5th 1938, the flip side to 'In The Still Of The Night'. Another splendid Roy Fox arrangement of a Cole Porter number and a lovely relaxed vocal by Denny. When one compares this to Denny's first recordings and one can see just how far Denny had progressed to become one of the top vocalists of the period. 

Deep Purple                    Decca F7029

Recorded with Ambrose on April 6th 1939. Denny is in fine voice on this lovely arrangement of what was to become a classic number. 

South of The Border                 Decca  F7076

Recorded  on June 8th 1939 with Ambrose and his Orchestra. The number became quite a hit, and led to Denny being noticed by some well known bands in the United States. However, war and duty meant that Denny was unable to go. Denny also made a solo recording of this number on August 29th 1939 for the REX label. 

I Have Eyes                       Decca F7029

Recorded with Ambrose and His Orchestra on  April 6th 1939.  Another fine rendition from Denny with a lovely Ambrose arrangement. 

From Me To You    HMV  B6384

Recorded with Jack Jackson and his Orchestra on August 25th 1933. The flip side of 'Reflections In The Water' and Denny's first commercial release. It was Jack Jackson who had visited Denny when he was performing at the 'Spiders Web' roadhouse and recognised something in Denny's voice, and ultimately gave him his first break into the world of recording and broadcasting. Notice that Denny is listed only as 'with Vocal Refrain'. 

So In Love                                                            RCA Victor   Vi 20 - 3331A

Recorded on December 23rd 1948. The long recording ban was lifted and Denny was able to record some commercial sides with Tommy Dorsey at last. Many artists in the States covered this title at the time, not the least of which was Gordon Macrae who was rapidly rising in popularity. Stiff competition, but Denny hold his own with an excellent Dorsey arrangement. 

How Many Tears Must Fall?                          RCA Victor   Vi 20-3317A

Recorded December 15th 1948, with Tommy Dorsey. It was the day the AFM recording ban ended. Dorsey took the band into the recording studio after a nightly appearance at the Hotel Pennsylvania. A nice rendition from Denny on a lovely ballad, taken directly from the original 78. 

Someone Like You                                          RCA Victor    Vi 20-3348

Recorded January 13th 1949 with the Tommy Dorsey band. Denny is in fine voice on this up tempo number, but it appeared dated even by the standards of the day. The April edition of the 'Down Beat' magazine was complimentary towards Denny, but not the style of the number. The reviewer stated, 'Someone' might be mistaken for a shuffling Jan Savitt or a six-eight Henry Busse. Denny Dennis sings it with more assurance and better intonation than his initial recorded effort. (Down By The Station) But that shuffle rhythm. Yipe!' Once again, the original 78 is used here. 

Magic Moments                                    Embassy    WB 273

Recorded in March 1958 with orchestra directed by Ken Jones, this was one of Denny's last recordings. It's a serious effort to compete with Perry Como, with whom Denny had previously crossed vocals on Chi Baba, Chi Baba in 1947. A very nice version here from Denny. Taken from a much played 78 rpm record, which I have cleaned it up a little.

If'n                                                                        HMV  BD6138

Recorded on October 13th 1952 with Alma Cogan, with Sid Phillips and His Band. A typical period duet with Alma, who is always a delight to hear. The style was already slightly dated by 1952, and is more reminiscent of the late forties style of Gordon Macrae and Jo Stafford / Doris Day and Buddy Clarke. The song is available on a recent Sid Phillips CD. (See available recordings section)

Denny Dennis 78 rpm recordings that have previously appeared on this site. Contact me if you wish to hear any particular track. 

                     Request box - Sydney Lipton 

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