Biography
Born Ronald Dennis Pountain on 1 November 1913 in Derby, England, the singer died exactly eighty years later on 1 November 1993 in Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria. His lower vocal range prompted frequent comparisons to the young Bing Crosby, earning him the nickname “Britain’s Bing Crosby.” While drumming and singing with the amateur New Mayfair Dance Band, Dennis helped the group win a Melody Maker contest that took the ensemble to London in 1933. His debut recording, made alongside Jack Jackson, captured Tommy Dorsey’s signature theme “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You.” Joining the Roy Fox Orchestra later that year, he remained nearly five years until its dissolution, committing to disc such well-known numbers as “Little Man You’ve Had A Busy Day,” “Let’s Face The Music And Dance,” “That Old Feeling,” “This Is Romance,” “Everything I Have Is Yours,” and “Home On The Range.” A short engagement with Ambrose preceded his move to freelance work in 1938; two years afterward Melody Maker readers placed him at number 1 among vocalists. Serving as RAF Corporal Denny Dennis during World War II, he performed on air with Jack Hylton, Ted Heath, and Sidney Torch, yet the Ministry of Labour prevented him from accepting American offers to appear with Paul Whiteman and Benny Goodman. His characteristically polished 1946 treatment of the Django Reinhardt–Spencer Williams ballad “The Bluest Kind Of Blues” rekindled transatlantic interest. Crossing the Atlantic at last in 1948, Dennis spent twelve months on radio and tour dates with Tommy Dorsey, then returned to Britain for collaborations with Vic Lewis, Frank Weir, and Sid Phillips—the last of whom joined him on a brisk, unexpected reading of “Goody Goody.” Retiring to Cumbria during the 1950s, he resurfaced occasionally in the 1980s for benefit performances.
Singles
