This post was originally an episode of The Old Time Review Daily Podcast. In each edition, Jamie Dyer spoke off the cuff about a famous person, film or song for up to three minutes. The following is a transcription, which has been cleaned up to remove any hesitation and some repetition. Where possible, the subject has been expanded on from the original broadcast.
This is the Old Time Review Daily Podcast for the 21st of May 2021. I’m Jamie Dyer, speaking to you from the UK. On this day in 1916, American singer, radio, television, and film personality, as well as comedian, Dennis Day, was born. Originally named Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty in the aforementioned year. Dennis Day gained popularity thanks to his regular appearances on the Jack Benny program, which was hugely popular on the radio in the United States and around the world.
it was just a marvellous mix of characters. Jack Benny pretty much let his cast have the laughs, and Dennis was a great part of that. He joined the show in the late 1930s and he pretty much picked up initially what Kenny Baker, the singer before him, had done. He then made the role his own.
Dennis played that naive character so brilliantly. He did imitations and voices too. He could do a wonderful impression of British actor Ronald Coleman, who was a regular guest on the program. He wasn’t just that guy from The Jack Benny Programme either, he did have two shows! He had his own show called A Day in the Life of Dennis Day on the radio, which then transferred to television for a very short period.
He also made film appearances, including one in the movie Melody Time, where he’s kinda overshadowed by Roy Rogers and Trigger. His performance as Johnny Appleseed in voice and song is well worth checking out. It is available to stream on Disney+.
And really, the last thing to say is check out his music. He had a marvellous voice. His Christmas album is well worth a listen at the right time of year. And, of course, his recording of Clancy Lowered the Boom is always a joy. That’s Dennis Day, who was born on this day in 1916. And this was the Old Time Review Daily Podcast. Thanks for listening.
