More (Mostly) Folk Music

Dennis Day   •   America's Favorite Irish Tenor

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  • America's Favorite Irish Tenor
    • 1979 - Glendale Records GLS 6021 LP (USA)
  • Side One
    1. Clancy Lowered The Boom
    2. Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral
    3. The Wild Colonial Boy
    4. The Boys From County Armagh
    5. Danny Boy
    6. Medley: My Irish Rose & When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
  • Side Two
    1. MacNamara's Band
    2. Mrs. McGrath
    3. Dear Old Donegal
    4. The Minstrel Boy
    5. Finnegan's Wake
    6. It's The Same Old Shillelagh

  • Credits
    • Producer: John Kniest
    • Remasterd by Cecial Spiller
    • Cover Layout: Lexington Avenue West, Los Angeles

Sleeve Notes

When you hear the phrase "Irish Tenor" the name of Dennis Day instantly follows. The same happens when you mention Jack Benny. It usually invokes a reference to Dennis Day. Dennis received his first professional break on the Benny show in 1939 as a replacement for Kenny Baker. The association of Benny and Day became an enduring and lasting one, from the early days of the radio series and on into Benny's television program.

It was not only Dennis Day's pleasing singing voice, but his gift for comedy which made him a favorite on the show and endeared him to a generation.

Benny encouraged the development of Dennis' character in his radio series, that of "the dumb kid," always naive and underpaid by Benny. A typical sketch would end with Benny saying "That kid drives me nuts." The usual response a humble, "Yes Mr. Benny." Each show included a selection sung by Dennis, usually a popular song, show tune or an Irish ballad.

The career of Dennis Day moved swiftly after his success on the Jack Benny Show. It expanded into his own radio show, then television program, and of course several motion picture and countless recordings.

This recording contains Dennis Day at his finest, doing what he does best: singing the songs of his Irish heritage. This, after all, has made him not only America's favorite Irish tenor, but Jack Benny's as well.

Lee Hunnicutt
September 1979