Perfection: David Allyn - Love Is a Serious Thing (1962)

Frank Sinatra had a soft spot for singer David Allyn. His affection and help in Las Vegas wasn't based on pity. David had suffered psychologically during his service in World War II and went to prison for eight years on drug charges after attempts to self-medicate led to addiction. Sinatra admired Allyn because he was a superb emotional jazz balladeer who also could swing. But they shared more.

Both singers had major professional turning points at virtually the same time—in early 1940—when Sinatra joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and David joined Jack Teagarden and His Orchestra. They were more companions than rivals.

To illustrate:

Here's David Allyn in January 1941, singing It All Comes Back to Me Now...



Here's Sinatra in January 1941 with Tommy Dorsey singing I Tried...



In 1962, Allyn was staging a comeback after five years of recording in the 12-inch LP era. Actor Tony Curtis loved his voice and bankrolled an album—This Is My Lucky Day, arranged by Bob Florence. One of the tracks, Love Is a Serious Thing, perfectly illustrates David's gorgeous sense of swing. To read my two-part interview with David, go here. David died in 2012 at age 93.

Here's David Allyn singing his own composition (words and music) Love Is a Serious Thing. I so love this track...