Les Allen Big Band Leader Saxophonist Henry and 50 similar items

PFAS194 Antique 5.5" x 3.5" hand signed photo of band leader and saxophonist Les Allen who had a great solo career and was part of Henry Hall's band too who has personally autographed the souvenir and has placed his signature perfectly below his portrait - please note the upper edge is crooked - please be aware - there is some reverse side edging (other side only) otherwise great condition. It is rare to find an original photo of Les Allen and hand signed too. In 1927, Allen spent the next five years playing and singing with several leading British dance orchestras (including those of Carroll Gibbons, George Melachrino and Geraldo) and making a number of freelance recording (including duets with Al Bowlly). In 1932, he joined Henry Hall's BBC Dance Orchestra as a featured vocalist and enjoyed national hits with 'The Sun Has Got His Hat On' and 'Auf Wiedersehen, My Dear'. Allen parted ways with Hall in 1934 and began a career as a solo act, scoring hits with 'Tell Me Tonight', 'Love Is The Sweetest Thing' and the children's ballad, 'Little Man You've Had A Busy Day' on which his wife, Anne and son, Norman had speaking parts.In 1935, he starred in the musical comedy Heat Wave. Subsequently, Allen formed his own bands, the Les Allen Melody Four and the male voice singing group, Les Allen His Canadian Bachelors, with fellow countrymen Jack Curtis (lead), Herbie King (tenor), and Cy Mack (baritone and arranger).