WTTP – Dennis Day Interview Special. 830528

Here’s a special radio interview, just one week after Dennis had a birthday. It opens with a song from a Jack Benny episode, and a joke between Jack and Dennis. After opening introductions and greetings, Dennis recounnts a recent reproduction, in 1980, of an old style radio stage show that he was involved with. Dennis talks about recognition at playing live theater in the round in recent months. He also discusses the way old radio shows have held up through the years. Moving on to the Jack Benny show, Dennis talks about various topics including the lay out of the studio, saving his copy of scripts, leaving the show to join the Navy in World War II, the rehearsal schedule, his song preparation, and more.

After a clip of Dennis and Jack in a diner, he sings again. This time a novelty version of, My Dearie.

Dennis answers the question of how he got the job with Jack, and circumstances of why Kenny Baker left the show. . He tells about some of the terms of his trial contract, and how lines were increased as time went on, to take advantage of his vocal skills at mimicry. He goes on to discuss the characters on Jack’s show, and how they contrasted to compliment each other.

In regards to his singing tallent, Dennis talks about his unending development of his voice, and working with voice coaches. He addresses a compilation album that he had just released a few months earlier. As the interview winds down, Dennis shares a little about his modern work, and projects he’s done with cast members doing commercials. He gives a Mention of what other cast members are up to these days, Frank Nelson, Phil Harris, and Mary. The recently decesed Don wilson is also mentioned. His memories of Jack’s final days are shared. Arriving back on the same note the interview began, Dennis shares some of his recent work for Disney, and doing concerts.

In the final segment, a classic clip is shared. Jak and Dennis share another comic moment in a diner,, and one of Dennis classic silly answers to Jack’s silly question. Dennis is given a few moments to reflect on whether there might be any projects, that he might like to pursue, and says a few goodbyes to relatives in the Boston area.