There Ain't No Such Word As Can't

About the Book

David Allyn (Albert DeLella) was raised in the depression years.  His father was a French horn player.  His mother studied voice as a child in Naples Italy.  No doubt a musical family.  He was forced to work at odd jobs to keep food on the table and to pay for clothes.  Sang on all the radio stations Hartford Connecticut had to offer. WTHT, WTIC, WDRC and on a neighboring town of New Britain with the call letters of WNBC, until FCC changed them.  Joined Jack Teagarden in 1940, was drafted into the 1^st Army Division, fought in North Africa, fought in Kasserine Pass, the Army’s first defeat.  Received a Purple Heart at El Guetlar, Tunisia.  Sent home, joined Van Alexander’s band at Roseland Ballroom.  Joined Boyd Raeburn and became an heroine addict for 9 years.  Was arrested for forging scripts – served 23 months in Sing Sing and Dannamour prisons.  Upon release made albums with Johnny Mandel, did Steve Allen shows with whom he wrote a few songs.  Also became an addiction counselor on four programs, still continuing to sing and write music.  His book covers most of the glory, and pains of hell, in his life.

About the Author

If you open the encyclopedia’s of Jazz, by Leonard feather, Barry Ulaunov or George Simon, you would find the name David Allyn (Allen also spelled with an e).  He sang with Jack Teagarden when WWII was declared.  While playing the “College Inn” at the Hotel Sherman in Chicago where David registered his first induction in the service.  Date of entry into active service: 24 April, 1942.  Joined 1^st Infantry Division at Indian Town Gap Pennsylvania.  Sailed on “Queen Mary”.  Invaded N. Africa Nov 8, 1942.  Fought in the fierce loosing battle of Kasserine Pass and was wounded at El Guetlar, Tunisia, 28 Mar. 1943.

The scars of combat never left him.  Discharged, joined the Van Alexander’s band at Roseland Ballroom.  Many bands followed, Boyd Raeburn, Count Bassie, Stan Kenton, Johnny Carson, Griffen and Today Shows were stand-outs.  David Allyn has written songs with Steve Allen and is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers).