Allan Jones (actor)
A dashing tenor who charmed Depression-era audiences with his rich voice and leading-man looks in Hollywood musicals and operettas.
1907–1992 (age 85)·American actor and tenor·Birthday: October 14·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Allan Jones carved out a unique niche in 1930s entertainment, bridging the worlds of Broadway, opera, and Hollywood. Born in Pennsylvania to a Welsh coal-mining family, his musical talent was his ticket out. He found early success on Broadway before Hollywood called, where his robust tenor and handsome profile made him a natural for musical films. He is best remembered for introducing two enduring standards: "The Donkey Serenade" and "The Carioca." His career, however, was often defined by his role in the Marx Brothers' classic 'A Night at the Opera,' where his straight-man romantic lead provided the perfect foil for the brothers' chaos. While his film star faded post-war, Jones remained a popular nightclub and television performer, his voice a lasting emblem of a more romantic, tuneful era in American film.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Allan was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Allan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Allan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 80
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Died at 85
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
Key Achievements
- Introduced the classic song "The Donkey Serenade" in the 1937 film 'The Firefly.'
- Starred as the romantic lead opposite the Marx Brothers in their landmark comedy 'A Night at the Opera.'
- Had a successful career as a recording artist, with several of his singles charting in the 1930s and 40s.
Did You Know?
He was married to actress Irene Hervey, and their son is singer Jack Jones.
He turned down the lead role in 'The Great Ziegfeld,' which later went to William Powell.
Before his film career, he was a member of the popular musical trio 'The Three Romeos.'
“A song is just a story you sing, and I was a good storyteller.”
