About Matt Dennis
Matthew Loveland Dennis (February 11, 1914 – June 21, 2002) was an American singer, pianist, band leader, arranger, and writer of music for popular songs. == Early years == Dennis was born in Seattle, Washington, United States. His mother, Leila Loveland, was a violinist and his father, also named Matt Dennis, was an Irish tenor, and the family was in vaudeville, so he was exposed to music early. After his father's death when Dennis was 6 years old, his mother and he went to live with her parents in northern California. When he was able to sit on a stool, they began teaching him to play piano. His mother sang with local dance bands, and he usually accompanied her to the performances. He attended Tamalpais High School. == Career == In 1933 he joined Horace Heidt's orchestra as a vocalist and pianist. Later on, he formed his own band, with Dick Haymes as vocalist. He became vocal coach, arranger, and accompanist for Martha Tilton, and worked with a new vocal group, The Stafford Sisters.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.