Biography
Tall, dark, and handsome singer David Street appeared to have all the qualities needed for musical film stardom in the 1940s, but his career never reached those heights and today he is mainly remembered, if at all, for his tabloid-exposed personal life.
Born Patrick Devlin in Los Angeles, California, on December 13, 1917, he began singing in high school, performing locally in a trio that led to work at a nearby radio station. He gained experience with several harmony swing groups, including Six Hits and a Miss, The Rhythm Rascals, and The Melo-Aires, before touring as a vocalist with bands and orchestras led by notable figures such as Bob Crosby (The Bob O Links) and Freddie Slack.
Universal recognized his musical talents and signed him to a contract where he appeared in minor singing roles. He was loaned to Republic for Moonlight Masquerade (1942), where he and Anne Jeffreys were part of a singing trio, had brief appearances in Honeymoon Lodge (1943), and played a student in We’ve Never Been Licked (1943).
World War II interrupted his career when he was drafted into the Army. After his discharge, he regained some attention recording for RCA and returning to radio. Although 20th Century-Fox signed him, he was overshadowed by rising crooners Dick Haymes and Perry Como and relegated to specialty roles or vocal dubbing for others, notably dubbing William Eythe in Centennial Summer (1946).
Republic Studios gave David his first co-lead role in the musical fantasy An Angel Comes to Brooklyn (1945), a romantic triangle with the unknown Kaye Dowd, in her only lead role, and Robert Duke, in his film debut. He also dubbed William Marshall in Calendar Girl (1947) and had a minor role in the film noir Moonrise (1948) for Republic. Columbia gave him a small lead opposite Gloria Jean in the musical romance I Surrender Dear (1948), where he sang “There’s Nobody Else but Elsie” and an excerpt of “Pennies from Heaven.” Despite his strong singing voice, his film career did not advance, as his on-camera presence was somewhat stiff. He also hosted several musical radio programs without much fanfare, including The David Street Song Shop (1946), David Street Sings (1946), and The David Street Show (1947).
Television proved a stronger platform for him in the 1950s, with guest appearances on shows like The Ken Murray Show, The Colgate Comedy Hour, The Art Linkletter Show, and a regular spot on Broadway Open House (1950). He also hosted his own local TV show, The David Street Show, on KLAC.
After losing his RCA contract, his recording career declined as he signed with smaller labels like Diamond, Rainbow, and Keynote. He also composed music; one of his co-written songs, “Gotta Soft Spot,” was featured in the film Square Dance Jubilee (1949). His final film, arguably his best, was the Lippert Production Holiday Rhythm (1950), a minor musical where he co-starred opposite one of his wives, Mary Beth Hughes. He performed duets with her and soloed on “Lost in a Dream.” Following this, he focused on television work.
In the early 1950s, David appeared on various TV series, mostly local, including a regular role on KLAC’s Hollywood on Television (1953). He hosted Tin Pan Alley (1953) on the same station. As his career faded, he increasingly turned to alcohol.
Later in life, David became a church choir director to earn money and occasionally performed in nightclubs. A brief guest role in 1955 on The Adventures of Will Hickok did little to revive his career. A couple of serious accidents—one involving an elevator and another a car—further hindered his prospects. Later work included hosting a local game show, Greet the People, singing at clubs, weddings, and bar mitzvahs, and appearing in occasional commercials. He also ran David Street-Scott Allen Music, a company that hired out bandleaders for parties. His last film appearance was a brief role with Ann-Margret in the song “Isn’t It Kinda Fun” in the 1962 remake of State Fair.
Throughout his life, David’s private affairs frequently made tabloid headlines. He was often seen escorting Hollywood stars such as Ava Gardner, Diana Lynn, Marguerite Chapman, Cleo Moore, Jane Nigh, and Marilyn Maxwell. He was also involved in a tumultuous marriage history, marrying six times. His first marriage in 1942 to Mary Frances Wilhite, the only non-industry spouse, produced a son, David, but ended within a few years. His second marriage was to actress Lois Andrews, formerly the child bride of George Jessel; it lasted only a few months before annulment. He married B-movie actress and singer Mary Beth Hughes in 1948; they appeared together on TV, film, and in nightclub acts during their nearly eight-year marriage. His fourth wife was actress Sharon Lee, whom he married in 1957; the union lasted just 26 days. His most famous marriage was to actress Debra Paget, her first, which lasted four months before annulment. His sixth and final marriage was to singer Elaine Perry in 1958, with whom he had a daughter, Melanie, in 1968. This marriage lasted until his death.
Diagnosed with cancer late in life, David Street died from complications on September 3, 1971, at the age of 53.
