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Gerry Allison (30th March 1938 – April 1989) was a British musical director, composer, and arranger. Born in Slough, Buckinghamshire, he had a prolific career in music, spanning various genres and platforms, including theatre, television, and live performances.

Early Life and Education

Gerry Allison was born on 30th March 1938 in Slough, Buckinghamshire. He showed a keen interest in music from a young age and began studying piano at the age of 7. His early education took place at Caldicott Preparatory School in Farnham Common, Bucks. He later attended Cranleigh Public School in Surrey, where he excelled academically, obtaining 8 “O” levels in subjects including English Language, Maths, Latin, French, History, Geography, Scripture, and Music. He also achieved an A-Level in Music.

Gerry's musical talents earned him a scholarship at Cranleigh School, where he further honed his skills. He later studied composition, arranging, and conducting under bandmaster E. Smythe in the King's Regiment (Liverpool) from 1956 to 1959.

Instruments Played

Gerry was a versatile musician, proficient in playing several instruments including the piano/keys, tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute, and various tuned percussion instruments.

Professional Career

Gerry Allison's professional career began in 1960 when he turned professional as a saxophone player with the Ray McVey Orchestra. He worked on the Mecca Ballroom circuit before forming “The Gerry Allison Sound” and performing at Mecca – Hull Lacarno from 1970 to 1971.

Pantomimes

Gerry's work in pantomimes included:

1977/78: Apollo Manchester: Paul Daniels Christmas Show
1978/79: Alhambra Bradford: Babes in the Wood (Les Dawson)
1979/80: Alhambra Bradford: Dick Whittington (Bill Maynard)
1980/81: Alhambra Bradford: Jack and the Beanstalk (Cannon & Ball)
1981/82: Alhambra Bradford: Aladdin (Little & Large)
1982/83: Alhambra Bradford: Cinderella (Russ Abbot)
1983/84: Alhambra Bradford: Babes in the Wood (The Krankies)
1984/85: Apollo Theatre Coventry: Dick Whittington (Michael Barrymore)

Family

Gerry was the son of John Y. Allison and Mattie S. Lonsdale. He was born Gerald David (Marshall) Allison and had a brother named John S. Allison. The family resided at Pontac, Bath Road, Slough, Buckinghamshire, England as of 29th September 1939.

Marriages and Children

Gerry's first marriage was to Anita Kim Graham (1942–2010), and they had two children:

Deborah Allison (born 7th July 1963)
David Clifford Gregg (born 24th July 1964)

The couple divorced in 1969. Gerry's second marriage was to Lynn Garner (b. 1953) in January 1976, but they later divorced.

Summer Seasons

Gerry participated in several summer season shows, including:

1976: New Theatre Southport: Diane Solomon / Little and Large
1977: New Theatre Southport: Dickie Henderson / Moira Anderson
1981: Futurist Scarborough: Tom O’Connor
1984: Floral Hall Scarborough: Little & Large

UK Tours (Musical Director for...)

Gerry's work as a musical director included tours with:

1979: Tom O’Connor
1980: Frankie Vaughan
1981: Little & Large
1982: The Krankies
1983: Freddie Starr / Danny La Rue Roadshow
1984: Good Old Days Tour / Little & Large

Television Work

Gerry's television work was extensive. He arranged for over 60 “Come Dancing” programmes on BBC TV from 1960 to 1969. From 1969 to 1981, he served as a musical arranger and director for Granada TV Producer Muriel Young, working on over 250 network shows including:

“Lift Off with Ayesha” (29 episodes, 1969-1972)
“Look Alive”
“Shangalang”
“Marc”
“Get It Together”
“Dance Crazy”
“Ladybirds” [Channel 4]

Musical Theatre

Gerry was the musical director for “CAMELOT” with Richard Harris at the Apollo Theatre in London from 1982 to 1983, leading a 28-piece orchestra and 28-member chorus. He also directed various amateur dramatic productions, including “Pinafore” and “Pirates of Penzance” from 1980 to 1982.

Recording

Gerry's recording work included serving as musical director for the Barron Knights on their albums and singles, musical arranger for a Paul McCartney album, and musical director for the original cast recording of “Camelot.”

Business Interests

In addition to his performance career, Gerry was a founding partner of Pop Plan Music Arranging Service in Leeds, established in 1967.

General Notes

Gerry Allison turned professional in 1960, playing saxophone with the Ray McVey Orchestra. He worked on the Mecca Ballroom circuit until he formed “The Gerry Allison Sound” and performed at Mecca – Hull Lacarno from 1970 to 1971.