Theodore Allen Jones, professionally known as Allan Jones, was born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, to a coal miner's family. He worked in the mines until 1926, when he received a scholarship to study music at New York University.
Classically trained in opera, Jones initially worked on Broadway and in operettas until 1935. He was then signed by MGM Studios and went on to star in several notable films, including "A Night at the Opera" (1935),"A Day at the Races" (1937),and "Show Boat" (1936).
Jones is perhaps best remembered for his signature song "Donkey Serenade" from the 1937 film "The Firefly". After his early success at MGM, he was relegated to minor roles and eventually moved to Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures, where he starred in several B-musicals.
During World War II, Jones volunteered to entertain the troops overseas, and in 1945, he left Hollywood to tour Great Britain for two years. Upon his return, he resumed his stage career, appearing in off-Broadway productions, summer stock shows, and nightclubs.
In the 1960s, Jones continued to work in television, film, and theater, and in 1971, he took on the role of Don Quixote in "Man of La Mancha", a role he would perform for the next eight years. He also became a successful lecturer and continued to record music throughout his life.
In 1982, at the age of 75, Jones released another album, showcasing his still-vibrant voice. He continued to work until his death at the age of 84, finishing a successful tour of Australia just weeks before his passing in 1992.
