Nothing is known about vocalist Terry Allen’s early life. Allen joined Red Norvo in early 1938, where he worked alongside famed singer Mildred Bailey, who was also Norvo’s wife. He remained with Norvo after the band reorganized at the end of 1938, and when Bailey left the orchestra for health reasons in early January 1939 he became sole vocalist. Norvo’s band went through a rough period in summer 1939, and Norvo put in on hiatus that August. Allen then joined Larry Clinton, where he stayed until becoming part of Will Bradley’s orchestra in January 1941. When the band’s co-leader, Ray McKinley, split the group in January 1942, Allen remained with Bradley.
After Bradley decided to give up leading his band for health reasons in June 1942, he offered Allen the job of fronting it. Allen turned him down and instead decided to sign with Claude Thornhill, where he replaced Dick Harding. Allen stayed only a couple of months with Thornhill before joining Hal McIntyre’s orchestra. He soon fell victim to the draft, however, leaving in October for the Navy. He was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, where he sang with Saxie Dowell’s naval band.
Allen apparently suffered an injury or affliction in 1944 as he spent two-and-a-half months in the hospital before being given an honorable discharge mid-year. Reports suggested he would form his own band. He instead joined Johnny Long’s orchestra, though he did not stay. He earned his own daily CBS radio program in September and became a regular performer at the famous Stage Door Canteen.
Allen recorded for the Atlantic label in 1948, singing film composer David Broekman’s “Jade Green,” an experimental, exotic tune. He continued singing into the 1950s.