Dennis Lotis

Dennis Lotis was a South African-born British singer/actor whose popularity was greatest in the 1950s. He joined the Ted Heath Orchestra, singing alongside Lita Roza and Dickie Valentine. His first record was a cover version of Al Martino's hit "Here in My Heart", released in September 1952 on the independent Polygon label. He later recorded with the Johnston Brothers and Ted Heath and His Music; "Such a Night" / "Cuddle Me" was released by Decca Records in 1954.

Lotis went solo in the mid-1950s, and became one of the most successful acts on the British variety circuit, also appearing frequently on BBC radio. He appeared in his first Royal Variety Performance in 1957, and that year was voted Top Male Singer in the Melody Maker annual poll. He also toured the US with the Ted Heath Orchestra. He recorded in the late 1950s and early 1960s for the Pye Nixa and Columbia labels.

In 1956, Lotis toured with a production of the musical Harmony Close, and first worked as an actor in 1959 in John Osborne's The World of Paul Slickey. He also appeared in several British films, including The Extra Day (1956), The City of the Dead (also known as Horror Hotel, 1960), Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960), What Every Woman Wants (1962), and She'll Have to Go (1962). He also appeared on stage as Lucio in John Neville's production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure.