Trumpeter Henry Red Allen was born in Algiers, La., Jan 7, 1908. Allen started playing professionally in 1924 with the Excelsior Brass Band and the jazz dance bands of Sam Morgan, George Lewis and John Casimir. In 1927, he joined King Olivers band. From 1929 on, Allen played with Luis Russells Orchestra where he was a featured soloist until he joined Fletcher Hendersons Orchestra in 1934. He also made a series of recordings in late 1931 with Don Redman, and played with Lucky Millinders Mills Blue Rhythm Band from 1934 to 1937, when he returned to Luis Russell for three more years at a time when this orchestra was often fronted by Louis Armstrong. Allen continued making many recordings under his own name, as well as recording with Fats Waller and Jelly Roll Morton as well as accompanying vocalists including Victoria Spivey and Billie Holiday.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:14:00 +0000
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