#henryredallen

[projazznet]

Remembering Henry James "Red" Allen Jr. (January 7, 1908 – April 17, 1967) on his birthday.

Henry “Red” Allen – Mr Allen

Henry "Red" Allen (1908–1967) was a prominent American jazz trumpeter and vocalist, often recognized as one of the most innovative trumpet players of the swing era. 

Mr. Allen is the title of a notable jazz album he recorded on June 5, 1962. 

Album Details: Mr. Allen

Recording Date: June 5, 1962.

Personnel: The session featured Allen on trumpet and vocals, supported by Lannie Scott (piano), Frank Skeete (bass), and Jerry Potter (drums).

Original Release: Originally released in 1963 on the Swingville label (SVLP 2034).

Alternative Titles: The album was later re-released and re-titled as The Henry "Red" Allen Memorial Album (Prestige PRST 7755) following his death in 1967.

Musical Style: The record highlights Allen’s "big sound" and infectious bravado, bridging the gap between traditional New Orleans jazz and the innovations of the swing era. 

Background on Henry "Red" Allen

Origins: Born in Algiers, New Orleans, he was the son of brass band leader Henry Allen Sr..

Career: He was the first trumpeter to fully incorporate the rhythmic innovations of Louis Armstrong while maintaining a highly individual, often modernistic approach.

Legacy: Known for his eccentric vocal delivery and experimental trumpet techniques, he remained a popular performer until his death from pancreatic cancer in 1967

[musicbefore1950]

The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down (1937)

It's funny that much of my musical knowledge from the first few decades of the 20th century started with watching Looney Tunes as a kid. In 1937, Henry "Red" Allen and His Orchestra were the first to record the newly published song, The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down. Later that year, several other versions were recorded and in 1938 Warner Bros. featured an instrumental version which would later become this popular theme song.