John Chilton
Published: 1999
Total Pages: 240
Get eBook
Ride, Red, Ride is the first biography of the jazz trumpeter and singer, Henry 'Red' Allen, long regarded as Louis Armstrong's chief rival. Both men were born in New Orleans and shared an African-American heritage, but their social backgrounds were quite different, as were their personalities. John Chilton, a close friend of Henry 'Red' Allen, brings to light various aspects of his personality, as well as analysing his magnificent recordings. The intriguing contrast between Allen's spectacular showmanship and his off-stage reticence is dealt with, and details of his early life in New Orleans and on the Mississippi riverboats are brought to light. All the periods of Allen's varied career are covered, including his work with King Oliver, Luis Russell, Fletcher Henderson, Kid Ory and Louis Armstrong.