Ed Allen (musician)

By the mid-1910s Allen was playing professionally in local nightclubs and bars.^[3] He moved to Seattle to take a gig with Ralph Stevenson, then returned to St. Louis to play on the Streckfus line of riverboats which ran between New Orleans and St. Louis on the Mississippi River.^[3] Early in the 1920s he played in the band of Charlie Creath, but by 1922 he had his own ensemble, the Whispering Gold Band, aboard the S.S. Capitol.^[3] After this, he was based in New Orleans until 1923.^[2]

In 1924 he made his way to Chicago and played with Earl Hines until 1925.^[3] He then played from 1925 to 1927 in a revue called Ed Daily's Black and White Show, as a member of Joe Jordan's group, the Sharps & Flats.^[3] Between 1927 and 1937 Allen recorded extensively with Clarence Williams.^[2] Allen also accompanied vocalist Bessie Smith on some recordings, and recorded in several bands of King Oliver's.^[3]

Allen played in various dance bands through the 1930s and 1940s, then played with Benton Heath in New York City from the middle of the 1940s up until 1963.^[3] His last appearance on record was in England with Chris Barber in the 1950s.^[3] After 1963 his failing health resulted in retirement from music.^[3] He died in New York City on January 28, 1974.^[2]

"In his early work Allen sometimes used the cackle-like muted timbre employed by contemporary jazz cornetists, and he produced a pleasant tone with a wa-wa mute; on the open instrument he often affected a singing, lyrical style in the manner of Joe Smith, but he showed a substantial New Orleans influence, especially in his lead playing."^[2]