Ride, Red, Ride The Life of Henry 'Red' Allen [Paperback]

This is the first biography of 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. Whereas Armstrong made many best-selling records, Allen never achieved hit parade success but gradually built up a durable international following--today, dozens of his CDs are widely available. As a close friend, Chilton reveals Allen's personality, as well as analyzing his magnificent recordings. The intriguing contrast between Allen's spectacular performance showmanship and his off-stage reticence is dealt with, and fascinating details of Allen's early life in New Orleans and on the Mississippi riverboats are brought to life. Allen's popularity has increased each year since his death in 1967; his latter day tours of Europe are still regarded as being among the most successful by any visiting jazz musician. The background details of all the periods of Allen's varied career are dealt with, including his work with King Oliver, Luis Russell, Fletcher Henderson, Kid Ory, and Louis Armstrong. The book also contains a selected discography.

Acknowledgements
1. New Orleans Joys
2. A Trip to the North
3. Riverboat Days
4. A Musical Furnace
5. Star Soloist
6. The Blueprints of Swing
7. The Great Understudy
8. Bold Bandleader
9. Super Showman
10. Metropole Magic
11. European Debut
12. Four's Company
13. Triumphant Tours
14. A Valiant Farewell
Notes
Selected Discography
Index