Moses Allen | |
---|---|
Born | July 30, 1907 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Died | February 2, 1983 (aged 75–76) New York City, New York, U.S. |
Genres | Jazz |
Instrument(s) | Double bass, bass guitar, tuba |
Moses Allen (July 30, 1907 – February 2, 1983) was an American jazz bassist.
Allen began professionally playing music in 1927 after he joined Jimmie Lunceford's band, where he played the tuba.[1] He switched to bass in 1932, remaining with Lunceford's orchestra until 1942.[2] Allen's bass playing was a key element in the highly-influential Lunceford ensemble.[3] Allen was also an early experimenter with the electric bass.[3] Among his best-known recordings with Lunceford is the tune "In Dat Mornin'".
After leaving Lunceford's orchestra, Allen opened a music store in New York City, playing occasional gigs until the 1960s. Allen died in New York City in 1983.