Marshall Allen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marshall Allen |
|
|---|---|
Allen in 2019
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marshall Belford Allen |
| Born | May 25, 1924 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | |
| Labels |
|
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Unit | 92nd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Marshall Belford Allen (born May 25, 1924) is an American jazz musician. He is famous for playing the alto saxophone. He also plays other instruments like the flute, oboe, piccolo, and the EWI.
Marshall Allen is best known for his long work with Sun Ra. He played with Sun Ra's band, The Sun Ra Arkestra, for many years. After Sun Ra passed away in 1993, and then John Gilmore passed away in 1995, Marshall Allen became the leader of The Sun Ra Arkestra. Many people think he is one of the most unique saxophone players of his time.
Contents
Marshall Allen's Early Life and Military Service
Growing Up in Kentucky
Marshall Belford Allen was born on May 25, 1924. His hometown was Louisville, Kentucky.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Marshall Allen joined the United States Army. He was part of the 92nd Infantry Division. This group was also known as the Buffalo Soldiers Division. He was stationed in France during the war. While in Paris, France, he studied how to play the alto saxophone.
Marshall Allen's Music Career
Playing Jazz in Europe
After the war, Marshall Allen stayed in Europe for a while. He played music with other jazz artists there. He performed with jazz pianist Art Simmons. He also played with saxophonist James Moody.
Joining Sun Ra's Arkestra
Marshall Allen is known for his exciting and powerful saxophone playing. He once said he wanted to play music with a "broader sound." He found this opportunity when he joined Sun Ra's band. He played almost only with Sun Ra from 1958 until Sun Ra's death in 1993. He did record a few times with other groups, like Paul Bley's band in 1964. He also played with Olatunji's group in the mid-1960s.
Leading The Sun Ra Arkestra
After Sun Ra passed away, John Gilmore first led the Arkestra. Then, Marshall Allen took over as the bandleader. The Arkestra recorded two albums with Allen as their leader. In May 2004, Marshall Allen celebrated his 80th birthday. He was on stage with the Arkestra at a festival in New York City. He also performed on his birthday in 2008 and 2018 in New York City.
Marshall Allen has also worked with other musicians. He often played with bassist Henry Grimes. He also joined a group called "Innerzone Orchestra." This group played music to honor Sun Ra. He even played the part of an Egyptian god in an opera. The opera was called "The Eighth Hour of Amduat."
Honors and Later Life
Living in the Arkestral Institute
Since 1968, Marshall Allen has lived in a special place. It's called the Arkestral Institute of Sun Ra. It is located in Germantown, Philadelphia. In 2022, this building was recognized as a historic landmark. It was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
Celebrating 100 Years
Marshall Allen turned 100 years old on May 25, 2024. He is a Centenarian, which means he has lived for 100 years or more.
New Music Releases
On October 4, 2024, he released his first song as a solo artist. The song was called "African Sunset." It was from his first solo album, New Dawn. This album was released on February 14, 2025.
Discography
As a Leader
- 1998: Mark–n–Marshall: Monday (CIMP)
- 1998: Mark–n–Marshall: Tuesday (CIMP)
- 2000: PoZest (CIMP)
- 2025: New Dawn (Week-End Records)
