Richard "Pistol" Allen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard "Pistol" Allen
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Howard Richard Allen |
| Born | August 13, 1932 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | June 30, 2002 (aged 69) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1959–2002 |
| Associated acts | The Funk Brothers, Motown Records |
Howard Richard "Pistol" Allen (born August 13, 1932 – died June 30, 2002) was an amazing American musician. He was best known as a super talented drummer for Motown Records. He was part of a legendary group of musicians called The Funk Brothers. They played on many of Motown's biggest hit songs!
The Motown Beatmaker
Richard "Pistol" Allen was the main drummer for Motown Records' own band, The Funk Brothers. This group of musicians played on almost all the hit songs produced by Holland–Dozier–Holland in the 1960s. Imagine playing drums on so many famous tunes!
Hits He Played On
Pistol Allen helped create the beat for many classic songs. Some of these include:
- "Heat Wave" by Martha and the Vandellas
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder
- "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by The Temptations
- "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Baby Love" by The Supremes
- "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye
- "Reach Out I'll Be There" by the Four Tops
His Musical Style
Pistol Allen was inspired by other great drummers like Max Roach and Buddy Rich. He also learned from his fellow Funk Brother, Benny Benjamin. When he played in the studio, he used a special drum kit. It was made from parts by different companies like Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers, and Gretsch. He likely used Zildjian cymbals too.
A Lasting Legacy
Richard Allen was featured in Standing in the Shadows of Motown. This was a 2002 movie about The Funk Brothers. Sadly, Allen passed away from cancer in June 2002 in Detroit, Michigan. He was 69 years old. This was just a few months before the movie was released.
In 2010, Pistol Allen was honored for his amazing work. He was added to the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends online Hall of Fame as a member of The Funk Brothers. His drumming helped shape the sound of Motown music forever!
Discography
With James Carter
- Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge (Warner Bros., 2001 [2004])
