Mose Allison, a renowned jazz pianist, was born in Tippo, Mississippi, in the year 1927, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would span over seven decades. As a child, Allison was introduced to the piano, which would become his primary instrument, in the Mississippi Delta. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future success.
As he grew older, Allison's passion for music only intensified, and he decided to enlist in the army, where he had the opportunity to play with the Army Band. This experience not only honed his skills as a musician but also provided him with a sense of discipline and structure.
After his discharge from the army, Allison attended Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1950. This academic achievement not only demonstrated his intellectual prowess but also showcased his versatility as a individual.
In 1956, Allison made the bold decision to relocate to New York City, driven by his desire to pursue a career as a professional musician. This move proved to be a pivotal moment in his life, as he was soon playing alongside some of the most talented jazz musicians of the time, including Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, and Stan Getz.
Throughout his career, Allison recorded albums for a variety of labels, including Prestige, Columbia, and Atlantic, where he remained for an impressive 16 years. In 1978, he left Atlantic and signed with Elektra in 1982, releasing two albums before joining Blue Note-Capitol Records.
Mose Allison's impressive career was marked by his unique ability to seamlessly blend the genres of jazz and blues, resulting in over 30 albums that showcased his incredible talent. His passing on November 15, 2016, at his home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, was a significant loss to the music world, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.
