DESCRIPTION:
"Body and Soul"
Music by Johnny Green
Lyrics by Robert Sour and Frank Eyton
Performed by Henry Allen and His Orchestra
Recorded April 29, 1934

Personnel:
Henry Allen - trumpet, vocal
Dicky Wells - trombone
Cecil Scott - clarinet
Chu Berry - tenor saxophone
Horace Henderson - piano
Bernard Addison - guitar
John Kirby - string bass
George Stafford - drums

Of the top 1000 all-time jazz songs this tune is ranked No. 1 by JazzStandards.com. "Body and Soul" was written in 1930 by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, Frank Eyton and Johnny Green. Libby Holman introduced it in the revue Three's a Crowd and was a soundtrack theme in the 1947 film named for the song. "Body and Soul" became a jazz standard, with hundreds of versions performed and recorded by dozens of artists.

Henry "Red" Allen (1908 - 1967) was a noted trumpet star and band leader. His long career started in the late 1920s and lasted until the late 1960s. Though born in Louisiana he played a spirited Harlem style jazz rather than New Orleans style. As youngster Allen played in father's brass band. In 1927 joined famous King Oliver in St. Louis, then went to New York with him. Late 1927-29 back in New Orleans with Fate Marable on riverboats. 1929-1933 was an important period with Luis Russell. His solos attracted attention and his name was sometimes used as band leader. Three important band jobs established him as jazz star: Fletcher Henderson 1933-34, Mills Blue Rhythm Band 1934-36, Louis Armstrong 1937-40. In 1933-37 Allen recorded frequently as leader of small jazz groups, small-band jazz at its best. On most, handled vocals in fine jazz style. Late 1940 Allen formed small band with trombonist J C Higginbotham who remained until 1947. In 1940s and early 1950s Allen had long runs in New York, Boston, Chicago and California. Good front man and entertainer. In early 1954 Allen opened at Metropole in New York, a fabulous run lasting till mid 1965, interrupted occasionally by tours or special jobs including European jaunt with Kid Ory in Late 1959. Later in 1960s Allen toured Europe several times leading groups. Last big job at Jimmy Ryan's in New York 1966. Died of cancer several weeks after return to New York.