Ricky Allen

Born on 6 January 1935 in Nashville, Tennessee, R&B vocalist Allen embodied the hybrid approach later termed soul-blues years before the category existed. His approach grew directly out of early immersion in both gospel settings and blues environments. He first sang in church choirs around his hometown, then relocated to Chicago in 1958 and quickly absorbed the West Side blues circuit. In 1961 he cut his initial sides for Mel London’s Age imprint, scoring a regional success with the up-tempo “You Better Be Sure,” whose rock ’n’ roll energy distinguished it from straight blues. National recognition arrived in 1963 via “Cut You A-Loose,” which reached number 20 on the R&B chart and showcased Allen’s gripping soul-blues delivery riding an insistent, organ-centered pulse. Additional local successes followed with “It’s A Mess I Tell You” in 1966 and “I Can’t Stand No Signifying” in 1967, after which he stepped away from recording in the early 1970s.