DEXTER ALLEN
Dexter Allen, born in Crystal Springs, MS. the son of musical Pastors Lee and Ruthie Allen, was raised on a farm and grew up understanding that life can still be wholesome with only the bare necessities. Dexter began playing the bass guitar at the age of 12 for his father's gospel group traveling around the central Mississippi area. His father was also the member of the gospel group The Christian Travelers and Allen began playing bass guitar for the group at age 12. Other groups he played for at that time include The Dixon Singers and The Robinson Brotherhood. His sweet blend of Blues, R&B, Soul and Funk landed him a deal in 1995 when he teamed up with Airtight Records, a local independent label, to share his musical and writing talents. He caught the eye of living blues legend Bobby Rush who made him the lead guitarist in his worldwide touring band. While in Rush's band, Allen was exposed to what blues has to offer worldwide. The experience gave him a chance to travel and perform internationally for hundreds of thousands of blues fans, and to learn what it took to succeed in the blues music industry. Dexter's unique style landed him the 2008 Jackson, Mississippi Music Award for Male Vocalist of the year. Earlier in 2008,he put out his first CD where he plays guitar, bass, keyboards and sings. It was at this point when Allen decided to strike out on his own and record his first album entitled Bluezin My Way an album with themes such as love, lust and deception. He was awarded for his efforts once again with the 2009 Jackson Music Award for Entertainer of the Year. In 2011 Dexter released his 2nd CD titled Bluezin for Life, going back to his roots with a host of deep Mississippi blues originals. In 2013 Dexter was cast in the James Brown movie "Get On Up" where he played one of Mr. Brown's musicians. Over the years Dexter has developed a passionate, driving guitar style in the vein of Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. In 2014 Dexter was signed to Deep Rush Records, the label of icon Bobby Rush, where he released the CD titled "Bluez Of My Soul" that made many chart appearances worldwide. In 2015 Dexter released another CD on the Deep Rush label titled "Trilogy Of My Bluesî which continues to sell worldwide and delight fans all across the globe. His live show at the Ground Zero Blues Club takes a page out of a classic old blues show, carrying on a custom that traces back to 1920s Delta pioneer Charley Patton: good, old-fashioned showmanship that makes people want to be in Dexter's presence. After being inducted into the Mississippi Artist Roster, Allen now provides workshops through the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame in area schools and works with children with autism in summer programs in order to continue promoting heritage blues music. |