Mose Allison (b.1927) is a U.S. jazz pianist and singer. He was born John Mose Allison. Jr., on 11th November 1927 in Tippo, Tallahatchie County, in the Mississippi Delta. ...show more

Mose Allison (b.1927) is a U.S. jazz pianist and singer. He was born John Mose Allison. Jr., on 11th November 1927 in Tippo, Tallahatchie County, in the Mississippi Delta.

He played piano in grammar school and trumpet in high school. He went to college at the University of Mississippi and Louisiana State University. He received a B.A. in English with a minor in Philosophy.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he moved to New York City and launched his music career. Allison's first exposure to blues on record was through Louis Jordan recordings, including "Outskirts of Town" and "Pinetop Blues". Allison credits Jordan as being a major influence on him, and also cites as influences Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, and Fats Waller. ...show less