About Pete Allen (musician)
Pete Allen (born 23 November 1954) is an English Dixieland jazz clarinettist, alto and soprano saxophonist, banjo, bandleader, and vocalist. He has appeared in television and radio shows, both with his band and as a solo act. He has worked with Peanuts Hucko, Bud Freeman, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, Billy Butterfield, Barrett Deems, Jack Lesberg, and Kenny Ball. == Biography == === Early life === The only child of Bernard and June Allen, Pete Allen was born in Newbury, Berkshire, England, educated at Winchcombe primary and junior schools, then Downs School at Compton. At Downs he was taught music by Don Paxton, who gave him a grounding in classical music. === Career === Allen became interested in music while at school when he started to play clarinet with his father's band. Bernie Allen had formed a trio with organ, drums and himself on banjo, known as Pete Giles and his Merry Men. After a brief career as a P.C. in Thames Valley Police Force, Allen joined Rod Mason's Jazz Band in 1976. The band's line-up was Rod Mason (trumpet), Chris Haskins (bass), Jimmy Garforth (drums), Johnny Withers (banjo), Pete Allen (clarinet and saxophone) and Roger Marks (trombone). Allen formed his band in October 1978 with Janusz Carmello (trumpet), John Armatage (drums), Campbell Burnap (trombone), Bernie Allen (banjo) and Tony Bagot (bass).
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.