Shamarr Allen

Biography

Shamarr Allen, born and raised in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, was immersed in the city’s vibrant musical culture from a young age. His father, a saxophonist, was his first music teacher, and by age seven, Allen was already learning the fundamentals of music. He played in both concert and marching bands throughout his school years, often serving as section leader, and attended the prestigious Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, where he studied under renowned jazz educators such as Edward 'Kidd' Jordan, Clyde Kerr Jr., Herlin Riley, and Alvin Batiste. By age 13, he was performing with the Pittsburgh University Orchestra, and at 16, he appeared at Carnegie Hall with the Mahogany Brass Band.[2]

Allen began his professional career as a street musician in the French Quarter, performing with Tuba Fats and quickly becoming involved with legendary New Orleans brass bands like Hot 8 Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Lil’ Rascals, and Treme. He later formed his own group, Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs, where he serves as lead vocalist and trumpeter. Allen’s genre-defying approach blends jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk, blues, country, and New Orleans bounce, a style showcased on albums such as 'Bandhead.' He is also a composer, writer, and producer, and has collaborated with major artists including Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Harry Connick Jr., Lenny Kravitz, and Galactic.[1][4]

Known for his electrifying stage presence and boundary-pushing sound, Allen has become a global ambassador for New Orleans music. He has performed at major festivals worldwide, toured as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, and is recognized for his commitment to music education, running weekly clinics for young musicians in New Orleans. His innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, along with his dedication to community and mentorship, cements his legacy as a leading figure in modern New Orleans music.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Shamarr Allen performed the national anthem for President Barack Obama in 2009.
• He served as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, touring Africa and Central Asia with his band The Underdawgs between 2011 and 2015.
• Allen is known for his genre-blending style, which he calls 'hip-rock,' fusing jazz, hip-hop, rock, and New Orleans bounce.
• He often plays multiple instruments on his own recordings, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Edward 'Kidd' Jordan - Jazz educator and mentor at Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp (Jazz camp instruction) [1990s]
• Clyde Kerr Jr. - Jazz educator and mentor at Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp (Jazz camp instruction) [1990s]
• HERLIN_RILEY - Jazz educator and mentor at Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp (Jazz camp instruction) [1990s]
• Alvin Batiste - Jazz educator and mentor at Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp (Jazz camp instruction) [1990s]
• Leroy Jones - Mentor and influential New Orleans jazz trumpeter (Guidance and performance mentorship) [1990s]
• Joe Torregano - Mentor and New Orleans jazz musician (Guidance and performance mentorship) [1990s]
• Bob French - Mentor and New Orleans jazz drummer/bandleader (Guidance and performance mentorship) [1990s]
• Tim Green - Mentor and New Orleans jazz musician (Guidance and performance mentorship) [1990s]
• Yvette Best - Elementary and private music instructor, flautist for North Dakota Philharmonic (Early music instruction) [1980s-1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Willie_Nelson - Collaborated as guest artist (Live performances and recording sessions) [2000s-2010s]
• Patti LaBelle - Collaborated as guest artist (Live performances and recording sessions) [2000s-2010s]
• Harry_Connick_Jr - Collaborated as guest artist (Live performances and recording sessions) [2000s-2010s]
• Lenny Kravitz - Collaborated as guest artist (Live performances and recording sessions) [2000s-2010s]
• Galactic - Touring member and collaborator (Touring and live performances) [2020s]
• Hot 8 Brass Band - Band member and collaborator (Live performances and recordings) [1990s-2000s]
• Rebirth_Brass_Band - Band member and collaborator (Live performances and recordings) [1990s-2000s]
• Lil' Rascals Brass Band - Band member and collaborator (Live performances and recordings) [1990s-2000s]
• Treme Brass Band - Band member and collaborator (Live performances and recordings) [1990s-2000s]
• The Underdawgs - Founder, lead vocalist, trumpeter, and bandleader (Albums including 'Bandhead', live performances) [2000s-present]
• DJ DNA504 - Collaborator on New Orleans bounce tracks (Track: 'Hit the Sean Payton') [2020s]
• Kermit Ruffins - Collaborator on recordings (Track: 'Meet Me On Frenchmen Street') [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Various New Orleans youth musicians - Mentor and educator through weekly music clinics at Sound Café (Music education and mentorship) [2000s-present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I'm On It (Timeless, Vol. 2)
2. Meet Me On Frenchmen Street - Feat. Kermit Ruffins (Meet Me On Frenchmen Street)
3. Hit the Sean Payton (feat. DJ Dna504) (Hit the Sean Payton (feat. DJ DNA504))
4. Weekend Dance (True Orleans)
5. Ruin My Day (True Orleans)
6. Dance With Me (Dance With Me)
7. Saints Medley (Meet Me On Frenchmen Street)
8. Greatest Place in the World (True Orleans)
9. Throw Me Something (Throw Me Something)
10. Weekend Dance #2 (Sugar)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia- MusicBrainz