Allen, Steve (originally Stephen Valentine Patrick William)
Allen, Steve (originally Stephen Valentine Patrick William)
Allen, Steve (originally Stephen Valentine Patrick William), popular pianist, songwriter, comedian; b. N.Y., Dec. 16, 1921; d. Oct. 30, 2000. Allen is a capable musician and a very witty man. He was responsible for showcasing many important jazz artists on his NBC programs. These performers included Art Tatum (with whom he played a duet) twice, and the first appearances of Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis (with John Coltrane). These 1955 programs only survive as audio. Allen always treated the musicians respectfully and made a point to try and educate the viewing audience about jazz and improvisation. He also produced the television series Jazz Scene between 1960 and 1962 (some of which are available on home video). Allen produced an instructional video on playing jazz piano and also appeared in the Benny Goodman Story film.
Discography
The Discovery of Buck Hammer (1957); The Wild Piano of Mary Anne Jackson (1959); S.A. Plays Jazz Tonight (1982).
—Lewis Porter