Bert Allen RIP

Last updated Sunday June 06, 2021 at 01:00:00

Bert Allen
RIP 02/06/21

It is a sad task for me to report the death of my very close friend and jazz vocalist, Bertram (Bert) Allen, yesterday morning..2 JUNE 2021 after an illness of a few months. In his last weeks, Bert was in the tender care of his friend Christine who assures me that he slipped away peacefully in the company of his two sons and his friend, the vicar of his church.

In view of current restrictions, the funeral, not yet dated, is likely to be a small, family event but the two sons have asked me to invite a few musicians who frequently gigged with BERT.

Should restrictions suddenly change, normal customs will apply.

Bert sang with all the names in Manchester, notably the Saints, Smoky City, Harlem Hot Stompers, Pete Hasam's Collegians. Between us he and I ran The Taverners and the Howard Allen Band..or was it the Allen Howard band, based in Blackley.

Bert also 'depped' when bands needed a vocalist.

Missed and remembered on Manchester's Jazz circuit.

Howard Murray

Article courtesy Rochdale on Line

Dixie Landers
Date published: 12 June 2008

The Howard Allen Dixie Landers takes its name from vocalist and leader Bert Allen and reedsman Howard Murray, and play entertaining happy music, to keep the toes tapping. ..............

Some superb pieces in set two presented vocals by Allen with “Sweet Sue” backed by piano and sax and “Black and blue” featuring piano intro and Billy Edward’s Trumpet drifting from mutes to driving whilst Howard Murray’s sax travels in the opposite direction – Magnificent.

............ and to finish the evening, the gang blasting out with Bert Allen vocalizing “I double dare you” into the cold night air.

Dixie Landers
The Broadfield Hotel
Sunday 14 January 2007

04/06/21 -

R.I.P Bert.

Moe Green

04/06/21 -

A truly lovely man and a fine singer, with a very easy way with his audiences.

RIP Bert

Roger Browne

04/06/21 -

Sorry to hear the sad news. Bert was a good vocalist with whom I had the pleasure to play alongside on a few occasions. I haven’t seen him for many years; there are so many now leaving the stage without the opportunity of taking an encore during these troublesome times.

Best wishes to all who associated with him. Including those that remain from the Pete “Haslam’s” Collegians. Keep well,

Barry Aldous

06/06/21 -

Very sorry to hear about Bert. Smashing chap, who liked to sing what Louis called the good old good ones.

He use to pop in regularly to The Crown on Blackfriars Street for a sing in the 70's, and in later years Delph Band Club with the late Dennis Gilmore.

Dave Donohoe