- He picked cotton as a child, and started taking piano lessons in the first grade.
- Born in Mississippi, he eventually moved to New York and worked as a sideman for such jazz legends as Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan. He recorded his first album, "Back Country Suite," the first of over 30 albums.
- He attended the University of Mississippi for a year, then enlisted in the military and played in the Army band. After returning to "Ole Miss" for a short time, he formed a trio and went out on the road. He completed college at Louisiana State University, where he graduated in 1952 with a degree in English and philosophy.
- Father of singer-songwriter Amy Allison.
- He was a pianist and singer whose style was a unique blend of boogie-woogie blues, jazz and country. His music has been covered by Van Morrison, The Who, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, The Yardbirds and The Clash.
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