A biography of jazz trumpeter and singer, Henry "Red" Allen, long regarded as Louis Armstrong's chief rival. As a close friend of Allen's, John Chilton brings to light various aspects of Allen's personality, as well as analyzing his recordings. The intriguing contrast between Allen's spectacular showmanship and his off-stage reticence is dealt with, and details of his early life in New Orleans and on the Mississippi riverboats are covered. The book also discusses Allen's work with King Oliver, Luis Russell, Fletcher Henderson, Kid Ory and Louis Armstrong.