Gene “Groove” Allen, a genius musician, faithful dad, and one of the cultural icons, died on October 15, 2023, at the age of 68. Groove is famous for his extraordinary talent and magnetic energy.
He died peacefully in his home in New Orleans, Louisiana, after a very short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Gene Allen was not just a musician. He was an emotional magician and an artistic storyteller. He worked with a saxophone and has earned his own peculiar and unforgettable portfolio consisting of jazz, funk, soul, and blues sounds into the pantheon of musical greats.
During his illustrious career of over five decades, he worked with great artists and traveled around the globe.
Gene “Groove” Allen Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Gene Allen was born on March 22, 1955, in the heart of New Orleans. His father, Clarence Allen, played trumpet among other things locally respected, while his mother, Evelyn Allen, directed a choir at their Baptist church.
When he was 10, Gene “Groove” Allen received his first saxophone as a birthday present from both parents. Throughout his early teen years, he took to the local clubs, street festivals, and church events, where everyone called him “Groove” because he could put his soul into every melody and was endowed with the rhythm.
By the end of high school, St. Augustine High School, he was already very much known in his local area. Gene traveled to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was to study under some of the most accomplished jazz educators of his time in pursuit of excellence.
Gene “Groove” Allen’s Career from Local Prodigy to Global Icon
In the late 1970s, Professor Gene “Groove” Allen saw his career take off, working as the lead saxophone player for the funk band, Soul Horizon. The very first album for Soul Horizon, City Lights, offered one show-stopping performance after another by Gene and was to be an instant classic.
Gene made music with his idol-legend: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Herbie Hancock, etc during the 1980s and 1990s. His work in the albums Hotter Than July – by Stevie Wonder – and Jump to It – by Aretha Franklin shows how much of a versatile musician he was.
In 1992, Gene launched his solo career, fusing the genres of jazz, funk, and soul in the release of his album Groove Theory. The album won him a Grammy Award.
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He followed this with Midnight Blue in 1995 and Soul Ascension in 2001, thus battering the last nails into his coffin as a solo artist. The live performance was where Gene soared, with fans declaring his concerts spiritual experiences where breath is stolen.
With three Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America, and induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Gene has made an indelible mark in the music world.
Gene “Groove” Allen’s Wife and Family
Gene Allen is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Allen, whom he met in college and often called his “anchor and muse.” Allen and Linda raised three children: Marcus Allen, a renowned music producer; Danielle Allen-Smith, a dedicated teacher; and Sophia Allen, an emerging jazz vocalist.
Gene was also a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren: Jamal, 12; Lila, 9; Elijah, 7; Maya, 5; and Noah, 3.
Gene “Groove” Allen Net Worth
Prior to his death, the wealth of Gene “Groove” Allen was estimated to have hit $12 million, a tribute to his successful career, smart investments, and business ventures, such as a range of signature saxophones and a music production company.
The fact is, Gene never boasted about wealth. He rather spent that wealth in uplifting others and the community he came from. A true music education advocate, Gene believed every child had a right to discover their potential creativity.
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In 2005, he founded the Groove Allen Foundation, which eventually became a nonprofit organization that extended financial scholarships and provided musical instruments and mentorship to disadvantaged youth in society. He has encouraged more than 5,000 emerging musicians in their dreams through the foundation.
Besides the foundation activities, Gene involved himself in a host of other charitable activities initiatives tackling prevention against homelessness to mental health awareness and disaster relief efforts that arose following Hurricane Katrina. He had no limits to his giving; touching the lives of many in his charitable ventures.
Tributes Pour In
Following the news of Gene’s passing, tributes from fellow musicians, fans, and public figures flooded social media. Stevie Wonder wrote, “Gene was a true artist and a beautiful soul.
His music touched the hearts of millions, and his friendship touched mine. The world has lost a legend.” Aretha Franklin’s family shared, “Gene’s talent was unmatched, but it was his kindness and humility that made him truly special. He will be deeply missed.”
