TRANSCRIPT:
I'm Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Mose Allison was an influential jazz and blues pianist, singer, and songwriter known for his witty lyrics and distinctive blend of jazz, blues, and Southern roots music. Born in Mississippi, Allison gained recognition in the 1950s and ’60s with songs like Your Mind Is on Vacation. His unique style—marked by a laid-back vocal delivery—left a lasting impact on artists across genres, from rock legends like The Who and Van Morrison to jazz greats.
Later in life, Allison made his home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he continued to perform and compose. His music, filled with sharp social commentary and humor, remains a testament to his originality. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006, Mose Allison passed away in 2016, but his music lives on.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina