Austin Allen (b. 7 February 1901, Sewanee, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, d. 5 January 1959, Williamstown, South Carolina, USA; banjo, guitar, vocals) and his brother Lee Allen (b. William Allen, 1 June 1906, Sewanee, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, d. 24 February 1981, Lebanon, Tennessee, USA; guitar, piano, kazoo, vocals). Affectionately known as the Chattanooga Boys, the brothers established a reputation as one of the most popular brother duet acts of the 20s and early 30s. In 1923, they began touring in the Tennessee-West Virginia area, often playing at remote settlements or mining camps. They carefully collected new songs on their travels with the result that they developed a wider repertoire than most of their fellow acts. They are especially remembered for singing some blues numbers so proficiently that their recordings were wrongly categorized in the "Race" instead of "Hillbilly" series by Columbia Records, for whom they first recorded in 1927. A dispute over this saw them leave the label. Between 1928 and 1932, they recorded for Victor Records and are remembered for songs of topical interest such as "Price Of Cotton Blues" and "Jake Walk Blues". However, of all their recorded output, their Columbia recording of "A New Salty Dog Blues" is probably the best known. In the early 30s, they also appeared in a stage presentation of The Bushwacker. In 1934, they made their final recordings on the ARC label. During their career Austin usually sang lead vocals, with Lee occasionally adding tenor harmonies. However, Lee is perhaps best remembered for his outstanding ability to make a child's toy kazoo sound convincingly like a trumpet. After leaving the music business, both became involved in the construction industry. With the renewed interest in old-time music in the 70s, many of their recordings have reappeared on compilation albums on various labels. Lee was even persuaded to make personal appearances at a few venues, until his death at his home during the 80s.

Listen to The Allen Brothers at Finetune.

• When Someone Wants to Leave

• Andrae Crouch
• Andy Griffith
• BeBe Winans
• Ben Tankard
• Blind Willie Johnson
• Brenda Lee
• CeCe Winans
• Connie Smith
• Della Reese
• Donnie McClurkin
• Doyle Lawson
• Fred Hammond
• Hezekiah Walker
• Howard Hewett
• IIIrd Tyme Out
• Mighty Clouds of Joy
• Paul Robeson
• Roy Rogers
• Sounds Of Blackness
• Stacie Orrico