Richard "Pistol" Allen

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Richard "Pistol" Allen (born 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee, died 2002 in Detroit, Michigan) is an African-American musician. Allen was the primary recording session drummer for Motown Records' in-house Funk Brothers band on most of Holland-Dozier and Holland's hit productions of the 1960s. Hits for which Allen played the drums include "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave" by Martha & the Vandellas, "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by The Temptations, and "Reach Out I'll Be There" by the Four Tops.

Allen's influences included Max Roach, Buddy Rich, and fellow Funk Brother Benny Benjamin. He played a studio set comprised of Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers and Gretsch components.

[edit] References

• Justman, Paul (Director). (2002) Standing in the Shadows of Motown [Motion picture]. New York: Artisan Entertainment.