| Sasha Sierra Allen | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Harlem, New York, USA |
| Genres | Pop, Gospel, R&B, Soul, Jazz |
| Occupations | Singer, Actress, Songwriter |
| Years active | 1997 – Present |
| Associated acts | Hair: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical Babyface Alicia Keys Leona Lewis Christina Aguilera John Legend |
| Website | http://facebook.com/sashaallenmusic |
Sasha Allen (born June 4, 1982 in Harlem, New York) is an American singer and actress with a career in the entertainment industry that spans over 10 years. Allen has made a career as a backing vocalist for the music industry's biggest stars, including Grammy Award winners Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Usher, John Legend, and pop star Leona Lewis.
Sasha played "Dionne" in the Tony Award winning revival of the hit Broadway show "HAIR: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical" at the Al Hirschfield Theatre in New York City, and continued with the original American cast to the Gielgud Theatre on the West End in London.[1] Currently, Sasha is working with acclaimed choreographer and director Bill T. Jones on his new musical "Superfly", produced by renown record executive Tommy Mottola, the Mottola Group, and the Dodgers.
Sasha Allen was educated at LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts in New York. At the age of 14, she was starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind. While in high school, she was featured in commercial and print work, including advertisements in TIME Magazine for AT&T, and a commercial with Michael Jordan.
Her start in the music industry began at 17 when she was signed to Elektra Records, working with producers Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Kanye West) and J. Moss (Karen Clark Sheard, Kiki Sheard). Later, she was signed by Arista Records where LA Reid was president. Failed record contracts caused Sasha to pursue the other avenues of performing, such as acting, to expose her gifts.
Sasha Allen was cast in the cult film Camp, starring as "Dee". The movie, produced by Danny DeVito developed a huge following.[2] Allen was spotlighted on VH1's Born to Diva, a pre-American Idol talent reality TV show highlighting her talent.[3]
Sasha has performed on several world tours and platinum albums, including Christina Aguilera's Back to Basics Tour and DVD (Back to Basics: Live and Down Under),[4] John Legend's album Once Again, and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds' album Playlist. Allen was also the feature vocalist on Babyface's "Playlist" World Tour, singing the classic hit records alongside Babyface that he wrote and produced for Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Madonna, and others. Sasha has also toured with Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and John Legend, performed with Usher and David Bowie, and recorded with Celine Dion. Allen's television work as a vocalist with musical director Rickey Minor garnered her performances with Jessica Simpson, Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Fantasia, Clint Black.
Allen's music showcases her love for rock, soul and R&B. Her first single "Let's Fly Away", was released on July 4, 2008, and the follow-up, a cover of Joan Osbourne's "One Of Us", was released in September 2008. The remix for "Let's Fly Away", produced by Rob Lewis and TrakFire Productions climbed the dance charts, playing on radio and in clubs worldwide.
Sasha Allen resides in New York, with her daughter, Sierra.