Annisteen Allen

Born as Ernestine Allen, this jazz-tinged blues singer began recording in 1945 and went on to record such songs as "Miss Allen's Blues" and "Love For Sale" as Annisteen Allen. After touring with Lucky Millinder, Big John Greer and Wynonie Harris. In 1951, Federal Records signed the entire Lucky Millinder Orchestra to back Allen on vocals. After moving to Federal's parent, King, in 1953, Allen recorded "Baby I'm Doing It," for which King was sued by Apollo Records for copyright infringement. Dropped by King, Allen signed with Capitol in 1954 and toured with The Orioles and Joe Morris and His Blues Cavalcade. In 1955, Allen had a hit with "Fujiyama Mama," a song that was quickly covered by Eileen Barton and later by Wanda Jackson. Allen died at 71 in 1992.