Rochester Jazz Icon and Photographer Jim Allen Dies at 93

Editor's note: This article was updated 5/28/25 to include funeral arrangements.

Jim Allen, a revered jazz drummer, photographer, and retired educator whose career spanned decades and whose work captured the essence of Rochester’s golden era of jazz, died early Monday morning. He was 93.

Jim Allen 2/26/32 - 5/26/25 - Photo by Nate Rawls

Allen’s passing marks the end of an era for Rochester’s arts and music community, where he was celebrated not only for his rhythmic talents behind the drum kit but also for his evocative black-and-white photography, which documented the lives and performances of jazz greats.

From the 1950s through the early 1970s, Allen played weekly jam sessions at the legendary Pythodd Club alongside icons such as Kenny Burrell, Jack McDuff, Johnny Griffin, Dexter Gordon, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. “Those were glorious and wonderful years,” Allen once said, reflecting on the relationships he formed during that time.

When Allen turned to photography in 1987, his musical roots remained central to his work. He developed a signature style, favoring black-and-white imagery to capture the emotional depth and spontaneity of live jazz performances. He avoided using flash, believing it disrupted the connection between musician and moment.

His photographs were exhibited at prestigious venues including the George Eastman Museum, Rochester City Hall’s Link Gallery, and the Cleveland Fine Art Expo, where he was named Featured Artist of the Year. His work also appeared on the covers and pages of Down Beat, FI: The Magazine of Music & Sound, and About...Time, as well as several album jackets.

Renowned jazz photographer Herman Leonard once praised Allen’s work in a letter, writing: “Your calendar is excellent! Considering you only started in 1987, you’ve leapfrogged into greatness in a very short time.”

Allen’s legacy also includes contributions to education and community service. A graduate of SUNY Brockport and the University at Buffalo—where he was a Rockefeller Fellow—he spent part of his life as an educator and mentor in the Rochester City School District. He donated artwork to support student scholarships and participated in community-based projects, including with the Health Association of Rochester.

His photographs are part of the permanent collections of prominent figures in the jazz and music industries, including Blue Note Records executive Bruce Lundvall, saxophonist David Sanborn, and drummer Roy McCurdy.

Allen is remembered as a generous spirit and devoted family man. His son-in-law Tim Wicks—a saxophonist, songwriter, and producer—described Allen as “a great inspiration” who supported his music career and even encouraged him to earn his master’s degree in music. “He had a giving heart and was always full of encouragement,” Wicks said. “When I was sick, he traveled by train just to be there. He even let me borrow his car to take Denise [Allen’s daughter] out on a date when we first met.”

“Jim’s legacy in Rochester goes way back. He was truly a Rochester legend,” said Curtis Kendrick, a local drummer, producer, and singer who co-founded the world-renowned contemporary jazz band Cabo Frio. “I’m sad to hear this news. He was just a great guy. He was always a big supporter and always told me to keep pursuing my dreams.”

Musician and trumpet player Nate Rawls of the Nate Rawls Jazz Band echoed Kendrick’s sentiment. “Jim was just a great guy,” Rawls said. “He was a wonderful drummer—a lot of people didn't really know that. He played around Rochester and later pursued photography… Rochester has lost a legend.”

“This is sad news,” said retired journalist Joan Coles Howard, who ran the Frederick Douglass Voice newspaper. “I’ve known Jim for years. He was a remarkable man. His life and contributions to the Rochester community should be remembered and celebrated for years to come.”

Jim took photos for the Frederick Douglass Voice and had a feature where community members could address their opinions on various local and national issues.

He recorded every Clarissa Street Reunion that we’ve had. He’d come, sit, talk and mingle with everyone, while taking pictures of the people that used to live in the Clarissa St/third ward area, as well as people who had moved from Rochester,” remembers Jean Harris-Hymes, member of the Clarissa Street Reunion planning team.

“We’re really going to miss Mr. Allen walking around with his camera.”

“He could talk to anyone,” Wicks recalled. “He taught me how to open up, how to ‘play the game.’ He inspired me in ways I can never repay.”

Allen is survived by his former wife, Yvonne Allen; two daughters, Denise and Tracy (Keith Pendelton); and a granddaughter, Lauryn Vaughn.

Funeral Arrangements:

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Memorial AME Zion Church, 549 Clarissa Street, Rochester, NY 14608

Wake 10am-12pm, Funeral Service 12pm.