By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — Considered one of the top Black hairdressers in Knoxville for over 40 years, Andrei Allen, known and loved by all as Dr. Dre because of his skill and his love for doing the hair of his people, has died. Dr. Dre passed away on May 22, 2024, at Fort Sanders hospital. His friendly spirit, skills and knowledge of Black hair drew clients from across the city and surrounding counties; people would wait for hours to be able to sit in his chair.
Dr. Dre had a great love for the Lord, his family, and was a huge Luther Van Dross fan. Clients were always sure to find his shop filled with music and laughter. Known for using only the very best products for his clients, sales reps would flock to the shop vying for an opportunity to show him the latest and the best items for Black hair.
Dr. Dre was the first Black stylist to have a shop on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville and lived in the apartment above it for many years before moving his shop to 3910 MLK in the historic Burlington District. Dr. Dre would often travel to New York and other cities to learn the newest hair techniques and would bring back all he learned to the clients he loved so dearly. Known for putting on top of the line hair and fashion shows, Dr. Dre was also an accomplished singer who would often perform at his events.
On Saturday, June 1, a balloon release was held in his honor in front of his shop. Family and friends lined the street and released balloons as people who had stopped and parked up and down MLK blew their horns in a musical libation ceremony choosing to remember the iconic Dr. Andrei Allen.
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