Bill Allen, a Gallatin-based disc jockey who helped to popularize soul and gospel music, has been featured in the Tennessee Music Pathways program, recognizing his connection to the state’s music heritage.
The online program maps out locations related to Tennessee’s music history. It allows people to sort based on genres of music, areas, or types of buildings, encouraging tourism from both inside and outside the state.
Allen began broadcasting at Gallatin station WHIN in 1949 before handling the night shifts at Nashville’s WLAC in 1955. As part of WLAC, Allen’s broadcasts were heard across the continent, and helped to introduce artists like James Brown, Otis Redding and Etta James to listeners. Allen was also a producer at Chess Records and hosted the music television show The !!!!! Beat. He returned to Gallatin in 1980 to host a gospel show, and passed away in 1993.
As part of the program, there will be a physical signpost located in Castalian Springs. The marker, which includes a detailed description of Allen’s achievements, was erected in a ceremony that included Allen’s daughter Bebe Evans and Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown, who grew up listening to his show. Items like markers and banner printing can help to both remember the past and create locations for people to visit. Gallatin was also featured on the Pathways program through the Gallatin Memory Gardens, the burial site of Thomas C. Cutrer.
The unveiling of the marker took place last month, and it can now be found located near the Rogan Cottage at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park in Castalian Springs.
