Blind Dog Radio

Johnnie Allan

John Allan Guillot, b. March 10, 1938 in Rayne, LA. Allan was raised in a sharecropping family, speaking both English and French. His great-uncle, Joe Falcon, made one of the first Cajun records, 'Allons A Lafayette'. From the age of 13, he was playing rhythm guitar and steel guitar in local bands. In 1958 and as part of the Krazy Kats, Allan had regional hits with 'Lonely Days, Lonely Nights' and 'Angel Of Love'. Allan, who qualified as a teacher, divided his time between music and teaching in Lafayette. 'South To Louisiana', a regional version of Johnny Horton's 'North To Alaska', was a successful solo single. Allan also made a single, 'Somewhere On Skid Row', with 'Promised Land' on the b-side, for Jin Records of Ville Patte, Louisiana. In 1972 Charlie Gillett, looking for releases for his new UK label, Oval, delighted in the fast and furious Cajun treatment of Chuck Berry's song, and 'Promised Land' became a UK single. Sadly, another cover version by Elvis Presley put paid to its chances. Allan is revered by the UK rock 'n' roll fraternity and has made successful appearances in the UK.