SUMNER COUNTY CELEBRATES MUSICAL HERITAGE WITH UNVEILING OF NEW “TENNESSEE MUSIC PATHWAYS” MARKER FOR BILL "HOSS" ALLEN

WHAT:

Sumner County and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development will honor the county’s rich musical heritage with the installation of a new Tennessee Music Pathways (TMP) marker recognizing rhythm and blues and gospel disc jockey, Bill Allen, known as "Hoss" or "Hossman." The Tennessee Music Pathways launched in 2018 to recognize the significant impact music holds statewide. At the marker reveal, hear from state and local leaders about the importance of this commemoration.

WHO:

Photo and interview opportunities include the following invited guests:

• Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
• Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown

WHEN:

Monday, April 5 at 12:30 p.m. CST

WHERE:

12:30 p.m. - Bledsoe's Fort Historical Park: Bill "Hoss" Allen TMP Marker (Family will be in attendance)
2923 Hartsville Pike, Castalian Springs, TN 37031

*Masks required and attendance limited. Media must RSVP in advance by calling (615)230-8474 or by emailing katie@visitsumnertn.com.

OTHER:

Pioneering rhythm and blues (R&B) and gospel disc jockey Bill "Hoss" Allen worked in radio for more than 40 years. During the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, Allen's nightly shows on WLAC Nashville played a pivotal role in broadcasting the base of R&B and soul music. Allen helped launch artists James Brown and Otis Redding, and several artists cited Allen's influence including Bob Seger, The Band, and Waylon Jennings. He also created a television series, "The !!!! Beat," featuring many of the top R&B stars of the 1960s: Etta James, Freddie King, Percy Sledge, and more. Later, Allen hosted a long-running gospel radio show. Allen passed away on February 25, 1997. In 1994, Allen, together with two other pioneering WLAC disc jockeys were inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. In 2010, Allen was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

Launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in 2018, Tennessee Music Pathways is an online planning guide that connects visitors to the state's rich musical heritage at tnmusicpathways.com. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, Tennessee Music Pathways stretches across all 95 counties and features hundreds of landmarks from the seven genres of music that call Tennessee home.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Katie Funderburk, Sumner County Tourism
katie@visitsumnertn.com or 615-230-8474

Amanda Murphy, Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development
amanda.murphy@tn.gov or 615-927-6081

EDITORS NOTE: Join the conversation on social using #TNmusicpathways and tag @VisitSumnerTN and @TNvacation