Li'l Joe Allen
Joe Allen, a professional musician and minister wanted to start a place where families could come and enjoy good, clean music. A family affair outing.
Li'l Joe, as he is known is a local, native born Mobilian. He began his musical career about the age of seven playing mandolin and harmonica with his grandfather Jessie Fillingim. He played bluegrass with his cousin Marshall Finningim, and gospel music at age twelve with the Butler Trio.
He began his career at age sixteen at Cottrell's Rose Club with Ray Sawyer (Dr. Hook) in 1958 and 1959. He started his own band, playing local nightclubs in Mobile area until 1960.
Li'l Joe moved to California where he worked with Freddie Hart (Easy Loving), Wynn Stewart, Marty Robbins, Donna Fargo, Bobby Austin, Eddie Dean, Billy Walker, and Johnny Paycheck. He helped to write the songs, Apt. #9, Such A Pretty World Today, and Pretend We're Kids Again.
He returned to Alabama in 1970 to write and record his own music; songs such as Sixteen Miles To Go, Little Boy Happy, Sweet Woman's Love, and We All Must Learn To Lose.
In 1976 he began evangelizing, writing, recording and singing gospel music for churches, music associations, television ministry, and radio and recording productions for local artists. He became a member of Mobile Country Music Association in 2001. There he played piano, also was band director, and filled in on drums, bass, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, steel and lead guitar.
Joe is a musician's musician, engineer, producer, song writer, A&R, as well as radio and television artist. He is also known as Smokey Joe, Little Joe Allen and Li'l Joe. He has played for Happy Wainwright, The Sullivan Family, and many more.
Joe was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer September 11, 2001, the same day of the twin towers bombing. Doctors said he wouldn't make it. The Lord healed him in 2002. His oncologist says he is a walking miracle; that he should be dead by now; but the mass is no longer there. To God be the glory!
His telephone contact is (251) 679-0410