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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZALLAN, Johnnie(b John Guillot, 10 March '38, Rayne LA) Cajun rock guitar, singer. Rhythm guitar in local band age 13; changed to steel guitar and joined accordionist Lawrence Walker's band, which split '57; nucleus incl. pianist-fiddler U. J. Meaux (cousin of Huey Meaux) became rock'n'roll outfit the Krazy Kats. Minor hit 'Lonely Days And Lonely Nights' '59 issued on Jin, later on MGM. Next single heavily infl. by Fats Domino: 'Angel Of Love' (Jin/Mercury) with members of Jivin' Gene and Gene Terry bands did well but not well enough. Had been a schoolteacher in Lafayette but led own band from '60; quit teaching '61 to concentrate on music, but regional popularity never broke nationally. Back to college '67, obtained master's degree, became vice- principal of Lafayette's Arcadian Elementary School; gigged locally. Became UK cult hero '74 when Charlie Gillett heard Cajun-tinged cover of Chuck Berry's 'Promised Land', issued it on Oval label to general acclaim. Several albums available on Jin and Swallow; compilation on Ace CD. |