Allen exhibited musical talent at an early age, picking out melodies on the mandolin when he was five years old and playing the fiddle on a local radio program in nearby College Station shortly thereafter.

Allen had become an avid listener of Houston’s two African-American radio stations, KCOH and KYOK, and the rhythm and blues they both played, music that had not generally been available to him growing up in Franklin.

[6] The label was primarily known for its roster of Texas psychedelic rock bands, including the 13th Floor Elevators, Bubble Puppy and the Red Krayola.

[8] Due to a lack of promotion and distribution along with other factors relating to IA’s impending bankruptcy, Color Blind was not a success at the time.

His daily use of terpin hydrate elixir with codeine (until such time as it was no longer available over the counter), alcohol and tobacco exacerbated his mental condition and compromised his physical health.

In 1979, Rock-a-Billy Productions of Lafayette, Louisiana compiled all ten of Allen’s Jin singles into a vinyl LP entitled Southern Rock ‘n’ Roll of the ’60s.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Allen’s Jin singles began to appear on swamp pop anthologies by Ace Records on compact disc.

In November 2010, Snapper Music issued a deluxe, limited edition of Color Blind, its first-ever release on compact disc.