Tommie Allen had a passion for basketball and a passion for music and he excelled at both. Thomas Albert Allen, affectionately known as “Tommie,” was born in Brooklyn, NY, the fourth of five children. At an early age, he developed a passion for basketball, which led to his being the seventh highest scorer in Canarsie High School’s history. At 14, he and his friends became members of the Ditmas All Stars Basketball Club under the leadership of Coach Ted Gustus, who became his mentor. After graduation, he secured a summer internship at the New York Stock Exchange where he was required to dress professionally, leading to another passion for fashion.
His superior baller skills led to a full basketball scholarship to C.W. Post College, where he earned a B.S. in business. While there he deejayed at SUNY Old Westbury, Hofstra, Adelphi, Stonybrook and at Club Spectrum in Long Island where the “Tommie Allen” brand solidified. From there, Allen soared, becoming a world-renowned DJ and promoter who was booked months in advance. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Allen earned a Master’s in Education from Long Island University. He then went back to Canarsie to teach, becoming the Dean of Students and the head basketball coach.
After Canarsie closed in 2011, Allen joined Eagle Academy as their basketball coach until his retirement in 2018. His work premiered on 91.5 WNYE, 98.7 Kiss FM, and The Dougie Fresh Show on 107.5 WBLS. He became a fixture at Pulse Nightclub, Club Savage, Club Elite, Rose Castle, Trafalgar Square, Amazura, Tabu, Metropolis, The Roxy and Manhattan Proper.
Allen, who rocked the turntable for 40 years, deejayed for One Hundred Black Men, The Links, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, and the NBA. Internationally, Allen played music in Jamaica, Aruba, The Bahamas, and The Dominican Republic. He was on Rhythm and Soul Radio for many years, and on iSoul Radio until his passing. Thomas Albert Allen died Feb. 9 at the age of 57.
Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Tommie Allen so others don’t forget.
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