Beat, The!!!!

1 9 6 6 (USA)
26 x 30 minute episodes

Hosted by the Nashville-based WLAC disc jockey Bill ‘Hoss’ Allen and presented from a single studio set, The !!!! Beat featured a nine-piece house band – The Beat Boys, led by guitar wizard Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown and featuring Freeman Brown on drums and Dave “Flathead” Newman on tenor sax – and resident vocal trio, Frank Howard and the Commanders.

The short-lived syndicated show leaned towards R&B, blues and soul, showcasing black artists like Etta James, Otis Redding, Little Milton, Esther Phillips, Joe Tex, Carla Thomas, Freddie King, Lou Rawls, Bobby Hebb, Willie Mitchell, The Bar-Kays, Percy Sledge, Garnet Mimms, and Sam & Dave.

Allen (pictured) died on 25 February 1997, aged 74.

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