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Slain Lakeland Man Remembered For Music And More

Photo from family friend

'Local musicians knew him; everybody knew him,' said Zoraida Colon of Lakeland, who wrote music with Ernest Allen Jr.

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By KRISTA KLAUS | News Channel 8

Published: December 31, 2008

LAKELAND - When Ernest Allen Jr. was killed outside his auto repair shop Monday, the Lakeland community lost more than a trusted businessman.

The city's jazz scene insiders are mourning a beloved musician.

"Local musicians knew him; everybody knew him," said Zoraida Colon of Lakeland, who wrote music with Allen and jammed with him at his auto shop. "He was so good at blues and jazz and funk, and he loved it."

Colon said they appeared together on a float in the city's annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade and credits Allen, a guitar player, with creating her stage name, The Lady Z.

"He gave me that name. He started calling me The Lady Z when we played together," Colon said, breaking down in tears outside the shop, Ernest Jr. Paint & Body Shop, 1031 N. Lincoln Ave.

Officers found Allen at the auto shop at 1031 N. Lincoln Ave. about 10:15 p.m. Monday. He had been working on a vehicle when a gunman demanded money, and when Allen didn't respond quickly enough, the man shot him, police said. Allen died about 11 p.m. at a nearby hospital. He was 48. Police said they have no suspects.

Allen's father, Ernest Sr., recalled that his son was 8 when he gave him his first guitar. It began a mutual bonding over music.

When it came to playing music, "we understood one another. He knew which way to go, and I knew which way to go. It was like a puzzle; it all came right together," he said.

Allen, 68, plays lead guitar. He says he once jammed with the legendary James Brown. He also said his son had a chance to meet Brown and other notable musicians when accompanying his father on gigs across the state.

"I used to take him around with me when I played," he said. "We used to play to a lot of colleges. That way I could take him with me."

Bishop Daryl Forehand of Immanuel Temple in Clermont said he knew the younger Allen for nearly 20 years. Forehand said Allen spent most of his time doing the two things he enjoyed most.

"He loved fixing cars, and he loved music. That was his heart, and he spent most of his time doing those two things," Forehand said.

Allen also performed for local churches.

"He definitely believed in the Lord, because he sang gospel music," said childhood friend Reese King Sr. "He always had a smile on his face. I don't think I ever saw him frown."

Colon said Allen was a brilliant but unassuming musician.

"It's a terrible shame. It's a waste of a beautiful life and a beautiful person. I mean, he was a great person," Colon said. "He never bragged about himself. He never talked about how great he was, but he was. I mean, he was."

Lakeland police are still looking for Allen's killer in an apparent robbery attempt. They are asking the public to call Crimestoppers with tips in the case. The number is 800-226-TIPS.

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