Reginald Allen "My Journey"

What I have written, is a chronicle of my life. Why a story about me you might ask?  My Godfather, Cholly “Pops” Atkins, choreographer extraordinaire insisted that I meet his friend, Lou Ragland.  A friendship ensued. Lou was looking through my pictures and was so impressed with what he saw, he said, “Man you got yourself a picture book here because every picture tells a story.”

I have been taking pictures since the 1970’s. I have been around some of the most famous people in the world: Muhammad Ali, Don King, Rod Stewart, George Foreman, Wayne Newton, Oscar Winners Jamie Foxx and Sidney Poitier, to name a few..

My Godfather, Cholly Atkins, well renowned choreographer worked with many musical groups: The Cadillacs, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Temptations, O’Jays, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Jackson 5, New Kids on the Block, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes and many others.  Cholly also ran the Artist Development Department at Motown from 1965 to 1971.

I have an interview with Sammy Strain. He sang with Little Anthony and the Imperials and the O’Jays. Sammy has been in show business for 47 years and counting. He has shared some wonderful stories about working at the Apollo for the first time, his first singing group “The Chips”, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and many more delightful and interesting stories.

I also became friends with Carl King, son of Don King. Through this association I have met prominent sports personalities, more entertainers, and have traveled all over the United States. I have witnessed some of the greatest events in sports history: Mike Tyson being crowned youngest heavyweight champion when he fought Trevor Berbick, Holmes vs Cooney, Leonard vs Hearns, Leonard vs Duran, etc.

Through these associations is where my story begins; hence, the book is entitled “My Journey by Reginald Allen”. This started out as a picture book but has taken a life of its own.  Telling these stories has been the hardest thing I have had to do in my life.  I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California in the inner city in a single parent home.  I hope that all of the readers will be enlightened by my experiences, enjoy the interviews and photos, and maybe use them as inspirational tools to aspire to a better life.