Rocky Allen, a radio personality known for his fun and irreverent style, died June 3 after more than a year battling colon cancer. He was 71.
What We Know: Allen built a career that touched major and mid-sized markets across the country. His stops included St. Louis, Buffalo, Dayton, Detroit, and Providence. He is best remembered for hosting “The Rocky Allen Showgram” in afternoon drive at WPLJ-FM in New York. His program blended music, comedy, interviews, and audience interaction alongside co-host and producer Blain Ensley.
What They Said: Tom Cuddy, the programming executive who brought Allen to WPLJ in 1993, recalled setting a challenge. “Rocky and Blain scored number one and I was able to reward them with a very rare McCartney visit,” Cuddy said. “I don’t believe Paul has ever visited a local radio station since.” That moment remains one of the most remarkable achievements in New York radio history.
What Remains Unclear: The full scope of Allen’s legacy is still being measured. He overcame serious health setbacks, including a back operation that left him temporarily paralyzed. He spent five months relearning to walk before returning to the air. How many lives and careers he influenced along the way remains to be fully told.
What It Means: Allen’s career was a model of resilience and reinvention. He was also the first radio personality permitted to broadcast live from the Ed Sullivan Theatre — twice. At the height of his popularity, WPLJ released a best-selling comedy CD featuring his most requested bits. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and two daughters.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
