Bill Allred

American Trombonist
Born: November 19, 1936, Rock Island, Illinois, USA
Died: February 2, 2024

Bill Allred's musical journey commenced in his high school years, further nurtured through performances with the U.S. Navy Band and at St. Ambrose College. In 1971, he embarked on a pivotal role as a staff musician at Disney World, marking the beginning of a long-standing association with the entertainment giant.

Allred's passion for jazz led him to establish the Goodtime Jazz Band in 1974, securing a 15-year residency at Rosie O’Grady’s in Orlando, Florida, where he also served as the Entertainment Director. His career was distinguished by collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Jack Teagarden, Wild Bill Davison, and Dizzy Gillespie, among others. Returning to Disney World in 1991, Allred's second tenure was marked by decades of performances that delighted audiences worldwide.

In addition to his festival appearances, Allred's discography includes recordings with Davison, Claude Hopkins, and his son, trombonist John Allred. He leaves behind a rich legacy celebrated by his contributions to albums produced by Arbors Records and memorable performances at jazz festivals, including the Suncoast Jazz Festival.