The KCBS lost one of its staunchest supporters with the passing of Jay Allen on March 25, 2026. For over three decades, Jay held many positions with KCBS as a Board member, volunteer, and tireless promoter of everything blues. He had an easygoing personality that allowed him to interact well with everyone. He had a great self-deprecating sense of humor and was a successful businessman in several fields. Jay recruited me for the KCBS board of directors for my first stint in 2005 and I always valued his support and mentoring. Over the past several years, his health had diminished and he was unable to attend blues functions. We remain grateful for all the foundational work he put into making the Kansas City Blues Society a success.
You can read Jay’s obituary here.
