Remembering Indianapolis gospel artist M.L. Allen Jr. of The Wandering Travelers

March 01, 2026

Celebrate the life and legacy of M.L. Allen Jr., a legendary Indianapolis gospel songwriter and guitarist who passed away on January 26 at the age of 89.

Allen’s music helped shape the sound of gospel in Indianapolis, beginning with his rise in the 1950s alongside the Wandering Travelers of Indianapolis. For over 15 years, the group performed in neighborhood churches across Naptown—from Indiana Avenue to Haughville and Martindale-Brightwood—leaving a lasting mark on the city’s gospel scene. After the Wandering Travelers dissolved, Allen continued performing as a solo artist, accompanying himself on his guitar, “Magic.” Beyond music, he was a successful entrepreneur, owning a record shop and a dry cleaner in Haughville, and a devoted mentor, opening a karate studio and teaching at the Boys and Girls Club.