He is a unique and pioneering performer who sings along with playing his 12 string guitar. He has performed everywhere and includes many high profile venues such as: The Celtic Connections Festival in Scotland, The Celtic Crossroads in New Hampshire, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Las Vegas, Japan and several trips to the Middle East performing for the troops.

No matter where he performs, crowds are bowled over by the combination of John Allan's singing, guitar picking, fiddle-playing and his dynamic personality and stage prescense. His rapport with audiences also make him a much sought-after host and master of ceremonies for many concerts. A new generation of Celtic musicians is discovering that John Alan is their roots. For three decades he has captivated audiences around the world. He continues to develop, teach, and share his touching and powerful renditions of traditional Celtic music dating back to his roots as a native Cape Breton Islander. He has received the East Coast Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award some years ago.

His son Stuart, is an accomplished guitarist and singer and travelled the world for 6 years with Ashley MacIsaac. He has performed with Amanda Marshall and produced an album with the Crash Test Dummies. John Allan's last album is called Glencoe Station and features some of Canada's top Celtic Artists such as Natalie MacMaster, J.P. Cormier, Ashley MacIsaac and The Barra MacNeils. John Allan is Grand Chieftain of the Fergus Highland Games, Honorary Chairman of The Fiddles of the World Festival and honorary board member of the Celtic Colours International Festival in his native Cape Breton.

On April 13, 2003, John was honoured by his family, friends and fans at the Bow and Arrow in Toronto, in celebration of his induction into the Order of Canada, to be presented to him later this year.