The singer-songwriter was clever, funny and benefitted from “some blue-chip bluegrass DNA,” Barber said.
Mr. Allen won two Grammys in 2002 for his background vocals on “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” from the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
“I just never heard anyone sing as well as he did,” said Rick Good, a Dayton musician and co-founder of Rhythm in Shoes.
Mr. Allen was best known as a songwriter who penned hits for Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley and others. He was the 2005 BMI Songwriter of the Year.
“His accomplishments as a writer the last 20 years are just phenomenal, bluegrass and country both,” said Joe Mullins, owner and general manager of WBZI-AM Classic Country Radio, who performs with Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers.
On Thursday, some Nashville music legends paid tribute to Allen.
“I always liked seeing his name on a song,” Jackson was quoted as telling The Tennessean newspaper. “It was always something I wished I’d written,” he said.
Jackson recorded nine of Mr. Allen’s songs, including the Top 10 country radio hit “Everything I Love.”
Ricky Skaggs called Mr. Allen “one of the most talented guys in this town,” The Tennessean reported. Skaggs reportedly performs Mr. Allen’s “A Simple Life” at every concert.
Mr. Allen’s songs also were recorded by George Jones, Alison Krauss and Linda Rondstadt.
He last performed in Dayton in 2003 at Canal Street Tavern with the Harley Allen Band, amid the “O Brother” music phenomenon. Mr. Allen also performed with his father and brothers as part of the 1989 Dayton Bluegrass Reunion, presented by Cityfolk.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Neal, in 1974, and his father in 1993. Mr. Allen is survived by his wife, singer-songwriter Debbie Nims Allen; daughters Maggie and Katelyn Allen; son Aaron and several brothers and a sister, according to The Tennessean.
A memorial service is April 6 in Nashville. Donations may be directed to the Chet Atkins Music Education Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
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