| Charlie Allen |
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Charlie Allen
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Birth name: |
Charlie Allen |
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Born: |
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Origin: |
Bristol, Tennessee |
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Years active: |
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Labels: |
River Run Records |
229
Phoots comi...
A true independent forges his own path. That's why Charlie Allen's road to success is unlike any other: From touring internationally to network TV appearances, from his first standing ovation at age 7 to all the applause and praise now coming his way, this East Tennessee native has taken the road less traveled on his way to the top.
"I've always followed my heart," says Allen, who has gathered a strong following of loyal fans, radio programmers and famous entertainers while remaining an independent artist. "I feel like I know what suits my voice and my style better than anyone else. I grew up around the most famous stars in the business, and there's one thing they all taught me: Be yourself and stick to what you do best. So I trust my own instincts, fans and deejays tell me that's what makes me stand out."
Indeed, as the music industry struggles amid a digital world and a changing economy, many forward-looking leaders suggest a lasting career involves building a grassroots following through strong live shows and powerful, relatable songs. That has been Charlie Allen's recipe all along: Stage great concerts that excite crowds; record powerful ,original songs that evoke strong emotions; rely on an innate talent and an incredible voice; and go that extra mile through hard work and a down-to-earth personality that connects deeply with fans old and new.
Those talents shine on "Grandpa's Recipe," Allen's latest chart-climbing single. Produced by Dale Oliver and Henry Paul, renowned leader of the hit country band Black Hawk and the legendary southern rockers The Outlaws, "Grandpa's Recipe" evokes country music's strengths, drawing on family, old-fashioned values, self- respect and hard work. Co-written with Tony Stampley, this timeless tale showcases Allen at his most convincingly sincere, tempering his strong voice in a way that sounds as if he's having a one-on-one conversation with listeners.
That connection to listeners, whether stomping through a southern rocker or communicating the emotions of a powerful ballad, is Allen's trademark. Instead of trying to fit into formulas or trends, Allen wields his strong, one-of-a-kid voice to communicate his distinctive view of the world: One that celebrates family, Christianity blue collar pride, a strong belief in America and its military, and a rocking sense of fun. It's the power of his talent and personality that leads to national television appearances, that attracts Hollywood stars and media figures to become among his most vocal supporters, and that lands him on the world's biggest festivals, from Bonnaroo to the CMA Festival to a variety of European showcases.
"Everyone who sees Charlie perform or hers his music becomes a fan," says Diane Delena, owner and president of River Run Records, a label started by the successful real estate investor because of her passionate belief in Charlie's music and charisma. "It's his talent and his sincerity that hooked me and made me feel I had to work with him and help introduce him to the world. I wanted to share my passion for what he does with the rest of the world, because I knew Charlie was destined for stardom and for greatness."
Now, with "Grandpa's Recipe," Delena and River Run Records see how radio and fans react to Allen's special talent. "We're getting such a strong reaction to the message and lyrics of that song," the record executive says. She's often asked why she continues to tour and go for radio adds when the market has become so competitive, she replies "Charlie has amazing song-writing skills, there have been many artists wanting to cut our songs and I have refused on some occasions," she states "Most of Charlie's songs are based on true-life experience, I feel like others often take the heart and soul out of the song, I'll say that's a Charlie song you have to record it----very few people can deliver the song like Charlie himself, his voice is compelling."
Despite his down-home humility, Charlie has learned to accept that kind of praise from his biggest believers, which range from film actor Steven Baldwin to news personality Geraldo Rivera to Bonnaroo organizers to top country radio programmers and an ever-growing crowd of loyal fans. "Charlie is destined for stardom," says nationally syndicated radio hosts John Boy and Billy. "He has a heart as big as Tennessee and a voice to match it."
"Charlie is a genuine country singer," Delena says, whose River Run Records also released Allen's album That Was Then, This Is Now , "He knows what country music is because he grew up into it, and it's all he's ever done." People often asked her for her favorite quotes from radio about the singer there are so many she says "but the one that is my favorite is from Robert Oerman "this artist can stand toe to toe with any major." And I believe that.
Indeed, Allen seemed destined for country music stardom from the start. He even shares a birthplace with country music: Bristol, Tenn., where record executive Ralph Peer discovered the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in 1927 and cut their first tracks, Allen's mother, Louis Bouton, performed regularly on Bristol's WCTYB radio station and is a member of "Farm and Fun Tim" Hall of Fame. Charlie's father, Charles Bouton, was an artist manager for country artists from Tennessee to Texas.
By the time Allen turned 7, his family has relocated to Texas, where his mother performed at Fort Worth's historic Panther Hall, the breeding ground for many future country idols. At that age, Allen started performing at Panther Hall, often opening for the biggest legends, including Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dotty West, Mel Tillis, Charlie Pride, Farron Young and Hank Jr. to name a few.
"Sometimes they would be a little skeptical when they saw this young kid walk out on stage," Allen says with a smile. "But after I'd sing, I'd get their support. Every one of them encouraged me and told me that I was born to sing. It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do, and here I am still working hard and seeing it pay off."
Allen was offered his first recording contract with Decca Records at age 12 but his parents decided to move back to East Tennessee. While Allen led his own group, the Bouton Brothers, with his brothers William and Robert, he mastered a variety of instruments, including guitar, keyboards, steel guitar, violin and drums. By the age of 15, he was hosting his own television show, sponsored by Martha White, the company famous for carefully selecting it's endorsements. Shortly thereafter, Allen moved to South Florida where the music scene was thriving. There as an ace guitarist he was recruited to play guitar with some of tops bands including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Eddie Montgomery, Marshall Tucker, Restless Heart, John Michael Montgomery and even George Jones. "Too many to mention" Allen reminisces.
Again catching the eye of a record executive he landed a contract with Parc Records in Orlando Florida, where the affiliate Parc Studios and its stellar client list such as The Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, Brittney Spears, Miriah Carey among others kept him busy honing his writing skills. By the time he knew it he was back on stage with the budding artists Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Mark Chestnut, Brad Paisely, Dierks Bently etc.
At this time, his songwriting abilities started to gain notice. "Well," Allen said, "I've always been a strong songwriter at a very early age my first song "Bristol" really touches the hearts of people twice my age". He co-wrote "Better Said, Than Done" with veteran country star Earl Thomas Conley and had his own Billboard country chart hit "Don't Try This At Home" and most recently "See If I Care" off his latest album.
A chance meeting with Delena led to his career move, as the business woman started River Run Records to record and promote Allen. "The momentum just keeps growing, the more we get out and play, the more we get our songs out to radio stations," Allen says. "It seems like everyday it gets a little bigger and something new and exciting happens."