Songwriter Harley Allen Passes [Updated]
Harley Allen
Harley Allen Service Scheduled
Respected songwriter Harley Allen succumbed to cancer early this morning, Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Known as a country traditionalist, Allen is credited with hits including Blake Shelton’s “The Baby,” Joe Nichols’ “I’ll Wait For You,” and Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life.” He was 55.
Allen, a songwriter at Harlan Howard Songs, has also had numerous cuts by Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, Garth Brooks, Josh Turner and more.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of bluegrass singer Red Allen, and followed in his father’s musical footsteps at an early age.
Allen’s work often came from a unique perspective, such as the compelling story song, “The Little Girl,” a No. 1 hit recorded by John Michael Montgomery, that Allen wrote alone in a matter of minutes.
Former publisher Jewel Coburn describes him as an “unbelievably prolific writer” with a heart as big as his song catalog. Jewel and Barry Coburn were early supporters of the burgeoning songwriter, first signing him to their Ten Ten Music more than 20 years ago.
They say he was a wonderful talent, whose music was always full of surprises. Aided by a sense of humor, his impact on the local music community was far reaching.
Allen had been battling lung cancer for a short time and was released from the hospital yesterday. He passed peacefully at home with his family by his side.
He is survived by wife Debbie Nims, son Aaron, and daughters Katie and Maggie.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 6 at 2 PM at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37211.
Harley Allen was among the songwriters who teamed up for a 2009 benefit concert to help a friend in the music industry in her own battle with cancer. Pictured at the Bluebird Cafe at a benefit for longtime Warner Music Group employee Gina Hilburn, from left: Patrick Davis, Hilburn, Allen, Lisa Carver and Marv Green.
Tommy Boyd, Greg, Neal, Harley, Ronnie, and Red
Sarah Skates has been a writer and editor in the music business since 2004. She is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.
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Sad news. My heart goes out to his family and friends!
I am so saddened to hear that we’ve lost Harley. He was a great songwriter, singer and entertainer. My prayers for his family.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Harley for 6 years at Ten Ten Music Group. I’m very sad by the news this morning. The Music Row community has lost one of its greatest songwriters. My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and family.
Harley was one of the rare few who could pen a song that could choke me up every time I heard it. Go with God Harley..
One of the best writers not just of our time but of all time. RIP Harley.
Harley is my favorite bluegrass singer of all time. He was a great songwriter, for sure, but the two obscure albums he made with Mike Lilly are amongst my most treasured bluegrass recordings. I got to know him a little bit when he played with my friend, Tony Trischka, and he was a funny, funny guy, and super nice. His rendition of “Seven Year Blues” makes me cry every time I hear it. God rest you, Harley. And thanks for the great music that has inspired me to become a better a sognwriter.
What a loss, he was the greatest.
Harley..You just can’t do it much better than you did. You will be missed..jgs
One of the greatest songwriters ever! I had the chance to write with him and I’ll never forget it! My prayers go out to his family!
God bless your family Harley.
My husband David had the honor and privilage of Harley helping him write Davids song Black and White. Harley was just so generous that way. They also were part of Dirk and Gail Johnsons wedding. The loss is so big in the music industry. We will miss the man with the gift!
Harley is my cousin, from his mother’s side of the family. We are so heart broken over his passing. We are and have been so proud of him and his talent. We only hope that everyone continues to make sure that he lives on forever through his music. We pray for his children and hope they are as proud of him as we have always been and that they will continue to know him through the legacy of his music as well. This is great loss to our family and to his Nashville professional family too. So sad. My prayers go out to EVERYONE that have treasured memories of him who will feel the loss too. Bless you all.
To Tina Snyder: I worked with Harley’s mom in Dayton back in the 70’s. Nothing was mentioned about her or her name (which I forgot). Just wondered what happened to her. She was such a nice person and we knew Red Allen was her husband. So sad for all who loved Harley and our loss is heaven’s gain.
I cried all this morning. One of the few people on Music Row, Harley was country and Harley was bluegrass. I wish he could have lived long enough to get social security because he’s worked his entire life. Harley and his brother Neal worked from the cradle to the grave. Go rest Harley…your work is over.
In God’s love,
Oh Miss Hazel. That was soooo beautiful. I just now found out, and I am so shocked and saddened right now, I can hardly believe this terrible news. I know he’s with the lord now; he was such a good, kind, wonderful, empathic man. He was so young; my heart is broken into a million pieces right now. xo
Harley was truely one of my favorite singers/songwriters and had a big influence on my music background in bluegrass. I was hooked on Harley as soon as I heard him sing susanne on an old Fire on the mountain tv show back in the 80’s. I as with many, many, many hundreds of other fan’s will miss him so much! Rest in peace Harley and God IS with your family right now in such a time of need.
harley was my great uncle. i will be visiting debbie and her family soon for the funeral.
Harley was my dad. I wish I would have known him better but he will be missed!
Dear Jessica, I saw your post and wanted to write to you and convey my sincere condolence to you and your family. I don’t know your circumstances why you wanted to know your dad better, but just know that I am sure he loved you and he is in a better place. Sometimes circumstances as parents and breadwinners keep us from doing what we should do to make amends and include all in the family circle. Just know that your dad is in heaven and someday you will see him again. With love, your friend…Connie
I tell people all over the world that Harley is one of the writers in Nashville that is in an elite class. Few could write songs at his level. My regret is not finishing one with him that we started together. He wrote “For Years” with my wife and we have it (Sammy Kershaw) on our jukebox. Harley, I greatly miss spending time with you these days. You will always be an inspiration.
my daughter, sandra, worked on music row, & through her, i turned on to this incredibly talented artist! saw him perform several times, & he just dazzled w/his music & presence on stage(what a cut up!)
as a hobbyist musician, i play several of his tunes, & proudly intro songs -informing that he hails from city i’ve lived for 20+ yrs. i’m talkin’ dayton, oh, & the wright brothers are now gonna have to share the podium w/THIS genius!!
if you’re listening, thanks a million, harley! kb