Duane David Allen (born April 29, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter who had formal training in both operatic and quartet singing before becoming a member of The Oak Ridge Boys in 1966. Allen is the lead singer for the quartet and is heard on the majority of their most successful songs.
Duane Allen | |
|---|---|
 Allen in 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Duane David Allen |
| Born | April 29, 1943 |
| Origin | Cunningham, Lamar County, Texas |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 1966–present |
| Member of | The Oak Ridge Boys |
Allen was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2015 as a member of the Oak Ridge Boys.
Biography
editAllen attended East Texas State University graduating in 1966, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity.
Allen is considered the President and CEO of the Oak Ridge Boys. He is active on social media and feels obligated to respond quickly to his fans. Allen also plans out how many tour days are needed each year for his employees to live comfortably. They still tour roughly 150 days per year.[1]
Allen was inducted in the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame.[2] On August 9, 2014, Allen was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame along with the rest of the Oak Ridge Boys.
Honors
editIn 2014, Allen received a memorial bridge honor in his hometown in Texas.[3] "I did not know until our bus turned down the small road that the bridge was on ‘our’ road," the singer said. "It was a complete surprise. I thought it would be south of our place, but when we turned down ‘our’ road, now named the Duane Allen Road, my stomach just about came out of my body. I was so thrilled that I did not have the proper words to express myself. I was still emotionally charged when I tried to speak.”
Personal life
editDuane lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was married to Norah Lee Allen, a backup singer on the Grand Ole Opry; Norah died on March 31, 2024.[4]
Daughter Jamie is married to musician Paul Martin, formerly of Exile, more recently of Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives,[5][better source needed] and they have several children. They formed a family band called The Martin Family Circus (now known as Rockland Road.) Son Dee is also a musician. He is part of a group called Tall Dark Stranger.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Thompson, Gayle (June 24, 2015). "The Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen: 'I Don't Know How to Retire'". The Boot. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
- ^ "Hall of Fame – Duane Allen". Tgmhf.org. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
- ^ "Oak Ridge Boys' Duane Allen Receives Memorial Bridge Honor". CMA Closeup. April 23, 2014. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
- ^ Colurso, Mary (April 1, 2024). "Country legend mourns wife's death over Easter weekend: 'Norah Lee went to be with Jesus'". AL.com. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
- ^ The Marty Stuart Show