BOOK
REVIEWTeardrops In My Eyes
The Music Of Harley "Red" Allen
Written By Dennis Satterlee
Reviewed By KEVIN KERFOOT
BOOK
REVIEW
Teardrops In My Eyes
The Music Of Harley "Red" Allen
Written By Dennis Satterlee
Reviewed By KEVIN KERFOOT
From his beginnings in Kentucky and Ohio through his musical
forays in Washington, D.C. and Nashville, this is a fascinating detailed
document of Red Allen’s life, travels, family, friends, and bandmates as well as
his written songs, recordings and performances. The book is jam-packed with
quotes, stories and memories from those who knew him best including family
members Betty Allen, Clara Allen, and sons Harley, Greg and Ronnie Allen. The
author also spoke with dozens of musicians Red worked with during his
interesting career including J.D. Crowe, Red Spurlock, Frank Wakefield, Patsy
Stoneman, Clarence Baker, Lamar Grier, Tom Morgan, David Grisman, Bill Yates,
Richard Greene, Herb Pedersen, Dave Evans, Audie Blaylock and Jerry McCoury -
just to name a few. I particularly enjoyed the way Red’s recording sessions were
chronicled with details about the songs recorded, the dates the sessions took
place and the musicians involved. On a personal note, I interned at Lemco
Recording Studio in Lexington, Kentucky back in the late seventies and the
section detailing Red’s recordings made there and the musicians involved was
very interesting and informative. I also enjoyed finding out about Red’s short
stints as a Blue Grass Boy and a Foggy Mountain Boy. When you finish
Teardrops In My Eyes you will have a better understanding of what Red Allen,
his brand of bluegrass and those around him were like. BMP
March/April 2008 Issue