Allen Cheney

Fred Allen was born to an impoverished family in Georgia. He showed amazing abilities by the age of 3. Through a series of wonderful events and kind people, Fred was able to escape his rough beginning, get several degrees and show the world his amazing talent.

I will be honest, I have never hear of Fred Allen. This book opened my eyes to his world. What a fascinating person this man was. His talent and his ability to share his knowledge truly makes him incredible in my eyes.

I did feel that show more Fred’s bad behavior was glossed over. It was hinted at but never really expounded on. He was human and his mistakes should have been put out there as well. This did not take away from the story by any means. I just felt a little manipulated during this part of his life.

I just love talent and this book is all over it! Not only is Fred one of the most talented men ever, but the writing and researching of this book is over the top! This book is nonfiction but it reads like a novel. Grab your copy today! show less

This book is the perfect story of how one person can make a difference in someone’s life. Fred Allen grew up in a home that offered him very little in life. But throughout his life Fred was fortunate to encounter here and there that special someone who could see the worth in Fred even though Fred could not see it in himself.

The story is beautifully written, taking us on Fred’s journey as he works to make it in New York City. His determination and strong work ethics open many doors for show more him. It was so inspiring to read of his successes. But with his eyes focused on the pinnacle of success he does not recognize the damage it is doing to his marriage. So well written is the story that my heart ached right along with his wife Winnie’s heartbreaking. I felt myself torn as did Fred – he had to make a choice. Fame is within his reach – but he can’t have it and his family. After a complete meltdown, Fred decides that he cannot lose his family.

By a true miracle he finds himself in Thomasville, Georgia just when the Thomasville United Methodist Church is looking for a Music Director. He gets the job and “the rest is history”. He eventually became a high school music teacher and, along with his wife, formed the Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe. Through his mentorship with the students he was able to actually change their lives – because they encountered that one person who recognized their worth.

I am grateful for the opportunity to read this beautiful story. Thank you to Tall Poppies and NetGalley for the advance copy. show less

Crescendo
The Story of A Musical Genius Who Forever Changed A Southern Town

A thought-provoking and touching chronicle of a life well-lived.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Fred Allen is born poor and hungry in a small Southern Georgia town. By the time Fred is three years old he can play hymns on a old upright piano without missing a note. In kindergarten, he amazes adults with Chopin. When Fred is cut off from his only source of joy, he sinks into a morass of neglect, depression and show more hunger. When Eleanor, a woman just released from prison, rents a room in Fred’s family’s dilapidated home, things change. Finally, Fred is protected, fed and loved. She tells him “You’ve got a find a way to get out...You were born for so much more than this.” Fred takes an arduous journey through the Juilliard School, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and eventually as a professional in the music industry.

Fred climbs the ladder of success, he marries, becomes a father and a scholar, and establishes an enviable reputation as a Grammy-nominated music producer. Then in heartbreaking speed Fred‘s past catches up with him and his family becomes divided. He must choose either to pursue his dream of fame or his love for his family.

REVIEW
One of life’s pleasure is finding a book that really surprises you by how good it is...this was that book for me. Crescendo was delightful and I couldn’t stop inhaling the pages. It’s a touching chronicle of a life well lived, a gifted musician that made a difference in this world by making a difference in a small southern Georgia town.

Fred Allen’s story was captivating and I would love to see this book made into a movie. The description were vivid enough that I could see it playing in my head as I read the poignant and thought-provoking book.

The writing was immediately compelling. I stayed up to 4am to finish this book in one shot. It was that good. Crescendo is a story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell have written an inspiring story that is sure to encourage anyone who has ever hoped that their creative abilities might touch the lives of others.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Thomas Nelson
Published July 16, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com show less

During the Great Depression, Fred Allen is born poor and hungry in the shadow of rural Georgia’s infamous cotton mills. By the time Fred is three years old, he can play hymns on the piano without missing a note. In kindergarten, he amazes adults with Chopin. Terrified that Fred’s genius is proof of a curse, his parents lock away the piano.

Cut off from his only source of joy, little Fred sinks into the chasms of neglect, depression, and hunger. Then Eleanor, a woman just released from show more prison for attempted murder, rents a room in his family’s deteriorating home. Under her fierce eye, Fred is protected, fed, and loved. “You gotta find a way to get out,” Eleanor says. “You were born for so much more than this.”

Fred undertakes an arduous but miraculous journey through the Juilliard School in New York City, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and eventually the professional music scene. With the help of a few miracles, he climbs the ladder of success, marries, becomes a father and a scholar, and establishes an enviable reputation as a Grammy-nominated music producer.

Then in heartbreaking speed, Fred’s past catches up with him, and his family becomes divided. He must choose either to pursue his dreams of fame and success or love.

But miracles aren’t just for those with big-city dreams. In Thomasville, Georgia, amid the wreckage of his history, Fred and his resilient wife, Winnie, reassemble the pieces of their lives and encounter what just might be the greatest miracle yet - not just for them but for the entire town.

This inspiring story is sure to encourage anyone who has ever hoped their creative abilities might touch the lives of others. show less