A hidden story of human triumph, Crescendo takes you on the rare journey of a musical prodigy who changed an entire community forever. More than eighty years ago, a musical prodigy with a brilliant mind was born into a poor, uneducated, and abusive family in rural South Georgia. At three years of age, Fred Allen could play Mozart sonatas on the piano without missing a note. But in spite of his … of his obvious talent, Fred’s parents discouraged him from expressing his creativity and intelligence, even going so far as locking him away from the old piano in their home. Forced to fend for himself through his adolescent years, Fred knew that if he was ever to make something of himself, he would need to find a way to rise above his broken background. With incredible effort, and a few miracles along the way, Fred managed to do just that, eventually earning acceptance into The Julliard School in New York City. While simultaneously attending Juilliard, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University, he also began directing a local church choir, where he caught the attention of the music industry.
During the musical revolution of the 1960s, Fred earned numerous Grammy nominations and built a growing reputation within the industry. But just as his new career was beginning to take off, Fred was faced with an impossible decision. His wife announced that she no longer wanted to raise their daughter in New York City and was heading home to the South. Fred had come so far from the pain and brokenness of his past, he couldn’t imagine giving up everything just to return to his childhood home.
Trying not to think about what could have been, Fred took a job as a high school music teacher in his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia, a community of only 30,000 people. Far from the executive suites of RCA and the allure of Broadway, Fred never could have imagined that his new role would not only transform his life but also change an entire community forever.
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I don’t read a lot of non-fiction but when I saw this book, I had to read it. And I am really glad that I did. In this day and age with heroes being sports figures or actors, this is the story of a real hero. A man who had a gift that he shared with his students and subsequently made them not only better students but more importantly better citizens of the world.
This is the story of a life well lived. Of a man who had nothing but ended up with love and respect from so many people. Fred Allen has helped the life of many children who may have been lost without him. He is a real hero for this modern age.
This biography was lovingly written by his grandson Allen Cheney in collaboration with Julie Cantrell. If you want a book that makes you feel uplifted, this is the book for you.
Crescendo starts as a heartbreaking, sad story about a very talented, abused little boy which turns into an upbeat and inspiring tale of a brilliantly successful and admired man. This book is based on real people and is a real accounting of their lives but it reads like a wonderfully woven work of fiction.
Fred Allen and his wife, Winnie are amazing people who have lived a beautiful life together, making a difference in so many people’s lives. It wasn’t always an easy life, but their love for each other and their shared love of music helped get them through the hard times.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Crescendo and learning as much as I did about these two very special people. This is a story that let me delve deeper into the music world and left me with an appreciation for the good that people can do if they follow their passion.
A wonderful story; I am glad to have read it.
I am a music fan so that is the first reason I picked up this book. The second reason? Look at this cover with the beautiful background and the wonderful grand piano (which I dream of owning one day). Seeing the cover had me knowing that I had to read this book. Once I read the first chapter I knew that I was hooked on an amazing, uplifting, and true story that would leave me thinking about the story of Fred and Winnie Allen long after I would finish the book.
Fred is born to a family of lower-class citizens, they work hard, drink hard, and see no way out of the life they are living. Luckily for Fred, there were some people in his life that showed him another way to live. They lifted him up when he fell, showed him the right path when he was tempted to go a different way, and they showed him the support when he was faltering in his career choices. There were amazing teachers that gave him the courage to continue making his music. The friends that did not judge him for his family and welcomed him into their circles without judgment. Most importantly there was Winnie, his wife. She loved him, she supported him, she took risks with him, and she let him spread his wings so that he could live the life he dreamed of.
I was not familiar with Fred Allens’ story before I picked up this book but I now know his story and am thrilled that I do. I’ve talked about it to my friends and I’ve already recommended this book to others.
Wow, just Wow. This was an amazing story from beginning to end, even more so because it is a true story. The story took me by surprise and captivated me until the end. I went into this without knowing much about Fred Allen and ended it with such a huge respect for him and his accomplishments. This book is a testament to how one person can make a difference in someone’s life.
Uplifting, inspirational, and beautifully written, this is a biography that should not b missed. It I so well-done, you will forget that this is non-fiction. Crescendo is absolutely one that shouldn’t be missed.
#tallpoppywriters #bloomreads #JulieCantrell #AllenCheney #ThomasNelson #Crescendo
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 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.
This was such a good book! It was uplifting, it was a hard to put down book! I didn’t really realize it was nonfiction, it flowed so well! I loved it!!Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
This character should have been jaded or broken. Instead, he used his life to bring light to others.
When a book weaves a journey that is more than the sum of its parts, it achieves the full potential of depicting art as life and simultaneously, life as art.
Crescendo is a book with a heartbeat. That it is captivatingly written in novel form gives it a magical, alluring feeling. It involves the reader by depicting the real-life story of a supernaturally gifted musician named Fred Allen, who comes from a desperate, impoverished family in an insignificant town in South Georgia. The book transcends a rags-to-riches story by thematically infusing it with a search for meaning. The seeming unfairness of a uniquely gifted soul being born to such an appalling station gives the reader someone to champion, as musical prodigy Fred Allen makes his way against all odds from the rural South to the heights of celebration in New York City. Divinity itself seems to have a hand in this story. It shows its face along Fred Allen’s ascension with uncanny opportunity and fortuitous timing that suggests elements of the preordained for the purposes of the common good.
Crescendo is an enthralling human-interest story set to music. As Fred Allen persists in cultivating his extraordinary musical career, he meets his life-long collaborator, Winnie, and it shows us that love can save us.
Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell have created a blockbuster in Crescendo. There is no better way to craft the inspiring story of one humble man who rises to greatness then turns around and gives back to a community. There is hope in this book’s role-model message. Through the power of story, Crescendo tells us that with commitment and perseverance, the spirit can triumph over circumstances to ultimately benefit others.
I recommend this wonderful book wholeheartedly. It is the kind of inspiring, triumphant story you’ll want to share with others to remind them of the goodness in this world. If you’re musically inclined in any way, Crescendo will play the very keys of your soul like a Steinway Grand piano.
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 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!
I started this book with no expectations. I’ve never been big into biographies and thought, ok let’s give this one a try and see. I was absolutely, completely, emotionally, physically, mentally, lovingly, blown away. From the first to the very last word, including all the letters and all the thanks at the end. This is a book everyone I know needs to read. A huge must on your TBR list.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster that takes you on a ride you possibly won’t ever forget. The story of Fred and Winnie. Fred who came from a horrific and dirt poor place filled with hurt and shame, to rise up and do great things. Winnie, the love of his life from a well to do family filled with love and laughter. Together they are unstoppable, wonderful, powerful, but also just down to earth people who love greatly, gently, emotionally and fully.
Fred had many problems but with Winnie by his side he was able to achieve things he never thought possible. Through some nightmares that he had put away, pushed down so deeply he had all but forgotten them, to when he pushed Winnie and Allison away. Coming back together stronger than ever and with so much love you will believe with all your heart that anything can be achieved in life if you try hard enough and have someone, maybe lots of someone’s, helping hold you up along the way. Through odds there were definitely not on his side Fred did the things he truly wanted to do in his life. Through fame and then humbleness he accomplished things he never thought he could.
This book touches on things that will make you hold your breathe, cringe in places and cry those big ugly tears that cleanse your soul. It will take you on a journey that will lift your spirit and make you believe in life again in a whole new light. It’s absolutely the most beautiful book I have ever read in my whole life and I have read lots and lots. This one touched me in ways no other book ever has. Because it really happened it is even more special. It’s not exactly written like most biographies that I have tried to read. It’s a story with ups and downs. Written by Fred Allen’s grandson and that makes it even that much more special.
I honestly have no words that will truly express how much this book, this beautiful story, touched my soul, my heart, my mind and my most secret feelings about life. It’s just a great book and told in ways that you won’t want to put it down.
I have to thank #NetGalley, #Thomas Nelson for this wonderful copy. This review is my own feelings and thoughts. Straight from my heart.
A huge, big, wonderful 5 stars and worth so many more. I most highly recommend this book to you all.
This book left me filled with emotion. It’s the story of the life of a musical prodigy, Fred Allen, and his wife, Winnie. Fred’s life is music. He could play piano by ear from the age of three. He came from a difficult upbringing and I could feel his pain. Life is about choices and Fred loved music. We all can listen to music and have it transport us to a memory, a feeling. Fred brought this out in the children he taught. I felt such strong emotions while reading this book. From sadness to happiness, fear to love. This is so much more than a love story. It is a story of finding your way in the world. It is a story of a life lived fully. This book is written by Fred’s grandson, Allen Cheney and author, Julie Cantrell, and it is beautiful. It made my heart swell. His musical genius aside, Fred was a wonderful, warm, endearing man. Wonderful dialogue makes you a part of the story. Absolutely exquisite book. I loved every page. I loved learning about Fred’s life. You must read this book. It is profound what one little life can do.
Crescendo: The True Story of a Musical Genius Who Forever Changed a Southern Town by Authors Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell
Where do I begin…
This story, a true story, had me completely and utterly captivated.
It all began in rural, small-town Georgia, surrounded by the the infamous Cotton Mills during The Great Depression. A child born into poverty, neglect and abuse. As the young musical prodigy, Fred Allen, faces dire circumstance and despicable acts hovering around every corner at the hands of his parents and a slew of un-desireables, and while craving normalcy and the mere survival from the monsters that lurk, Fred is given the saving grace he desperately needs at the hands of some who will stop at nothing to lift him, protect him and become instrumental in his growth as the boy and musical genius he is and deserves to be…
As Fred forges through tragedy to triumph into his adult years, and throws himself into all avenues accessible within the Musical Arts sector- a deep-seeded haunt surfaces and threatens to destroy all he’s gained as it throws him into a tailspin. Full of self-sabotage and darkness that threatens his very existence, his “truest of friends” and his one true love and wife, Winnie, with her never-ending love and hope for her husband as well as her sheer determination not to let him fall, pull him back into the life he now knows he’s deserving of and meant to live, along with unforeseen successes he never could have imagined or dreamt possible.
Crescendo is a beautiful, heartbreaking, yet joyful and fascinating look into a world of promise, chances and change, appreciation and devotion- and by putting one’s faith and courage above all, positive influence and its ripple effects can be extraordinary.
I thank authors Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell for allowing me the pleasure of this meaningful and purposeful journey through the eyes of Fred and Winnie Allen- an experience I won’t soon forget. I would also like to thank The Allen Family for giving of themselves with such a personal gift…in order to inspire.
5+ Stars
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