A family tradition

Allen following in family’s footsteps

Staff photos by Tena Lee

By Tena Lee
Staff Writer

While most young musicians have a hard time explaining to their parents their dream of weaving songs people can relate to, riding for hours on a cramped bus and the camaraderie of like-minded musicians, Dee Allen doesn’t have that problem.

His parents know exactly where he’s coming from.

For 38 years Allen’s dad Duane has been singing lead vocals for one of country music’s most enduring bands, the Oak Ridge Boys. In addition, his mother Norah Lee has been singing with the Grand Ole Opry’s staff band, the Carol Lee Singers, for 24 years.

Over the years the two have supported their son’s struggle to pursue a career in the music business.  And according to Duane Allen, Dee’s latest break is eerily reminiscent of the way he got his start nearly 40 years ago.

Since December of 2002, the 1991 graduate of Beech High School has been singing 12 two-hour shows a week in Branson’s The Grand Jubilee. The musical includes Dee Allen’s quartet, New South, which includes Jimmy Ponder as tenor, Mark McCauley on bass, Jeff Allen singing lead and Allen singing baritone. The group sings country and gospel classics as well as recent hits. One medley includes an Oak Ridge Boys song.

“This – as jobs go – is the best job I’ll ever have,” said Dee Allen.  There is even talk of New South - which incorporates four-part harmony like the Oaks - recording a gospel album this year.

Duane Allen, who has a degree in classical music, recalled singing baritone with The Prophets – a gospel quartet – when the Oak Ridge Boys asked him to join the band in 1966.

Perhaps known best for their 1982 hit “Elvira,” The Oak Ridge Boys have won five Grammy Awards, four Country Music Association Awards, four Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Dove Awards.  In 1978 they sang backup for the Paul Simon hit, “Slip Slidin’ Away” and went on to record with George Jones, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, Roy Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus and others. In October of 2000, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

First formed in 1943 in Knoxville, the Oak Ridge Quartet began appearing on the Grand Ole Opry in 1945. By the late 1960s with more than 30 members having come and gone, they had a lineup that included Allen, William Lee Golden, Noel Fox and Willie Wynn. In 1972, Richard Sterban joined singing bass and in 1973 Joe Bonsall joined singing tenor. In the 1970s the band made the transition from gospel to country, but didn’t totally abandon their gospel roots. In 1987 Steve Sanders replaced Golden as the baritone singer. Late in 1995 Steve resigned and Golden returned.

Today the band, which has its corporate office on New Shackle Island Road in Hendersonville, is still going strong playing close to 200 shows a year.

Duane Allen hopes his son has as much success he has had doing what he loves to do.  “Watching his group – it’s almost like another Oak Ridge Boys. It’s very exciting to me,” mused Duane Allen. “I know what he’s going through. I’ve been there every step of the way.”

According to Dee Allen, singing country or gospel music is not exactly how he got his start – and it’s not necessarily where he wants to end his career.

At 15, Dee picked up his guitar and started playing by ear groups like Def Leppard, the Rolling Stones and KISS. He said he would eventually like to perform with a band that creates its own music and sound.

“A lot of music today has very little to do with emotion or creative expression,” he said. “There are so few Norah Joneses out there who let their talent do the talking. I’d like the freedom enough to try to do something we’re actually feeling – not just trying to sell something.”

Dee Allen admits that he is learning a lot from his current gig and is thankful for the opportunity.  “I can only see ways in which this job will help me,” he said. “I’m proud of the show and happy to be singing with good musicians.”

“I never really dreamed he’d be doing what he’s doing now, but I’m very proud of him,” said Duane Allen.

“I think it’s probably one of the best compliments a child can pay his parents (to follow in their footsteps),” said Norah Lee Allen. “We wanted our children to pursue where their heart led them. I think he’s happy doing what he likes now and we’re very proud of him.”

Originally published Friday, January 30, 2004