Palace Theater, Stafford Springs, CT
June 8 & July 14, 2013
by Eric Sutter
Indie-country artist Charlie Allen is touring the Northeast
in support of his latest CD, "That Was Then, This Is Now." He's come
a long way from down home song in Granpa's choir to the Bonnaroo and CMA
festivals. His song "American Farmer" has been featured on Discovery
Channel's American Farmer Series. In The Spotlight (ITS) spoke to him recently.
ITS: Hi Charlie...How did you begin your music career?
Charlie: I was raised on guitar. As a 7 year old round about
1969, my daddy got me on stage with Hank Williams, Jr. at Panther Hall in Fort
Worth, TX. Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn were
among that company.
ITS: Your voice is real country and genuine. Who inspired
you to sing in your youth?
Charlie: My mom inspired me most. She was part of my
hometown Bristol, TN's "Farm and Fun Time" television show which
featured country stars Faron Young and Conway Twitty. Daddy worked with Hank
Williams Jr., and that first show I did was in front of 5,000 fans.
ITS: How about your guitar playing... any mentors?
Charlie: Old country... where I come from, it was either man
up or get out! I was raised in the birthplace of country in Bristol. It's all
country down there. I wrote a country theme song for Bonnaroo in 2009 when I
played in Manchester, TN.
ITS: Your songwriting is superbly anthemic. It's so
Americana. What are your favorite songs?
Charlie: I enjoy singing great songs that connect us as
Americans. I like my signature song, "Grandpa's Recipe" which was
produced by Henry Paul, the lead singer of The Outlaws." "No Welcome
Home" about the plight of Vietnam Veterans is a favorite. I also like one
I wrote for Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant called "100 Proof."
ITS: It appears you've had many highpoints in music. Is
there any time where it all came together?
Charlie: Well, it has been lessons from life and listening
to others. I think working with Clint Black and meeting president Diane Delena
from River Run Records have been milestones. Certainly, Kim Everitt's take on
"Mother's Love" was a highpoint. Also, my latest CD.
ITS: Thanks and all the best to you.
Charlie: Your welcome and thank you kindly.
