(born January 23, 1956-Died March 30, 2011)
He is most known for providing background vocals on the song "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" from the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Soundtrack. He has won two Grammy Awards for that recording in 2002, in the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and Album of the Year categories.
He was a son of the late bluegrass performer and legend Red Allen.
The younger Allen appeared on several 1970s albums with his brothers as The Allen Brothers. He recorded three solo albums, "Across the Blueridge Mountains" (Folkways Records 1983), "Another River" (1996) and "Live at the Bluebird" (2001).
Among his songwriting credits, Allen has written for bluegrass artists:
- Alison Krauss & Union Station ("It Doesn't Matter")
- The Del McCoury Band ("Keep Her While She's There", "Never Grow Up Boy")
- Ricky Skaggs ("A Simple Life", "Spread A Little Love Around")
- The Grascals ("Me And John And Paul")
Allen is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
“He was one of the most talented guys in this town, Such a great singer and player, and as a songwriter the guy was brilliant. I loved him.” - Ricky Skaggs
"So saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Harley Allen... "- Carl Jackson
"A good friend and a musical brother. One of the best. He'll be missed." - Mark Newton
"That is heartbreaking! He will truly be missed. The music world will never be the same." - Lee Marcus
"...an all-time great country/bluegrass songwriter, Harley was also one of my very favorite singers on the planet." - Larry Cordle
“He was an original, who walked his way or no way at all.” - Jamie Johnson
"Harley Allen's gone! - Got them wildwood flower blues..." - Becky BullerDonations in Allen's name may be made to the Chet Atkins Music Education Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
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