Crescendo: The Story of a Musical Genius Who Forever Changed a Southern Town

Written by Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell

Narrated by Allen Cheney

A story of mercy, miracles, and melody—and above all else: love.

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 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Jul 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9780785217619

Allen Cheney

Allen Cheney is a partner and cofounder at Mountview Creative, where he oversees day-to-day operations and project development. His team at Mountview produces a wide range of content, from music videos and commercials to documentaries and feature films. In 2015, Allen coproduced the feature film Some Freaks, winner of numerous domestic and international film festivals, and became executive producer of the international feature film Heartbeats in 2016. Allen’s work has been highlighted by Forbes, which also announced his development of the Fred Allen Project.

Reviews for Crescendo

[kristelh_15 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reason Read: Alpha C, ROOT
This is a free download through the summer sync program. This is a story told by the grandchild about his grandfather's life. Fred Allen was born very poor and with odds against his ever being or doing anything. It is a story of resilience but also of how even resiliency needs people to offer friendship and support along the way. It's a story of music and art. John Allen was gifted in not only music and art but he was also intelligent. A heartwarming story about overcoming poverty and abuse.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[fredreeca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

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