Monty Lane Allen's BIO
It's a good time, it's an easy day. Its living life banner unfurled. We've gotta green light, and a wide road into a... GREAT BIG WORLD.
Monty Lane Allen's debut record, Great Big World, brings to life the character of a small town boy with big city talent, who possesses a genuine love for good country music. The album is a personal reflection of a man whose inspiration and love for song has always been and always will be deeply rooted in faith and family.
Born and raised in rural South Carolina, Monty was not always aware of the great big talent that he possessed. His father, Dwayne “Buddy” Allen and younger sister Kellie would often practice duets together in their home but Monty would only sing by himself behind closed doors. On one occasion when his father was struggling with the harmonies, Monty left the safety of his bedroom to show him how it was done. To quote Monty on his father's reaction “He was so excited my Daddy! I mean it was like Christmas. He hugged me and said boy ‘I didn't know you could do that'”.
Monty and Kellie began performing together locally, but he still didn't see himself having a future in music. When he was a senior in high school he had reluctantly enrolled in a regional, Farm Bureau Talent Competition with his sister. At the last minute she fell ill and he was forced to perform on his own. Long story short; he won! Winning the regional meant that he was qualified to move on to the state competition in Myrtle Beach, SC. After placing first at the state finals, Monty decided that “maybe there was something to this whole singing thing after all”.
In the mid 90's, he and his wife Stacey Lynn moved to Nashville. Monty worked full time at a boot shop on Music Valley Drive and eventually signed an artist development deal with EMI Music. Fifteen years and two beautiful daughters later (McKenzie Greer, age 12 and Grayson Lane, age 9), he has been privileged to work with a variety of country music greats including Loretta Lynn Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner and Brad Paisley. Currently, Monty plays acoustic guitar and sings harmonies in The Strayhorns – the live touring band for the legendary Alan Jackson.
Monty's time in Jackson's band has been truly inspirational for him. Working for one of his idols, a man that he credits as the greatest singer/songwriter of his generation, has proven to him that dreams can come true, and to never let yourself be paralyzed by your own fear. Monty has stood on the great stage of Carnegie Hall with Jackson and is now ready to create a legend of his own. Presented with the opportunity to do his own album, he jumped at the chance and immersed himself in the writing, production and recording process.
The resulting debut reveals Monty Lane Allen's vision of his own Great Big World. Whether it is breakfast with his babies, working in his backyard, wearing his daddy's coveralls or a quiet evening with his wife, each song chronicles an important moment in time for Monty. It's these memories that continuously breathe new life into his music.
His interpretation of Steve Winwood's “Back In The Highlife” resonates the message of never giving up, no matter how rough it looks because there will always be a chance for you to make things right. What Monty appreciates most about country music is the integrity and honesty of the genre. His mission was to rebuild an already admired and classic song using these values.
In 2005 Monty did a tour of ten Military Bases throughout the Southern states showcasing his Christmas anthem “Soldier Coming Home” which he later re-recorded for Great Big World. The Tour kicked off at Quantico Marine Base, Virginia on November 19 and ended at Fort Jackson Army Base, South Carolina in late December. Astounded by the warm welcome he received, Monty was thrilled to be able to provide the men and women who defend his country with his own personal gift of song. “Soldier Coming Home” was originally featured on the record X-Mas Balls (Moon & Stars Studio / SDEG) that charted at 69 on Billboard Music's Top Country Albums in 2005.
Monty Lane Allen is a talented, hard working artist who lives by his own mantra of “pressing your shoulder to the wheel and just keep moving forward”. He loves sports, is an avid baseball player and runs marathons in his spare time. He has been happily married for 17 years and cherishes every moment that he gets to spend with his family. He best describes his sound as “new country born from the old school ways with a touch of small town cool”.
Today, he is one of Nashville's leading vocalists and is known locally as one of the best-kept secrets on Music Row. He has been cited in People Magazine as one of the nine “Nine New Stars Worth Listening To”. His “Great Big World” (the title track off the record) video is currently in rotation on Country Music Television and Great American Country TV. In July of 2008, Monty's video for “Fallin' Water” was the recipient of the 2008 TELLY Award for “Best Music Video”.
There's no slowing down for this multi-talented artist as his career continues to flourish. His debut record is the first stepping-stone in his path to success and he is most excited to share it with everyone in this Great Big World.
For All Media Inquiries Please Contact:
Alicia McAllister
Rob Bailey Communications
201 760 0200 x 105
973 464 1032 (After 6 PM EST and weekends)
amcallister@rbcpr.com
For All Other Inquiries Please Contact:
Melissa Farnsworth or Lemeul Muniz
Moon & Stars Studio
304 842 0736
melissa@moonandstarsstudio.com
lemeul@moonandstarsstudio.com
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