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

by Allen Cheney, Julie Cantrell Narrated by Allen Cheney

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

NOVEMBER 2020 - AudioFile

This affecting novel is based on the life of the author’s grandfather, Fred Allen, a musical prodigy who suffered unspeakable neglect in a Georgia mill town before escaping to New York City to chase his dreams. Allen Cheney reads with the sincerity and flair needed to honor this story of community support, love, and Southern family culture. He’s a likable narrator who makes it easy to connect with his grandfather’s touching journey. Laced with the lyrics of show tunes and infused with hope, the biography follows Allen as he allows his career to pull him away from his devoted wife because he feels damaged and unlovable—feelings that are a relic of his deprived childhood. If music or a shortage of love in any form are part of your life, this audio is not to be missed. T.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Publishers Weekly

05/06/2019

Cheney, a film and TV producer, debuts with the poignant life story of his grandfather, Fred Allen, a piano prodigy who overcame great obstacles to become a successful musician. Raised in poverty in LaGrange, Ga., Allen grew up with a mother and father who thought his musical abilities at the age of three were a curse and so locked up his piano. However, thanks to an encouraging teacher and his own hard work, Allen became set on moving to New York City and was eventually accepted to Juilliard. Cheney, with fawning admiration, quickly moves through Allen’s time in New York: his matriculation to Columbia University after Juilliard—where he met his future wife, Winnie—and his early career as a music producer. Though Allen found great success and eventually won a Grammy for producing the album How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the glamorous lifestyle and social obligations that came from his achievements, coupled with his obsession with work, eventually broke up his marriage. Winnie and his daughter moved back to Georgia, and Allen had to choose: continue to chase his dream or return to his family. Throughout, the hand of providence shadows Allen (in Cheney’s eyes) and eventually guides him home, where he worked with students to form a nationally touring theater troupe. Readers looking for a neatly constructed tale of redemption will enjoy Cheney’s ode to his grandfather. (July)

From the Publisher

'Crescendo is a riveting story of passion, finding purpose in music. Fred Allen was a prodigy and remains a musical genius. Despite incomprehensible childhood horrors, Fred relentlessly honed his gift perhaps to escape his pain. Destined not just for stardom, but superstardom, Fred discovered that arrival on Broadway's grandest stage didn't soothe his soul. The siren of the Great White Way spotlight paled against curtain calls in a tiny South Georgia town. All because of love. Love for music. Love for family. For Fred and his talented, devoted wife Winnie, their legacy isn't some nebulous achievement in the music industry. They didn't create a new sound or corner the market on awards. Instead, they inspired generations of young people. They opened doors, crafted previously unimaginable dreams, challenged, motivated and often helped heal and give purpose to kids wrestling with their own problems. They did it all by using their gift. The gift of music. The story of how it multiplied in Crescendo hits the ultimate human high note.' - Rece Davis (ESPN)

NOVEMBER 2020 - AudioFile

This affecting novel is based on the life of the author’s grandfather, Fred Allen, a musical prodigy who suffered unspeakable neglect in a Georgia mill town before escaping to New York City to chase his dreams. Allen Cheney reads with the sincerity and flair needed to honor this story of community support, love, and Southern family culture. He’s a likable narrator who makes it easy to connect with his grandfather’s touching journey. Laced with the lyrics of show tunes and infused with hope, the biography follows Allen as he allows his career to pull him away from his devoted wife because he feels damaged and unlovable—feelings that are a relic of his deprived childhood. If music or a shortage of love in any form are part of your life, this audio is not to be missed. T.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171220709
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	07/16/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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