Crescendo starts as a heartbreaking, sad story about a very talented, abused little boy which turns into an upbeat and inspiring tale of a brilliantly successful and admired man. This book is based on real people and is a real accounting of their lives but it reads like a wonderfully woven work of fiction.

Fred Allen and his wife, Winnie are amazing people who have lived a beautiful life together, making a difference in so many people's lives. It wasn't always an easy life, but their love for each other and their shared love of music helped get them through the hard times.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Crescendo and learning as much as I did about these two very special people. This is a story that let me delve deeper into the music world and left me with an appreciation for the good that people can do if they follow their passion..

An unusual story of a man whose piano skills rival those of masters, "Cresendo" reads like a fiction story with impossible odds. The amazing thing about "Cresendo" is that it is a non fiction title based on Fred Allen's real experiences.

The authors narrate a book that is hard to put down, inspiring and heartbreaking, all at the same time. Can one person's musical talents change the world? How can we use our gifts to bring beauty where there is none? Will the dreams we have be feasible in this difficult world?

Cantrell and Cheney's (Fred and Winnie's grandson) writing talents take the reader back in time to a community who doesn't know how to deal with talent such as Fred's. We then follow his journey to Juliard, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, the Grammy stage, the offices of record companies like RCA and then back again to Thomasville, GA, with his wife, Winnie, and their daughter in tow. Can Fred return to the south, where memories continue to remind him of his past? How can he contribute to the community with the talents he has?

There are no shortages of amazing events in Fred's life, and "Cresendo" is a wild ride, filled with the ups and downs of a life worth reading about. I was excited to read this book early, thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher. I chose to leave a review because this book should be an encouragement to anyone who has ever wondered if their life makes a difference in this world. Amazing book!

I enjoyed the beginning of the book but this is not usually my genre. I had a hard time keeping with the book after 1/4 way through.

Crescendo is an incredible story that is heartwarming as much as it is heartbreaking. Set in a cotton mill southern georgia town, the well written imagery enables the reader to see the story of a man who overcame the greatest of odds to bless others with his musical talent.

This is a story of an incredible musical genius and surviving against all odds.

This is an amazing book that should be read by everyone. If you love music, this book will make your heart sing. If you have been bullied or hurt, this will make you feel a triumph in your soul that is indescribable.

This is a story I will not soon forget, nor do I want to.

Crescendo
The Story of A Musical Genius Who Forever Changed A Southern Town


A thought-provoking and touching chronicle of a life well-lived.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Fred Allen is born poor and hungry in a small Southern Georgia town. By the time Fred is three years old he can play hymns on a old upright piano without missing a note. In kindergarten, he amazes adults with Chopin. When Fred is cut off from his only source of joy, he sinks into a morass of neglect, depression and hunger. When Eleanor, a woman just released from prison, rents a room in Fred’s family’s dilapidated home, things change. Finally, Fred is protected, fed and loved. She tells him “You’ve got a find a way to get out...You were born for so much more than this.” Fred takes an arduous journey through the Juilliard School, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and eventually as a professional in the music industry.

Fred climbs the ladder of success, he 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 dream of fame or his love for his family.

REVIEW
One of life’s pleasure is finding a book that really surprises you by how good it is...this was that book for me. Crescendo was delightful and I couldn’t stop inhaling the pages. It’s a touching chronicle of a life well lived, a gifted musician that made a difference in this world by making a difference in a small southern Georgia town.

Fred Allen’s story was captivating and I would love to see this book made into a movie. The description were vivid enough that I could see it playing in my head as I read the poignant and thought-provoking book.

The writing was immediately compelling. I stayed up to 4am to finish this book in one shot. It was that good. Crescendo is a story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell have written an inspiring story that is sure to encourage anyone who has ever hoped that their creative abilities might touch the lives of others.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Thomas Nelson
Published July 16, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

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.

In LaGrange, Georgia, 1935, Fred Allen is born; immediately deemed a caulbearer, due to a chalkey shroud over his head. Some called it “born behind the veil; others said the baby was cursed. Mayhayley Lancaster, teacher and oracle, but most importantly, midwife-life-giver and a godsend, was on hand to say, “Nonsense!” “You’re a special one, aren’t you?”

Lots of folks in this poor cotton mill town were suffering the devastating effects of the Depression. The evil behavior of many had a lifelong emotional impact on young Fred’s life. Born with the gift of playing music “by ear, a voice known as “heldentenor,” and handsome good looks, all carried Fred Allen to unbelievable places: the Juilliard School in New York City, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and eventually the professional music scene. God certainly placed many people in Fred’s life as he climbed out of the drudgery of that small Georgia town: There was Noah, his grandfather and educator, Eleanor, recently out of prison who became his protector, and eventually the love of his life, Winnie Langley.

“We are the company we keep,” is proven over and over again as Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell, share the true story of his grandparents. The belief of just one person can restore hope when one feels all is lost. Fred Allen who survived abuse, hunger & poverty; was saved by God’s mercy and grace, to have a lasting impact on thousands. He was surely a “Music Man” to many.

The author shares many letters of thanks and appreciation that were written to Fred Allen, his grandfather, and to Winnie, his grandmother. When the reader reflects on this body of “life work” surely a teacher or mentor will come to mind. Someone that should be thanked and appreciated for their love and belief in you, that was maybe that one spark of hope when needed most.

Crescendo is the true story of a musical genius. Authors Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell have composed a beautiful score to accompany the life of Fred Allen. The Grateful Reader is soothed by the gentle gift of mercy and hope revealed in Crescendo. Miracles DO happen.

I hate to say it but I didn't enjoy this story. I'm not sure exactly why but I just wasn't feeling it.

Julie Perkins Cantrell and Allen Cheney, thank you for this beautiful and inspirational story. Fred Allen, born to abject poverty and depravity, was a musical prodigy from a very young age, but he was also a lost soul, trying to fit in, looking for love and warmth. His musical talent became his savior, along with all of the mentors that guided him from the time he was a young boy and throughout his entire career. Fred’s story is incredibly moving, beautifully written by Julie Cantrell and Fred Allen’s grandson, Allen Cheney. Music is the driving force of Fred’s life, as well as being the source of turmoil—but it is music that centers Fred as well. This book should be read by all lovers of music, by children and adults who have been dragged down by bullies and circumstances beyond their control. I wish my mother were still alive, so that she could read this book; she always said that it was music that got her through her own challenges, of which there were many; she would have loved this story.

This was such a good book! It was uplifting, it was a hard to put down book! I didn’t really realize it was nonfiction, it flowed so well! Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

Crescendo is so much more than just an inspiring story of a man overcoming unsurmountable odds, it is also an amazing tribute to a grandfather. Although this book is nonfiction, it reads like a novel and was hard to put down!

A book endorsed by Charles Martin is a sure way to pique my interest. This is a heartwarming read and the fact that it's a true story really brings it to life. Everything we go through effects us later in life, and using that in the journey to find our purpose. There needs to be more Winnie's and Fred's in this world. I enjoyed the read, the themes, the music, and the purpose.

What a beautiful masterpiece about Fred and Winnie Allen's lives! Allen Cheney and Julie Cantrell wove their styles of writing together to create a novel about overcoming childhood abuse, the importance of family and loving others through the difficult times. Although the focus of Crescendo was music, it was also about loving someone unconditionally, miracles and impacting others through kindness. In a world full of hurt, it is nice to know that there are people like Fred Allen who go above and beyond to love their students, who want to impact every life they come in contact with. Thoroughly enjoyable biography!

If we are lucky, we have had at least one person in our lives who has made an impact. It may have been an encouraging word when we most needed it, a group we joined and benefited from, something that created a turning point in our life when we most needed it. Fred & Winnie Allen provides that for countless students in Thomasville. This is a beautiful story about a man born into poverty and harsh familial conditions who, through music, found love, self-acceptance, and his true purpose in life.

This true story was incredible. Very heartwarming and uplifting (maybe a tiny bit saccharine at times), this story will certainly hit you in the feelings. I loved the hopefulness, even in times of struggle, that this book personified. A solid and enjoyable read!

In a world where we are surrounded by so much negativity, this book was a breath of fresh air. This was such a beautifully written story about an amazing man, that will stay with me for a while. I am so glad that Fred Allen & Winnie’s story is a true story, and I wish I had had the chance to study music with them.

I really enjoyed this book. Those interested in biographies/Memoirs will be interested in reading this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5. Generously provided by NetGalley.

This was a good biography about overcoming abuse and living a life that helps others. It also deals with the reality of how abuse affects you later in life.
I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

You don't have to be a musician to enjoy this very sweet, true story of a deeply talented man and his family, including his wonderful wife. I won't recap the story, but I really liked rooting for Fred and I relished his talent and successes. This is literature, so there are no actions scenes, and majority of it is in third person. But there are ups and downs, and it is heartwarming in the end. It's great to be reminded there are people like Fred and Winnie! 4.5 stars. Recommended.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!