Born and raised in a musical family in Canton, TX, Jeff Allen is the epitome of the down-home country boy. He grew up around music and began to love it from a young age. His first album, Raised on Gettin’ By, is his first full length studio recording. Allen wrote or co-wrote eight of the 11 songs for the project making it an extremely personal reflection of the man himself.

Jeff’s song “Raised on Gettin’ By” speaks of real life as he was growing up. His first car was a pick-up truck, and was so proud of it, it was like a cadillac to him. All of his blue jeans he owned were hand-me-downs that already had holes in the knees, but he also had a hand in wearing them out, and he was proud of it! Jeff said “if you don’t have it already, you don’t need it now, there’s a lot of things you can live without”. I agree with that statement.

If you’re still livin’ with out it, my bet is that you still will. This is Allen’s personal favorite because of its message of working hard to earn the things you have. “That song, I think, tells more of my story than any other song on the album,” says Allen. However, he is quick to point out that the entire album hits close to home and unfolds as a collection of stories and memories from his own life.

Allen has come a long way from his humble beginnings to achieving respect as both an artist and a songwriter. He manages to stay modest about his success thus far and is determined to have staying power. “In ten years, I’d love to still be on tour full-time and have few songs on the radio,” says Allen. “I just want to make a living writing and playing the music I love.”

You can find Jeff’s music on his website at: http://www.jeffallenmusic.com or on MySpace: www.myspace.com/jeffallenmusic

He’s on Twitter to! www.twitter.com/jeffallen81

Jenna Tanner
CMTT Music Contributor
www.twitter.com/JennaTanner
www.myspace.com/jennatannermusicreviews