Crescendo

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

By: Allen Cheney, Julie Cantrell - contributor

Narrated by: Allen Cheney

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2019 Allen Cheney (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Incredible, couldn’t stop listening

This was simply the best audible book of someone’s life story I have ever heard. What an inspirational story of an incredible man and the woman always by his side.

It takes a village...

This is the story of a child who came from a seemingly hopeless background-who, with much of his own grit, and a community that refused to let him slip through the cracks-thrives and grows. But not without a lot of hard work. There are times he rises. Others, he falls. But he never fails.
The best part? He knows by instinct, who needs him to be that village. And he passes on the blessings. Especially to one boy who needed it so badly.
Very inspirational. Recommended for any age as the wording tells about experiences the author suffered but not graphically. Just informational.

Non-Fiction Written like a Novel

This is a wonderfully written book about a man who came from a really rough background and went on to help generations of young people rise above their circumstances.

I'm glad I listened to this Book

I'm glad I picked this book, I chose it because Julie Cantrell was involved and I have become a fan of hers, and now I'm a fan of Fred Allen, because of the talent of his Grandson. Thank you for letting us all know what wonderful people the Allen's are. And I hope the legacy is never ending. Thank you again to all.

Crescendo

What a fantastic book about a wonderful family. Inspiring and heartwarming! A wonderful book to listen to as well.

A waste of time

Overly dramatic narration and story line. Lots of people overcome adversity and serve others and their community. I made it to chapter 16 before giving up, with relief. Just too over blown.