ELSOL102 - Posted - 10/20/2009:  00:42:00

This is sad and I can't imagine being in the hospital and only being able to see immediate family because of the possibility of the flu. A friend of mine just had cancer surgery in Cambridge MA and she had tons of visitors. I don't think there is any flu here yet.
I hope he is going to be OK - Leukemia can be tough.

Beth

DHutchens - Posted - 10/27/2009:  04:38:00

I spoke with Clarence on Sunday. It is thier hopes that Allen might get to go home later this week if he continues to improve. He has been up walking some but with his system so fragile, care will be needed to keep down any chance of flu or other sickness.

Keep him and the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Doug

John Allison - Posted - 10/27/2009:  05:55:35

Will do Doug. Good news. Prayer works.

Froggie
"Courage is Fear that has said its prayers.

robbif - Posted - 10/31/2009:  04:06:03

From Allen's daughter in law...

quote:

---

We had hoped he was coming home [Saturday Oct 31], but now it looks like it will be next week. We've spent [Friday] helping Mrs. Shelton get the house ready for his arrival. He is feeling pretty good, the Dr. just wants some of his numbers to increase before he lets him go home.

---

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 10/31/2009:  05:00:37

Thank you for the update., continued hope, prayers for Allen and family.

jasper4564 - Posted - 10/31/2009:  15:43:26

i just stumbled across this thread, i had no idea allen was in bad health, but he and my dad go back a long way and i've been around allen many times in my life, he was always smiling every time i ever remember seeing him, and i told my dad once that i thought he must be the happiest banjo player in the world , because you just never caught him in a bad mood, as long as i can remember i have admired his playing and strived to play some of his stuff and play it like him, he is just awesome , i really hate to hear about this and i'm sure my dad will be anxiuos to check on him when he gets back from hunting this weekend, everybody just pray for him , and maybe a miracle will happen

"IF YOU DON'T PLAY THE MELODY , YOU AIN'T PLAYING NOTHIN"

Lilonipper - Posted - 11/05/2009:  14:40:22

A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Leukemia, and lived for 30 productive years afterwards, I hope he outlives us all!

DHutchens - Posted - 11/06/2009:  04:03:51

I'll see Clarence, his brother in law tomorrow and will get an update.

sandyhookflash - Posted - 11/06/2009:  19:30:06

Allen is top notch, without a doubt. I have admired his picking for many years. Gene Parker always speaks highly of Allen and about how Allen showed Gene a lot of things when Gene was learning. If Gene Parker says to listen to someone's picking, I'm going to do just that. Those two pickers have very few peers at their level. Allen has influenced us all.
We certainly wish him well. Doug, thanks for keeping us updated on his progress. I think we all need to make sure that we have a healthy dose of Allen's picking on hand for study; if not, now would seem an altogether fitting and proper time to order up. County Sales had a lot of his material the last time I checked.
Very humbly,
John Lewis

DHutchens - Posted - 11/07/2009:  13:11:28

Spoke with Clarence this morning and Allen still wasn't home as of Wednesday. Clarence said he spoke to him Wednesday night and said that Allen was "ready" to go fishing. A lot of fish have breathed a sigh of relief for the past several weeks, but the better watch out.

Doug

flake - Posted - 11/07/2009:  16:22:05

Just found this thread......prayers for Allen and his kin.

mike

robbif - Posted - 11/12/2009:  06:51:38

From Allen's daughter in law this morning...

quote:

---

Just wanted to let you know that nothing much has changed. Mr. Shelton's numbers are coming up, but not enough to go home just yet. He is still getting cards and enjoying them very much.

---

Edited by - robbif on 11/12/2009 07:22:27

robbif - Posted - 11/16/2009:  07:58:33

GOOD NEWS from Allen's daughter in law:

quote:

---

I wanted to let you know that Mr. Shelton got to come home from the hospital Friday night. He still has a way to go on his recovery, but the doctor told them (him and Mrs. Shelton) that as long as they are very careful (wearing masks, gloves, and limited visitors) he could recover at home. They were thrilled to get out of that hospital room.

---

Edited by - robbif on 11/16/2009 08:02:46

steve davis - Posted - 11/16/2009:  08:06:08

There's no place like home.

robbif - Posted - 11/16/2009:  15:40:07

quote:

---

HOORAY, ALLEN!!!

Best wishes for a swift at-home recovery from Gabrielle and everyone at the Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro

---

BanjoDiva - Posted - 11/16/2009:  17:37:04

Thanks for the updates Fred!

Diva
_____________________________________________________


RK R-80 #67 "The Black Dahlia"




banjoholler.com

banjojason88 - Posted - 11/17/2009:  06:30:38

The Bluegrass Blog reports that Mr. Shelton is back home.

thebluegrassblog.com/good-news...ack-home/

Edited by - banjojason88 on 11/17/2009 06:31:18

banjokid1 - Posted - 11/17/2009:  09:41:15

Allen Shelton was one of my first inspirations on the banjo. I used to play some of his back-up stuff over and over. Never did get that "Shelton bounce" just right.
All the best to this pickin' legend.

robbif - Posted - 11/21/2009:  17:34:10

VERY SAD NEWS:

From Allen's daughter in law:

quote:

---

I don't know how to tell you this, but Mr. Shelton passed away this afternoon. He had to be readmitted to the hospital Thur. because his platelets were low. He was fine Friday evening, but at some point he went to sleep and they could not get him to wake up. They ran test and believe he had a heart attack and a stroke. He never woke up again, but thankfully he went peacefully surrounded by his family.

We are all very sad, but thankful to know that he was a christian and is now with the Lord.

You can share this on your blog. Funeral arrangements will be made tomorrow, but the funeral will be held at Anderson-Woodard in Westmoreland.

We appreciate prayers for the family.

---

banjostan - Posted - 11/21/2009:  18:15:10

I keep you in my prayers. he is in a better home above.and god bless. well said jaderhold i wish i could express words like you.

Edited by - banjostan on 11/21/2009 18:19:36

jaderhold - Posted - 11/21/2009:  18:16:12

Very sad news. Allen was a great player with a great personality. He was an innovator in all aspects of his playing with exceptional taste in playing to complement the vocalist. First saw Allen with Jim and Jesse on a Sunday afternoon package show with Flatt & Scruggs and Lefty Frizzel in 1965 at the Atlanta City Auditorium. What a performance. Allen, Jim Buchanan, Don McHan. To me that group defined how Jim and Jesse were expected to sound from that point on. My condolences to Allen's family. We will miss your big smile and those pretty chords that rang from that old Bowtie.

Joel Aderhold

Edited by - jaderhold on 11/21/2009 18:19:56

SandyR - Posted - 11/21/2009:  18:27:52

Extremely sad news indeed. A marvelous giant is gone. Sincere condolences to Allen's family.

mastertone250 - Posted - 11/21/2009:  20:00:59

Man I hate to hear this. I was Just getting into Allens pickin. My Heart goes out to the Family. Maybe hes rollin the five with Gabrels Trumpet.

jfb - Posted - 11/21/2009:  20:10:49

Sad news..but he will live on, thru his recorded music and his faith..

robbif - Posted - 11/21/2009:  20:13:17

At the risk of repeating myself, let me share my treasured recording from 1969..

frobbi.org/walker.html

My continued prayers to Allen's family.

He was the kind, gifted, giant talent with the Cheshire Cat smile.

Ronnie - Posted - 11/21/2009:  20:44:13

I am so sorry!! I am honored that I got to spend a little bit of time with him at a Virginia Boys reunion at Jesse McReynold's place a couple of years ago. He was a great musician and a good man. He will be missed!!!!

Accordians don't play "Lady of Spain." Allen Shelton did!!

Edited by - Ronnie on 11/21/2009 20:53:17

Bill Rogers - Posted - 11/21/2009:  23:12:46

How sad. I'll have the memory of seeing and hearing him in person--something I can say of all too few of the banjo giants.

steve davis - Posted - 11/22/2009:  05:01:51

Condolences and Prayers from Dot and Steve.

Banjowen - Posted - 11/22/2009:  05:41:00

Thats very sad news, no one could put the bounce in a banjo like Allen, he'll be missed.......R I P Allen.

BanjoDiva - Posted - 11/22/2009:  06:00:46

The banjo world is a lesser one today. Godspeed Mr. Shelton. Our banjos gently weep.

banjobilly32 - Posted - 11/22/2009:  06:12:07

Allen will be missed in the banjo community. Betcha Jimmy Martin and Big Mon are fighting for him right now!

El Dobro - Posted - 11/22/2009:  07:32:10

RIP in Heaven.

connerspur - Posted - 11/22/2009:  07:48:01

I'm very sad to read of Allen's passing this morning. Others and myself were blessed with his presence at Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend in 2004 and 2006. A very nice and humble man. There wasn't a question that he didn't answer and he got across that everything he did was to make the whole band sound good. In 2004, after the faculty concert, some of us saw Allen and Gene Parker greet each other. Someone postulated that Gene came because Allen was there. Sammy Shelor was in the class in 2004 and another great moment was seeing Sammy and Allen play Allen's Dream together. Thank you Robbie for posting pictures and recordings. They are priceless. I'll put some pictures that I have of Allen at RBW in both 2004 and 2006.

connerspur - Posted - 11/22/2009:  08:15:35

I uploaded pictures here:

banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=3812

robbif - Posted - 11/22/2009:  08:28:25

David,
Thanks for the pics. He still had that Cheshire Cat smile!

Greg Earnest - Posted - 11/22/2009:  10:37:56

There will never be another one like him.

SandyR - Posted - 11/22/2009:  14:24:30

quote:

---

Betcha Jimmy Martin and Big Mon are fighting for him right now!

---

flange5st - Posted - 11/22/2009:  14:39:55

........what an innovator Allen was.....one of my favorite things he recorded was the break to "Your Old Standby" when he was pickin' with Jim Eanes............he rigged a foot pedal to his d-tuners so his banjo sounded like a pedel steel guitar...as only Allen could....the banjo world has lost one of the greats.....peace

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 11/22/2009:  16:06:16

God Bless Allen and family..he will be sorely missed....I always remember that big ole smile he had onstage.

robbif - Posted - 11/22/2009:  17:54:19

Funeral arrangements:

Woodard Funeral Home in Westmoreland, TN [ rwoodardfuneralhome.com ]
Visitation: Mon. 11-8, Tues. 10-2
Funeral: Tues. 2
Interment to follow at Gallatin

snapjackson - Posted - 11/22/2009:  18:56:02

R.I.P

fivedrive5 - Posted - 11/22/2009:  19:12:07

One of my greatest favorites for many many years,prayers for the family,Lord rest his soul
In the 80's he taught me several tunes and always admired his taste and right hand bounce. Will be greatly missed, Thanks

robbif - Posted - 11/22/2009:  19:21:27

Obituary: Look in the Tennessean tomorrow (Mon.)
tennessean.com/

Mail can be sent:

c/o Todd Shelton
100 Alexander Ln.
Bethpage, TN 37022

Edited by - robbif on 11/22/2009 19:41:29

O.D. - Posted - 11/22/2009:  19:31:30

Man, what a shame.Allen obviously left a huge mark on the banjo picking community.
I spent many hours with the c.d.player trying to emulate his playing.
Another legend has passed. Im sure he is in a better place now.
Condolences to the Shelton family.
Regards, O.D.

robbif - Posted - 11/22/2009:  19:58:52

Tennessean article...
blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/20...es-at-73/

Obituary...
legacy.com/obituaries/tennesse...136337310

Bluegrass Journal article...
bluegrassjournal.com/2009/11/2...ton-dies/

Bluegrass Blog article...
thebluegrassblog.com/allen-she...936-2009/

Bluegrass Ireland...
bluegrassireland.blogspot.com/...2009.html

WSMV-TV Nashville...
wsmv.com/entertainment/2169923...tail.html

The Music's Over...
themusicsover.wordpress.com/20...-shelton/

Wikipedia...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Shelton

My 1969 recording...
frobbi.org/walker.html

(See mailing address a couple posts back.)

Edited by - robbif on 11/26/2009 13:32:36

banjoy - Posted - 11/23/2009:  05:09:03

drivin5string - Posted - 11/23/2009:  09:55:49

Allen Shelton was an absolute musical genius. He continues to live through the incredible music he left on recordings, and the influence he continues to have on banjo players throughout the world. The personality he put into his playing was as much his trademark as his smile. His contribution to bluegrass, and particularly Scruggs-style banjo playing in immeasurable.

My sincere condolences to his family, his friends, and to all touched by his life and his music.

Kevin

robbif - Posted - 11/23/2009:  10:12:07

Additional Obituary from Funeral Home...

rwoodardfuneralhome.com/obituaries.htm

Matteo - Posted - 11/23/2009:  10:35:24

I agree with Kevin: he was an absolute genius...his stuff with Jim & Jesse is constantly on my CD player.
That was an awful bad news to hear...my condolences to the family.
Matt.