Ira Alllen R.I.P.

[Nick Reed]

Nashville country songwriter and fellow musician "Ira Allen" died Sunday July 24th, 2021 after suffering a 3 month long illness. Ira wrote many songs through the years including the Vern Gosdin charted hit "Hangin On". He and his wife "Judi Martin" had been married 35 years. Ira was originally from the state of Maine, but spent most of his professional career around the Nashville area.

[Ken Fox]

I’ve known Ira since I was 17 years old and a senior in high school. I worked weekends in Portland Oregon at Taylor’s Viewpoint, at that time the largest country and western club in the Pacific Northwest Ira and his group were the house band there while I worked there. A great entertainer and singer. We stayed in touch over the years.

Early on while I was living in Georgia we came in contact again. He was then the house band at the Palamino Club in California

Some years later I met Bob Bogle of the Ventures while playing at the Elks lodge in Vancouver, Washington. Bob and I played for about half a set with just an electric drummer. What a thrill.

I told Bob about know Ira and he confirmed Ira was their lead singer when they got their first hit instrumental. Ira was in the service at that time so he agreed to part with the Ventures. He was also was a long time friend of Buck Owens

I visited Ira several times in Nashville. He had me as a guest at his home several times. We had the most wonderful phone conversations as well during that time


I will miss my old friend

[Steve Hinson]

Ira Allen was a wonderful man...he will be missed by all who knew him.

SH

[Pete Finney]

Sad to hear... I rode that old bus with Ira from Nashville to Nevada and back 30+ years ago to play a week in a casino. Bus ride wasn't fun but the gigs and company were great! It was always a pleasure to run into him in later years when he would come down to the Nashville Palace and sit in. Still a great singer, and cool guy.

RIP Ira

[Ron Hogan]

Sad to hear... I rode that old bus with Ira from Nashville to Nevada and back 30+ years ago to play a week in a casino. Bus ride wasn't fun but the gigs and company were great! It was always a pleasure to run into him in later years when he would come down to the Nashville Palace and sit in. Still a great singer, and cool guy.

RIP Ira

Pete, I also rode that buss 32 years ago for a month long casino gig.

[Chris Brooks]

Pete and Ron, I too rode the old bus between Nashville and Nevada: Mesquite, Sparks, Wells, Wendover . . . . Once the bus broke down in Tucumcari (there is a song there somewhere) and we had to leave it to get the rear end fixed. We bought a car, which broke down; then we rented a U Haul and made the gig.

When the bus was fixed, Ira and I took off to get it. Drove all night to Tucumcari, picked up the bus and made it back for the show!

Ira and I always got along great. He put on a good show and was quite the character. I am sorry he has passed. Chris

[Tiny Olson]

I'm sorry to hear of Ira's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out for his family and friends.

I remember seeing that bus along the way. I drove, rode and slept probably a half million miles in 4104s much like that back when. Breakdowns,,,??? oh yeah....

RIP Ira.

[W. C. Edgar]

Ira was my friend since I moved to Nashville in 1989
l miss seeing him at Gabes and Skulls back in the day
Ira is the guy that taught me the kick-ass mic technique that I use today to rattle those bass bins. LOL
WC

[Chris Brooks]

W C Edgar, I remember bass bins. IRA carried two Voice of Theater cabinets in the bus's bay. He swore he needed them as vocal monitor speakers.

Of course the band members got the privilege of moving them onto the stage!

He was indeed a character--but he got me started in Nashville and eventually into a new kind of life.

[Steve Hinson]

A man among men...Ira will be missed.