An American musician, singer-songwriter could have died because of his own missionary work. But, having survived a serious illness, Kris Allen realized what kind of songs people need. And managed to become a modern American idol.
Complete musical immersion Kris Allen
Chris Allen was born on June 21, 1985 in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Chris was very interested in music from an early age. After learning to play the viola, the boy took up the piano and guitar. Interest in music led Chris to the school orchestra.
A few years later he became a member of the orchestra of his native state. Among his favorite artists are John Mayer, Mike Dixon and group The Beatles. Their work impressed Allen so much that he simply dreamed of the music scene.
After leaving school, Allen entered the university, devoting his free time to creativity. Already in the 2nd year of study, he gained his first success. The debut in a bar in the city of Conway was successful, the audience warmly received the musician. But for a professional career, money was needed. So Chris got a job selling sports shoes. Part of the proceeds went to the piggy bank to once allow him to record an album. He also performed regularly in bars in Little Rock and Fayetteville.
In 2007, in company with Michael Holmes (drummer) and Chase Erwin (bass guitarist), Allen recorded the first album, Brand New Shoes. The tracks of the disc were invented personally by him, and the album was released in a circulation of 600 copies. All of them were presented to the relatives and friends of the musicians.
Idol of modern television
For many years, American Idol was considered the forge of young musical talents. Many of the show's contestants have gone missing since its conclusion, but some have been lucky. They were able to “unwind” and become real stars of world significance. Chris Allen is no exception.
The singer recalled that even then he was going to leave the music. He understood that a stable income is needed for a normal life. So Chris planned to go back to school and find a good job. But he gave the last chance to a creative impulse by coming to audition for a music show.
The eighth season of the music show was very successful for him. Allen quickly made the list of finalists, but his performances were not broadcast in full. The organizers of the show liked the other finalists, they considered Chris not the best, but promising. The jury highly appreciated his attempts to give modern songs a traditional and folk sound. And some cover versions of Allen liked the judges even more than the original tracks.
While participating in the show, Chris came home for a while. In his native state, he has already become a celebrity, he was met by 20 thousand people. Thanks to the efforts and charisma, the young performer won. In May 2009, Chris Allen received the main award of the show, he had a lot of fans. But time has been lost. Even after graduation, the singer married a classmate. He was considered an exemplary family man.
Kris Allen: Minutes of glory are fleeting
The victory in the American Idol show opened up incredible prospects for the musician. And it would be foolish not to use them. Tracks by Chris Allen regularly hit various charts, occupying positions from 11th to 94th. In June 2009, the singer was given the right to sing the national anthem in Game XNUMX of the NBA Finals. The crowded hall applauded Chris, not wanting to let him off the playing field.
After such success, music studios quickly began to offer cooperation to the musician. As a result, a contract for the next Kris Allen album was signed to Jive Records.
In November 2009, the US officially learned about the new star of the pop scene. True, few people knew that this was already the second record of the performer. Of the 12 tracks on the album, 9 were written by Allen.
It's time for tours. These were not only solo concerts, but also joint performances with popular groups. At the same time, full halls did not guarantee excellent sales. Chris Allen's self-titled album barely surpassed 80 copies.
By the end of 2011 alone, almost 330 copies of the record had been sold. But the singer's popularity did not decrease. This was confirmed by his speech in Washington. On National Memorial Day, it was Allen who was able to sing "God Bless America" in front of the audience.
Not only music interests
Active touring activity was replaced by work in the studio. Allen recorded singles, released albums and went on tour again. He traveled all over the American states, visited Canada, spoke to the military in Italy, Portugal. Only a few among the winners of world music shows can be proud of such achievements.
In addition to creativity, the musician actively traveled around the countries with a missionary mission, which almost cost him his life. While studying at the university, Allen traveled to Morocco, South Africa, Thailand for humanitarian purposes. After returning home, Chris learned that he had contracted a rare form of hepatitis. The year of treatment was difficult and exhausting.
It was then that the singer began to engage in creativity and began to write the first songs.
In February 2010, Chris Allen traveled to Haiti. Here, with members of the UN Foundation, he focused on the issue of extreme disasters. The famous singer actively helped with the elimination of the consequences of earthquakes.
The humanitarian missions of the musician pushed his many fans to charity. People began to collect donations, organize charity events. Thanks to music and creativity, help was provided to those in need. They have done even more than the official authorities.
In addition, Chris Allen is engaged in the "advancement" of music education. He also finances charitable organizations, runs music schools. The singer is sure that a musical education is vital for a child who has talent. And it is important to find it, to make it develop. Therefore, Allen directs part of the fees and charitable funds to the field of education.
Personal life
But in the life of Chris there is a place not only for creativity. Since 2008, he has been a happy husband, who later became the father of three children. The first son was born in 2013, a daughter appeared three years later. The second son was born in 2019.
In the same year, the album "10" was released, which included the best hits of the singer of past years. New versions of familiar songs have become a kind of gift to the musician's fans. So he recalled his creative take-off back in 2009. Chris Allen has not disappeared from the pedestal of the modern American idol, surprising listeners with new hits and an active life.
