Duane Allen, born in Taylortown, Texas, is a distinguished vocalist, best known as the lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys, a position he has held since 1966. His extensive musical training includes both operatic and quartet singing. Allen’s academic journey includes graduating from Paris Junior College and earning a Bachelor of Science in music from Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he studied under Metropolitan Opera Stars Richard Webb and William Abbott, focusing on voice, piano, and composition.
Throughout his illustrious career, Allen has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame and an honorary doctorate from a Christian College in 2014. His hometown honored him by dedicating the Duane Allen Memorial Bridge and inducting him into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Beyond performing, Allen has played a pivotal role in The Oak Ridge Boys’ business and creative ventures, co-producing several of the group’s albums and ensuring their financial stability during their transition from gospel to country music in the late 1970s.
His personal interests include restoring antique cars, maintaining a collection housed in his “Museum as on Wheels,” and staying active through regular walking and basketball.
Allen’s family life is deeply intertwined with music. He and his wife, Norah Lee Allen, a celebrated backup singer with over 40 years at the Grand Ole Opry, had two children, Jamie and Dee, and four grandchildren: March, Kell, Texas, and Tallant. The couple collaborated on various musical projects and actively supported music education, underwriting a scholarship fund for music students at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Residing in Hendersonville, Tennessee, on a 72-acre farm, Allen and his family cultivated a life rich in music, faith, and community involvement, reflecting a harmonious blend of personal passions and professional achievements.
In a 2015 interview, Allen shared insights into his musical influences, citing harmony groups such as the Sons of the Pioneers, The Platters, and the Golden Gate Quartet as significant inspirations. He emphasized the importance of singing with passion and conviction, attributes that have undoubtedly contributed to his enduring success. Allen’s commitment to his craft is further exemplified by his dedication to singing at every opportunity, a practice he advises aspiring artists to adopt. He believes that performing consistently, regardless of the venue, increases the chances of being noticed and advancing in the music industry.
A particularly memorable experience in Allen’s career occurred during a visit to the Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. The Oak Ridge Boys were invited to sing for a young patient who was paralyzed and could only communicate by blinking his eyes. As they performed “Elvira,” the child’s eyes blinked rapidly, a moment that deeply moved Allen and reinforced the profound impact of music.
Allen’s musical journey also includes collaborations with legendary artists. Notably, Merle Haggard wrote the song “Sweet Jesus” specifically for The Oak Ridge Boys. Haggard not only penned the song but also contributed his vocals to the track, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the group. Throughout his illustrious career, Duane Allen has remained dedicated to his musical roots while continually evolving as an artist. His unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the stage, has solidified his legacy as a pivotal figure in the realms of gospel and country music.
Following the passing of his wife, Norah Lee Allen, on March 31, 2024, Duane Allen is facing one of the most difficult times of his life. After 54 years of marriage, the couple’s deep bond, built on music and faith, was unbreakable. Norah Lee, a beloved Grand Ole Opry vocalist, had been hospitalized for nine weeks before she passed away at 76 years old. Her death leaves a profound void not only in Duane’s life but also in the country and gospel music community. Despite his grief, Duane continues to honor her memory, surrounded by family, friends, and the unwavering support of The Oak Ridge Boys. As he navigates this painful loss, fans and fellow musicians alike are rallying behind him, remembering Norah Lee’s kind spirit, musical legacy, and the love she and Duane shared for over five decades.
Here’s a video detailing Duane Allen’s remarkable journey: Duane Allen’s Life Story: From The Oak Ridge Boys to Tragic Loss.