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Gene Allison

 

Gene Allison

Versie Eugene Allison (Gene Allison) was born in Peagram, Tennessee on August 29, 1934. He began singing in a Church choir with his brother Leevert, who later also became a well known singer, then sang with various gospel groups including The Skylarks. 

He is mainly known for his few hits which include the classic “You can make it if you try”, which was recorded in 1957 and was his debut recording for VeeJay Records (VJ 256). The song became widely known from a cover version by The Rolling Stones.

“Lets sit and talk” (VJ 286, July 1958, did not chart) by Gene Allison was released in the UK on Sue LP ILP 943 “Dr Soul”.Towards the end of the 1960s, after recording for a number of labels, and despite being admired by other singers (including Sam Cooke), he retired from public singing and enjoyed a private life.

Mr Allison died from renal failure in Nashville, Tennessee on February 28, 2004.

Image: Digital Collections.

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