Keith Alllen....
Kamm2MacD
January 5, 2004
Keith Allen
Keith Allen, a respected and versatile guitarist known for his generous and
kind spirit, died of an apparent heart attack Monday at his Petaluma home. He
was 50.
Allen was a "world-class" guitarist, a successful music teacher and a pillar
in the Northern California music community for nearly 30 years, said longtime
friend and fellow musician Frank Hayhurst, owner of Zone Music.
Because he wouldn't sacrifice time with his family to go on the road for
months at a time, Allen wasn't as well known as Eric Clapton or Stevie Ray
Vaughn, but he was equally good, Hayhurst said.
Allen wrote and recorded in many styles, and could play anything from
classical to jazz to rock 'n' roll, Hayhurst said.
"He was a flame-thrower of a player -- a brilliant technician -- and he had
heart," Hayhurst said. "He was easily as good as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric
Clapton. He was a world-class guitar player."
Allen played with Bonnie Hayes, Nina Gerber, Mumbo Gumbo, Peter Welker, Maria
Muldaur, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Norton Buffalo, Steve Miller and the
Longhouse Band. He also performed in the San Francisco theatrical productions
of "Rent" and "Mama Mia."
Allen was an early faculty member at Blue Bear Music in San Francisco and
built a private teaching practice over the years. He also authored a series of
music education publications: the Guitar Poster, the Bass Poster, the Keyboard
Poster and the Rock Guitar Poster.
His ability as a musician was equalled by his patience as a teacher and his
passion for encouraging young people to love music as he did.
"He made everyone feel special. He had that ability, that warmth that made
people feel close to him. He genuinely cared about people," said his wife,
Diana Kay of Petaluma.
Allen was a part of Musicians Helping Musicians, a group that helps members in
times of health crisis. "He was always the first in line, supporting people in
their need," Hayhurst said.
In addition to his wife, Allen is survived by a 2-year-old daughter, Leah
Allen Kay of Petaluma, and two sons, Jackson Allen of Cotati and Tom Allen of
Berkeley.
He also leaves his parents, Thomas and Patricia Allen of Davis; a brother, Tim
Allen of Ashland, Ore.; and two sisters, Jacquelyn Trautt of Long Beach and
Kathleen Rodgers of Nelson, British Columbia.
A potluck musical celebration of Allen's life will be held Sunday from 4 to 11
p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 85 La Plaza in Cotati. For more
information, call Zone Music at 664-1213.
A memorial fund has been established for Allen's family. Checks with the
notation "Keith Allen Fund" may be sent to Edward Jones Investments, c/o Leanne
Vogensen, 850 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite F, Petaluma 94952. For more information,
call 763-1851. Contributions also may be made at Zone Music, c/o Frank
Hayhurst, 7884 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati.