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Allen Shamblin
was born in Tennessee but he got to Texas just as quick
as he could, growing up in Huffman about 30 miles
outside of Houston. After graduating from Sam Houston
State University, Shamblin moved to Austin where he
worked as a real-estate appraiser to support his real
love, songwriting. Armed with fourteen
carefully-crafted gems, Shamblin decided to try his luck
in Nashville. His “story songs” with vivid detail and
honest, earthy lyrics quickly caught the ear of the
Nashville music establishment.
 In
short order, Randy Travis took Shamblin’s song, “He
Walked on Water” to the very top of the charts,
making both of them “overnight” sensations. This began a
string of award-winning, chart-topping songs, such as “Walk
On Faith” by Mike Reid, “In This Life” by
Collin Raye, “Thinkin’ Problem” by David Ball, “Life’s
A Dance” by John Michael Montgomery, “We Were In
Love” by Toby Keith, “Don’t Laugh At Me” by
Mark Wills, “Live, Laugh, Love” by Clay Walker, “Where
The Blacktop Ends” by Keith Urban, and Dove Award
winner, “It’s In Gods Hands Now” by Anointed. “I
Can’t Make You Love Me,” a song co-written with Mike
Reid and recorded by Bonnie Raitt was nominated for a
Grammy Award and voted the #8 song of “The 100 Greatest
Songs Of All Time” in the August 2000 issue of Mojo
Magazine.
Shamblin has had more than 100 of
his songs recorded by artists from several genres of
music. Household names from the country world like
Wynonna, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Roy Clark, Brooks &
Dunn, and LeeAnn Rimes have found success with
Shamblin’s creations. Artists from the pop segment like
Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, and George Michael have put
their own spin on Shamblin’s songs. Other genres
represented include R&B/Soul stars such as Prince, Patti
LaBelle and Ci Ci Winan; folk superstars Peter, Paul and
Mary; and jazz artists Nancy Wilson and Kirk Whalum.
Few songwriters can claim success of this magnitude.
In addition to writing songs,
Shamblin has found time to co-author two children’s
books, Don’t Laugh at Me and A
Chance to Shine, with friend and fellow
songwriter, Steve Seskin. Don’t Laugh At Me
has been translated into several languages and is being
used by teachers throughout the United States and other
parts of the world as an aid against bullying.
Shamblin currently resides in
Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Lori, and their
three children on a small farm with 3 horses, 2 burros,
1 Texas Longhorn steer, 5 goats, 1 rooster and too many
dogs and cats (that he loves).
The Texas Heritage Songwriters
Association is proud to honor Allen Shamblin for his
prodigious contributions to the songwriting community.
Song Highlights
He
Walked on Water
Artist: Randy Travis
I can’t make You Love Me
Artist: Bonnie Raitt
Where the Blacktop Ends
Artists: Keith Urban
We Were In Love
Artist: Toby Keith
Life’s A Dance
Artist: John Michael Montgomery
Man Of My Word
Artist: Collin Raye
Don’t Laugh At Me
Artist: Mark Willis
Whenever You Come Back To Me
Artist: David Ball
Live, Laugh, Love
Artist: Clay Walker
Walk On Faith
Artist: Mike Reid
It’s Never Easy to Say Goodbye
Artist: Wynonna
Rodeo Road
Artist: Willie Nelson & Roy Rogers
Why Can’t We
Artist: Dolly Parton |
