You Oughta Know : Allen Stone

Soul singer Allen Stone describes himself as "a hippie with soul," and his music reflects both sides of this formula; his vocals and melodic style show the clear influence of classic soul and R&B of the 1960s and 70s, while his lyrics reveal an idealism and passion that recall the folk-inspired singer/songwriters of the same era. Born in Chewelah, Washington to his obstetrician mother and local church pastor fathe, Stone grew up on gospel and Christian music, and began leading youth worship groups when he was only 14. He had little exposure to secular music as a child, but in his teens, he developed a taste for classic soul music, and started collecting vintage R&B sides, as well as golden age singer/songwriters. After graduating from high school, 18-... Moreğ

Soul singer Allen Stone describes himself as "a hippie with soul," and his music reflects both sides of this formula; his vocals and melodic style show the clear influence of classic soul and R&B of the 1960s and 70s, while his lyrics reveal an idealism and passion that recall the folk-inspired singer/songwriters of the same era. Born in Chewelah, Washington to his obstetrician mother and local church pastor fathe, Stone grew up on gospel and Christian music, and began leading youth worship groups when he was only 14. He had little exposure to secular music as a child, but in his teens, he developed a taste for classic soul music, and started collecting vintage R&B sides, as well as golden age singer/songwriters. After graduating from high school, 18-year-old Stone left Chewelah to attend junior college in Spokane; a year later, he transferred to Bible college, but after a single semester he dropped out and relocated to Seattle. He began writing songs, and soon put together a band with a handful of local musicians; Stone and his group became a regular presence on the West Coast club scene, and developed a reputation for powerful live shows as they played up to 200 dates a year. Eventually recording an album called Last to Speak that he released digitally through his own Stickystones label, Stone then released a second album, simply titled Allen Stone, in the fall of 2011.ĞLess