Allen Ball, Writer, Musician, Friend
Jackie Gore, formerly of the Embers Band , now with the Legends of Beach, performed this song, "Cuddle Up" which was the last song written by Allen Ball.
Allen Ball was an extremely talented musician, writer, singer and friend. Allen traveled with the Shadows back in the late 60's when we were playing from Louisiana to Washington, DC. Allen's main instrument was sax but he could play a really good rhythm guitar, harmonica, and keyboard. Up until his recent death, Allen and I would talk 'music' almost everyday by phone. He came back with the Shadows for a while a couple of years ago until he had to divert his energies to helping his aging parents. When Allen's dad died, it seemed to increase his drive for caring for his mother. He put aside his own dreams and ambitions to stay by her side until her death. He and I had planned a recording session of some of his original material, but a scant two weeks after his mom died, Allen had a stroke and was hospitalized. While in the hospital, complications developed and he spent a painful month, never recovering and passed away.
His funeral was held in LaGrange, NC. There only a few people in this world that I could talk for hours about writing music, or discussing how a 'hook-line' worked in a particular song idea. Allen was one of those people. We would critique each other's music without getting offended. I would like to think that we were both the better for that interaction.
Listen to his last song….'Cuddle Up." This video also pictures the lady that he had re-connected with after many years. She seemed to make a very lonely person very happy again. Barney Conway
Gone. but not forgotten.


March 16th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
oh, I remember Allen so well.. great post. I know Allen would like it.
March 21st, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Great work, Barney, but I shouldn't be surprised, knowing you. Didn't know he had this song recorded. I still have a CD or two of his originals … speaking of which, I owe you a review on your own CD.
March 21st, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Thanks for the kind words. You still are one of the best drummers (and musicians) with whom I’ve had the pleasure of performing. Call me the next time you in the area and we’ll play a little blues!
April 6th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Just saw this page Barney, sorry to hear the sad news. Best wishes to his family and friends.