Crescendo: The Story of a Musical Genius Who Forever Changed a Southern Town

Cheney, a film and TV producer, debuts with the poignant life story of his grandfather, Fred Allen, a piano prodigy who overcame great obstacles to become a successful musician. Raised in poverty in LaGrange, Ga., Allen grew up with a mother and father who thought his musical abilities at the age of three were a curse and so locked up his piano. However, thanks to an encouraging teacher and his own hard work, Allen became set on moving to New York City and was eventually accepted to Juilliard. Cheney, with fawning admiration, quickly moves through Allen’s time in New York: his matriculation to Columbia University after Juilliard—where he met his future wife, Winnie—and his early career as a music producer. Though Allen found great success and eventually won a Grammy for producing the album How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the glamorous lifestyle and social obligations that came from his achievements, coupled with his obsession with work, eventually broke up his marriage. Winnie and his daughter moved back to Georgia, and Allen had to choose: continue to chase his dream or return to his family. Throughout, the hand of providence shadows Allen (in Cheney’s eyes) and eventually guides him home, where he worked with students to form a nationally touring theater troupe. Readers looking for a neatly constructed tale of redemption will enjoy Cheney’s ode to his grandfather. (July)