Rance Allen is one of God's greatest influences in The Gospel Music World. He set the music world on fire between 1971 and 1974 with his electrifying recordings for the Stax-owned Gospel Truth and Truth labels. Hits like "Just My Salvation," "There's Gonna Be a Showdown," and "Ain't No Need of Crying" broke down stylistic barriers between gospel, rock, and soul musical styles as they never had before. One of 12 children, Rance has been performing since he was five. As "Little Rance Allen-the Boy Preacher" he preached and sang throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania until he was 14. Coming out of the COGIC Rance says he had a very strict up bringing by his grandparents. He didn't have a life like most kids had. He wasn't allowed to go out and play and do the things a kid does.Rance began playing piano when he was seven and picked up the guitar two years later. He credits gospel giant James Cleveland as his main influence, but also names Ray Charles and Chuck Berry. Rance states that his style of music was not accepted in every church. Rance has been overwhelming audiences across the country ever since with his exuberant stage demeanor and shattering vocals that slide up and down the scale. Rance punctuates his delivery with deep growls and rhythmic scats.
