Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Keith Allison, who was a vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, and a former member of “Paul Revere and the Raiders”, died at the age of 79. He is said to have died on November 17th of natural causes at his Sherman Oaks home.
The surviving members of the rock band paid respect to the renowned guitarist as they released a statement, “It is with deep sadness [we] announce the passing of Keith Allison.”
“We all here in the Raider family are terribly heartbroken. Keith will always be a Raider. Our love goes out to Keith’s wife Tina, son Ryeland, daughters Allison and Brenda, and all the grandchildren,” Paul Revere and the Raiders wrote. “Keith was a friend to all, and everyone loved Keith. His presence will be strongly missed.”
Allison sang and played bass, guitar, and organ with Paul Revere & the Raiders from 1968 through 1975. He co-wrote the bluegrass song “Freeborn Man” with bandmate Mark Lindsay in 1967, and it was covered by him, Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, and a slew of others throughout the years.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, he contributed to The Monkees’ self-titled debut album in 1966, Headquarters in 1967, and Head in 1968, and he co-wrote “Auntie’s Municipal Court” for The Birds, the Bees & The Monkees in 1968.
Sonny & Cher’s mega-hit “The Beat Goes On” was recorded in 1966, and Allison performed guitar and harmonica on it. Columbia Records signed him a year later and released Keith Allison in Action, his first album.
He recorded “Sail Away” with Nilsson in 1976 and appeared on Steve Cropper’s CDs. He also played guitar on Starr’s Bad Boy album in 1978 and served as musical director for the drummer’s NBC special the same year.
Reactions to Keith Allison, Member of “Paul Revere & the Raiders," Dies At 79
RIP Keith Allison from Paul Revere & the Raiders and so much more! He did music @TheMonkees too! ❤️
RIP Keith Allison from Paul Revere & the Raiders and so much more! He did music @TheMonkees too! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/URgD00HR2J
— Rick Friel (@rickfriel) November 19, 2021
Loved Paul Revereand the Raiders #Rip
Loved Paul Revereand the Raiders #Rip https://t.co/WIajn7tDMT
— Gigi4habs (@gigi4habs) November 20, 2021
Doesn't seem possible. He & the Raiders are a fond memory of those days so long ago. RIP sir & thanks for the music.
Doesn't seem possible. He & the Raiders are a fond memory of those days so long ago.
— Cincigal – The real Cincigal #NotTheParodyCincigal (@na52g) November 20, 2021
RIP sir & thanks for the music.