Allison Lynn Bio

For many years, Allison Lynn led an eclectic career singing all kinds of music, from music theatre to jazz to gospel to big band. 

But in 2005, Allison felt at a crossroads in her career. She started to pray for guidance. That summer, she attended Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music in Nashville, TN, and God touched her life in a deep and profound way. She returned to her home in Toronto, ON, and started a gospel music ministry, singing at churches, festivals, and special events.

Within months, God was calling again, and Allison and her husband, Gerald Flemming, decided to make the move to Nashville. After many months of legal work, Allison was awarded an 01 (Artist) Visa, allowing her to live and work in the United States for a 3 year period.

Whether singing a fully staged concert, or leading a sing-along in a small inner-city church, Allison Lynn brings a message of God's unconditional love and faithfulness for all to hear.Allison's new CD,REAL BIG FAN is rooted in Southern Gospel, with a twist of jazz. Produced by Aaron Minick, the songs are a mix of gospel classics, originals by Allison and her husband, Gerald, and new songs by Daryl Williams, Joel Lindsey, and Wayne Haun.Allison writes the blog, ADVENTURES OF A STARVING ARTIST and is currently accepting bookings for 2008.

www.allisonlynn.com
www.allisonlynn.blogspot.com

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Last month, we held our 21st annual Ben Speer’s Stamps-Baxter School of Music in Murfreesboro, TN. Each year, I am amazed at the wonderful singing families that attend the school. Some have lots of children, others are made up of several generations, but for me, the Stutzman Family stands above the crowd.

Yes, they can sing, and yes, they are sweet people, but beyond all of that, they are committed to serving Christ and the Gospel. They work hard, and constantly challenge themselves to bring only their best to their ministry. I wanted to chat with the matriarch of the group, Heather Stutzman, about the latest chapter in their family story.

ALLISON: Heather, can you please tell us a little about each family member, and his or her role in the group?

HEATHER: We are a true family group. When we originally started, my husband Ryan and I were basically a duet. As our three girls grew up, we added them into the mix whenever we could. They are so great at hearing parts. By the time our oldest daughter, Belinda, was just 11 or 12 she was taking over a lot of the lead parts. Our last two projects have been very exciting for us. MaKayla has stepped up and filled in that fourth part and we are just amazed at the sound. Our youngest, Rebecca, joins us on some family songs as well as doing some solos of her own.


ALLISON: I love your new single, "I Know Which Boat to Ride.” It’s often difficult for newer groups to find great songs, but you did it with this one.

HEATHER: Our latest single is a Dianne Wilkinson song. What a great lady. We’ve had the joy of getting to know her and we are so excited to see what “I Know Which Boat to Ride” will do. Dianne is hoping it will do really well so that she can go back to all the quartets that passed it up and say, “See, I told you it was a great song!” Gospel radio has been so sweet to us. The DJs seem to really like “Boat” and it’s climbing the charts.

ALLISON: The “Boat” features the talents of the amazing Gordon Mote, and I know this isn’t the only time you’ve worked with him. How did that relationship develop, and how does working with Gordon affect your music?


HEATHER: We first met Gordon at the Stamps-Baxter School of Music and of course were AMAZED! When we started our new project “Life Stories” and were setting up the tracking sessions, we jokingly told our producer, Donna Beauvais, that we wanted someone like Gordon Mote to play on it. She just said, ”OK. I’ll call him.” Gordon and the rest of the players brought such a great feel to our tracks, especially the upbeat songs like “Boat”. After listening to that track we all agreed that we needed Gordon to sing on it too! We think it turned out great and we hope it puts a smile on your face every time you hear it.


ALLISON: I’m glad you mentioned the Stamps-Baxter School of Music. One thing I admire about the Stutzman Family is your commitment to furthering your education in Gospel music. Why is this kind of education important to you?


HEATHER: We didn’t have much of a music background, so we wanted to learn everything we could. Anyone can get up and sing, but not everyone can minister through music. We want to continually be learning. We are so grateful for schools like Stamps-Baxter that teach theory. I remember my first day in class, I was so overwhelmed. I actually went back to my room, called Ryan, and told him I couldn’t do it!! I’m so glad I stuck it out. I will forever be in debt to Mr. Jack Clark for introducing me to songwriting. After several years of music training at Stamps-Baxter, we were so excited to hear that Allison Durham-Speer and her husband, Brian Speer, were starting the Elijah Conference. As far as I’m concerned, if you want to MINISTER the Gospel through music you shouldn’t step foot on a stage without taking this conference. Brian and Allison understand that ministry isn’t about the lights and the fame - it’s about being a servant. 


ALLISON: I agree! It’s a fantastic conference! Okay, I don't know if this is true or simply an urban myth, but did Ryan once try out for "Survivor"? If so, story please!


HEATHER: Yes, he did. We used to be faithful Survivor fans and Ryan just knew he could win the million!! It’s been a family joke because Ryan has had so many jobs. There are so many things he enjoys and is good at. You name it, he’s probably done it. He’s been everything from a model to an insurance salesman. But, oddly enough he’s never worked at a fast food place!


ALLISON: Your family has taken a unique approach to marketing. Your website, CDs, and NQC booth often have a distinctive theme. How is this kind of marketing important to your ministry?


HEATHER: We enjoy the marketing side of it. There are tons of gospel groups out there; some good some bad. But, for the most part they all look the same. We knew if we were going to get our music noticed, then we had to get them to stop and listen. Our “Come Fly with Me” theme a couple of years ago was so much fun. We used the whole airline theme to get people’s attention with airline peanuts, barf bags, luggage tags, etc. There were a few people that thought it was “cheesy”, but even they NOTICED us! We just try to think “out of the box” a little. We don’t sound like everyone else, so why should we look like everyone else?

ALLISON: You group has changed as the girls have grown, and now that they're getting to college age, I imagine there will be even more changes in your future. How do you see the future for the Stutzman Family?


HEATHER: Things are continually changing for us. We like the sound we have come into, but we know that as the girls get older things are bound to change. What our future is, only God knows. We just trust He will find us faithful to do whatever He asks and go wherever He leads.


ALLISON: If you could tell people one thing about Jesus, what would it be?

HEATHER: He loves you no matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’ve been.

To find out more about The Stutzman Family, please visit http://thestutzmanfamily.com/