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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZALLEN, Deborah(b Deborah Lynn Thurmond, 30 Sept. '53, Memphis TN) Nashville- based singer with a soulful edge, and a songwriter who has penned hits for Janie Fricke, John Conlee, Patti Loveless, Tanya Tucker and many others. Moved to Nashville '72, worked as waitress, then at Opryland as singer and dancer in chorus line. To L.A. '75 on Jim Stafford's TV variety show. Signed as writer with MCA Music, Nashville '77; made recording debut when her vocals were added to tracks by the late Jim Reeves, resulting in Top 10 C&W hits "Don't Let Me Cross Over', "Oh, How I Miss You Tonight', '79 and "Take Me In Your Arms And Hold Me' '80. Married songwriter Rafe Van Hoy '82, the pair often writing together. Signed to Capitol, scored with "Nobody's Fool' '81, then pop crossover with "Baby I Lied' '83 on RCA and further Top 10 C&W hits "I've Been Wrong Before' and "I Hurt For You' '84. Failed to consolidate pop style that RCA aimed for and faded, resurfacing on Giant '92 with more rootsy, country-soul style, a nod to her Memphis heritage. Popular on TNN and CMT for sensual videos. |