Another passing...all too soon

Sad news again. Allan Collay ( Callais) our bluesy vocalist and keyboardist passed away today in his sleep, of complicatons from kidney disease.

He was comfortable and had his daughter at his side in the hospital.

Allan was a soulful and talented singer who emulated his idol Ray Charles in a big way. He was lucky to meet Ray at an Atlanta concert in California, an event which no doubt was a big one for Allan.

Discovered by Larry McBride Atlanta's illustrious manager, Collay was an entertainer at many local night spots in and around ATL before joining the band. He recorded st an early age, and got radio play on his first single.

His unusual vocal and keyboard styling helped contribute to the diversity of Atlanta's sound, and though he did not sing too many leads on the recordings, his "You are the Wine" and concert version of "Turn on Your Love Light" were always memorable and different.

We toast Mr. Collay a true original.

Memorial for a friend- Tony Ingram

A few of us that were able to be there, along with crew members, and about 400 other people attended the memorial service for Tony Ingram, our friend, fiddle player, singer and drummer.

Tony had been a music minister these past years, and a leader in a ministry for men with problems.

He touched the lives of so many it was hard to get them all in the room.

He had a son with is first wife Brenda, and two children from his more recent marriage to Crystal.

It was a sad day for all of us knowing the reunion of this band if ever, will be a tribute and fund raiser if it happens at all.

But the message we all got from the speakers and musicians there was one of hope and the sincere belief in something much greater than all of us.

What a guy....Tony Ingram .....lived life BIG!