TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MONTY LANE ALLEN ON HIS OUTSTANDING CAREER AS A GOSPEL AND COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER AND SONGWRITER AND TO WISH HIM MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, Monty Lane Allen grew up traveling South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia singing Gospel music with his dad and sister. His father taught him a few chords on the guitar when he was a small child, he was hooked, and his newly ignited passion for music led him to a successful career as a gospel and country music artist; and

Whereas, raised in the small South Carolina community of Lockhart, where everybody knows you and you know everybody, Monty presently makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, MacKenzie and Grayson. Monty's journey to Nashville began in 1990 with a life-changing event; and

Whereas, in 1990, Monty surrendered his life to the Lord, and his world was changed. He met and married the girl of his dreams in 1991, and they answered God's call to move to Nashville a year later. Monty was signed a few months later by a major publishing company as a songwriter. Even though he had been in town only a very short time, Monty became a popular demo singer and background vocalist for many writers, ranging from beginners to Grammy winners. He continues doing that work to this day. The various artists he has worked with and songs he has sung are too numerous to count; and

Whereas, Monty is quick to credit all his successes simply to being obedient to God's call on his life. An independent record deal came his way with videos and singles that garnered national attention and landed him in People Magazine as "A New Artist to Watch in Country Music." Still, his desire was to be where the Lord wanted him. It was during this time that Monty was blessed to become a member of country music superstar Alan Jackson's stage band. He has remained in this position for twelve years; and

Whereas, this servant-hearted man lives by this core philosophy: "I tell my kids and anyone else who will listen that when you put the Lord first; family, friends, and others next; and yourself at the bottom of your ladder, you'll be successful in anything you do"; and

Whereas, over the years, Monty has had songs recorded by many Gospel music artists, and his songs almost always have reached "Top 40" status. He had a number-one song, "May I Never Get Over the Cross," by Eighth Day. He recently recorded his own first Southern Gospel project, Narrow Road, which is composed of songs written, sung, and produced by Monty, who lives the words he sings. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Monty Lane Allen on his outstanding career as a Gospel and country music singer and songwriter and wish him much continued success in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Monty Allen.