We are  deeply saddened to note that Allen Shelton passed away, November 21. After having been released from the hospital a week ago (11/13), he was readmitted on Thursday, slipped into unconsciousness on Friday and died on Saturday afternoon.

Allen had been initially hospitalized in October, where he was diagnosed with leukemia. He had remained in the hospital in Nashville until his recent release.

Fred Robbins sent along this report from Allen’s daughter-in-law…

“He had to be readmitted to the hospital Thursday because his platelets were low. He was fine Friday evening, but at some point he went to sleep and they could not get him to wake up. They ran tests and believe he had a heart attack and a stroke. He never woke up again, but thankfully he went peacefully surrounded by his family.”

We hope to have details on funeral arrangements on Monday, along with where cards of sympathy and remembrances of Allen can be sent.

Allen Shelton was an exceptional banjo player, and his contributions to our music will be long and well remembered. He was also a generous, kind and sweet man, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.

We are delighted to let everyone know that banjo legend Allen Shelton has been released from the hospital, and is home again with his family after a hospitalization of nearly two months.

Shelton was diagnosed with leukemia, which at age 73, is an awfully serious bit of news. He had been receiving chemo and other treatment at the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, and was released this past Friday (11/13).

Here is the report we received from Allen’s daughter in law, via Fred Robbins:

“He still has a way to go on his recovery, but the doctor told them (him and Mrs. Shelton) that as long as they are very careful (wearing masks, gloves, and limited visitors) he could recover at home.  They were thrilled to get out of that hospital room.”

That’s wonderful news for Allen’s many friends and admirers of his tremendous contribution to the world of 5 string banjo.

Thanks to Fred Robbins for keeping us updated on the condition of Allen Shelton, who has been hospitalized in Nashville for treatment of his leukemia since early October.

Long-time bluegrass fans know Allen for his banjo playing with Jim Eanes and Jim & Jesse. He always played with a driving sound, but also developed a distinctive, jazz-inflected swing style which formed the perfect accompaniment to the more country flavored music of Eanes and the McReynolds. Shelton also recorded a number of classic banjo albums under his name, and was known for his use of a dobro-banjo in the later years of Jim & Jesse’s touring days.

As much as his immediately-recognizable banjo sound, Allen was known for his huge smile and his warm, friendly manner.

Fred passes along this update from Allen’s daughter-in-law:

“We had hoped he was coming home [Saturday Oct 31], but now it looks like it will be next week. We’ve spent [Friday] helping Mrs. Shelton get the house ready for his arrival. He is feeling pretty good, the Dr. just wants some of his numbers to increase before he lets him go home.”

Wonderful news!

Here’s a video from 1988 of Shelton playing one of his most popular tunes, Bending The Strings.

Thanks to Fred Robbins, who has shared a couple of recent communications about Allen Shelton’s condition. As we noted last week, Allen has been diagnosed with leukemia and is hospitalized in Nashville, where is unable to receive visitors due to the threat of contracting a flu virus.

These brief comments came to Fred from Allen’s daughter-in-law:

“Just wanted you to know that he has had several good days. We’re hoping he may get to come home soon.

My family got to go and visit today. He seems to be doing much better. He received many cards over the weekend and today and he wanted me to let everyone know how much he has enjoyed them.”

Cards can be sent to:

Allen Shelton
Centennial Medical Center
Room 3306
2410 Patterson St.
Nashville, TN 37023

There is a comment thread on The Banjo Hangout where fans have left messages, which the Shelton family is following.