Keith Allison, the singer, songwriter, and musician who was a member of Paul Revere & the Raiders, has died. Allison died Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Sherman Oaks, a family spokesperson has confirmed. He was 79.
In addition to performing with the Raiders from 1968 to 1975, the Texas native also contributed to albums by the Monkees, including their self-titled 1966 debut, 1967’s Headquarters and 1968 Head. He also played guitar and harmonica on Sonny & Cher’s ‘The Beat Goes On’, which was recorded in 1966. A year later, he signed to Columbia Records and released the album Keith Allison in Action, produced by Gary Usher. Over the years, he worked with the likes of Roy Orbison, the Righteous Brothers, Chuck Berry, Alice Cooper, Rick Nelson, The Crickets, The Beach Boys, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, and Johnny Rivers.
Allison also devoted his time to acting, playing Captain James J. White in Gods and Generals (2003) and appearing on episodes of Blossom, 7th Heaven, and The Love Boat. He continued to perform into the 21st century, becoming a longtime member of the Waddy Watchel Band and playing bass in Jerry Lee Lewis’ 2007 record Last Man Standing. He played guitar and sang with the Crickets during their final performance in 2016.
“It is with deep sadness [we] announce the passing of Keith Allison,” Paul Revere & the Raiders wrote in a statement. “We all here in the Raider family are terribly heartbroken. Keith will always be a Raider. Our love goes out to Keith’s wife Tina, son Ryeland, daughters Allison and Brenda, and all the grandchildren. Keith was a friend to all, and everyone loved Keith. His presence will be strongly missed.”
