Austin Allsup grew up with country music. His father, the Grammy Award-winning country music guitarist Tommy Allsup, rose to fame as a member of the band Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys. Tommy also worked with Buddy Holly, and was on tour with him, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson when the three artists were killed in a plane crash on what later became known as “The Day the Music Died.” However, Tommy could have lost his life on the plane that day instead of Valens. As fate would have it, the two took part in a coin toss which Tommy lost, and Ritchie got his seat instead.
Years later, Tommy opened a club called “Tommy’s Heads Up Saloon” in reference to the coin toss that saved his life. Tommy made the most of the precious time he had been given, and ended up working with iconic names in country music such as Ronnie Smith, Roy Orbison, and Willie Nelson. At age 85, Tommy remains active as a performer after nearly 70 years in music.
Due to his father’s influence, Austin went on to develop a passion for country music as well. Austin’s dad has helped him along his musical journey, and brought him on his tour when he was only 19 years old. In 2005, Austin was able to put out his first record and even got the chance to perform at the same event as Blake Shelton.
Fast forward 11 years, and Austin picked Blake as his coach following his show-stopping blind audition on The Voice. He made it all the way into the Top 10, with his father supporting him every step of the way.
Now, Austin has asked his fans to pray for his legendary father. As he revealed in a Facebook post on Tuesday (January 3), Tommy had been rushed to the ICU.
“My Dad Tommy Allsup is in ICU, please say a prayer if you have a moment to spare,” he wrote, sharing a family photo with his father that was taken behind the scenes on The Voice.
Since Austin broke the news about his father’s condition, his Facebook page and Tommy’s have been filled with well-wishes from fans, with many promising to keep Tommy in their prayers. So far, Austin hasn’t shared the reason why his father was taken to the ICU. If Austin provides any further updates, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Sending prayers to Tommy and his family.