Composer Robert Allen dies at 73

October 1, 2000

By Terry Tang

Robert Allen, a composer whose works were performed by Johnny Mathis during the 1950s and '60s and who co-wrote such hits as "Chances Are," died Oct. 1 of colon cancer at his home in Quogue, N.Y. He was 73.

In addition to "Chances Are," Allen and his partner, lyricist Al Stillman, wrote "It's Not for Me to Say." Both songs were major hits for Mathis.

Allen recently received the ASCAP Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award in pop music. He and Stillman also wrote songs for the Four Lads, Perry Como, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Doris Day and the popular "Sing Along" theme song for Mitch Miller.

Born in Troy, N.Y., Allen declined an engineering scholarship to play jazz piano on the New York Club circuit for several years.

His first big break came in 1952 when he became a composer for NBC's popular TV series "The Colgate Comedy Hour" with Jimmy Durante. Allen wrote a duet for Durante and Margaret Truman, earning praise from Truman's father, former President Harry S Truman. He also created special musical material for "Colgate's" other headliner, Eddie Cantor.

He penned many popular tunes, including "(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays," "Moments to Remember," "Enchanted Island" and "There's Only One of You."

He is survived by his wife, Patty; a sister; four children from two previous marriages; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private.

Family suggests any donations in Allen's name be made to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Attn: Philip Paty, Dept. of Surgery, 1275 York Ave., NY 10021.