Country music artist Jay Allen gives back to memory care patients through free concerts

NAPLES, Fla. —

When it comes to natural ability, Jay Allen believes talent doesn't come without responsibility.

"For me, it's a voice. Songwriting and performing. You're required to use it to help others," Allen said.

The country music artist gained quick success. He even appeared on NBC's "The Voice."

"I signed with Sony, I had a song that took off on Sirius XM, I started touring full time," Allen said. "It happened kind of quickly for me."

It was at the height of Allen's career that he hit his lowest low.

"My dad called me one day and said, 'Your mom is gone to the same place of work for years, and this morning she pulled over on the side of the road and said she didn't know where she was,'" Allen said.

At just 51 years old, Allen's mom, Sherry, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Before she died, Allen found a glimpse of light in the darkness.

"I took her on stage, she heard the music, and that blank look in her eye went away," Allen said.

It was at that moment that Allen knew how to use his gift of music to help others.

He's performed hundreds of free concerts at memory care facilities and raised over $160 million to fight the disease.

"I think a son wants to make a mother proud, so I would ask her if a job was well done," Allen said.

Allen proves a gift isn't just something we're given, it's something we're called to pass on.

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