Tucson, Arizona (KGUN) — The last time we spoke to Rex Allen Jr., he was performing the legendary song “I Love You Arizona.” Now, after 55 years of performing, Allen is about to release his final album.
“It came from the heart and I think people will understand it when they hear it.”
Here’s what Rex Allen Jr. said about the song in an interview from his home in Nashville in August 2021.
It has been the alternate state song of Arizona since 1982.
Today I spoke with Rex Allen Jr. ahead of the July 1st release of what will be his 30th and final album.
“I thought it was time to stop. I’m sick of lugging guitars around airports. It’s a little old,” says Allen.
His last album is titled ‘For the Last Time’. Allen said it’s a collection of songs from different genres that represent who he is.
By: Country Rewind Records
“My history, how I think about music, and how much I love music. Country, western, pop, no particular music genre. I love them all.”
Allen, now 76, also decided this would be his last album after battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
He’s received cheering cards from fans all over the world, but the most special ones, he says, came from Wilcox (where he still calls home).
“The love and kindness that comes from Cochise County is something I will never forget,” Allen said.
The Allen family has strong ties to Wilcox. His father, Rex Allen Sr., was an early stage and film star.
Known as “The Cowboy of Arizona,” Rex Allen Sr. is one of the stars walking the trail of fame. Wilcox is home to the Rex Allen Museum, a reminder of Rex Allen’s days every fall.
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Rex Allen Jr. is set to return for Rex Allen Days this October. It will be his first time back at Wilcox since the release of his last album.
“This completes the circle,” he told me. “I mean, the first album that no one wants to hear. The last album that I want you to hear.”
Rex Allen Jr.’s legacy lives on at Wilcox, as does his father’s.Rex Allen DaysEven if he finished releasing the album.
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Pat Paris He is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. A graduate of Sabino High School, he won the 800 meters at the 1982 High School State Track and Field Championships. While attending high school and college, he worked part-time in his KGUN 9 newsroom.Share story ideas and key issues with Pat via email pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting Facebook, twitterand Instagram.
