Andrew Jay Allen

Andy, aka Tommy T. Payne, aka Son Struts, died on July 20, 2018 at age 68 from complications due to a stroke. Andy was born to Edith and Ronald Allen on June 10, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended Wichita State University, where he studied journalism.

Andy moved to Seattle in 1981 and worked as a phone canvasser for social-change organizations. In 1999, he left fundraising to pursue music, and began a life "unencumbered of lodging," as he put it. He loved performing and busked his music outside grocery stores in Kirkland and Redmond. Andy and his band, Christian Commie Cowboys, performed around the greater Seattle area and independently produced 3 albums.

In addition to performing, Andy was a proud vendor of the Real Change newspaper for more than 15 years. Andy was a kind and gentle soul and will be greatly missed.