When you first run into CA on a Nashville street, you don't imagine she could own such a powerful and beautiful voice with dynamic stage presence. One that will reach right into your soul. After all Carol Ann Allen stands just five-two in heels. But it only takes a minute at a CA performance for most folks to realize they're experiencing a talent that's somewhere in the neighborhood of ten feet tall. At the age of three, with Mom helping her to stand up. CA belted out Jesus Loves Me, to the astonishment of her church congregation. Their amazed applause was all mother and daughter needed to launch CA from her hometown of Groveland, in Centeral Florida, into a regional career performer. " I'll always remember Daddy coming home from a long day on the road," "says CA," and he'd get right back in the car and drive me to my next gig. Many times it would be near dawn when we came home, and then Daddy would get right back in the truck, and off to work again." By the time she was 12 -- strongly influenced by her heroes Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Reba McEntire, CA soon began touring with a band to neighboring towns. Wowed by her powerful singing, wide range and feisty personality, she became known as the little girl with the big voice, and our very own Brenda Lee. Throughout her teenage years, CA performed part-time at a steadlily widening circle of home-state venues. Then, at age 18, CA was on her own. " I left home, and suddenly I was self-supporting," CA remarks. " To pay the bills I tended bar and waited tables, and sang for my supper whenever the opportunity came about." By the time she was 20, CA was performing regularly with the house band at Miss Kitty's Hilltop, a popular club in nearby Brooksville. Throughout her twenties she continued to refine her art. Booking her own lounge engagements, she confirmed her reputation as, an undiscovered star, in respected Florida clubs, such as Red House in Leesburg and Eduardo's in Historic Mount Dora. " I don't have many regrets in my short life," "says CA, " but as I look back, I wish I'd moved to Nashville years ago, focused totally on my music, and taken my chances. But, Hey, it's never too late!!"