Allan Jay Friedman: A Legacy of Music, Hope and Love
Allan Jay Friedman touched the lives of everyone he met with his light, his boundless creativity, and his unwavering love and kindness. With a heart full of hope and a spirit driven by a profound belief in God and the desire to improve lives, Allan's life was a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the world.
A relentless genius with creative restlessness, Allan built a massive body of work that transcends his lifetime and legacy.
A Prolific Prodigy and a Pioneer
From a young age, Allan demonstrated a rare musical talent, playing the piano by ear at just 5 years old. This early spark blossomed into an extraordinary career as a pianist, composer, writer, director, and producer. Allan wrote over 7,000 songs and more than 30 plays, including music and lyrics for timeless works like “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Hobbit,” “One Shining Moment,” “In Love Again,” and “Shakespeare and the Indians.”
In 1964, Allan earned his first Emmy with “The Young Man from Boston”, the story of JFK’s early years. His career took him from El Paso to New York City to Los Angeles, where he became CEO of Picture Book Productions. He spearheaded philanthropic projects like P.A.T.H. in Los Angeles, assisting the homeless, and wrote songs for governments such as Sri Lanka, and events like the International Awards for Arts and Music at the United Nations, where, in 2014, he presented his concept for the Olympia Awards, paying homage to all art forms. What he said then rings even truer today:
“In these days of stress, hate and corruption, have you ever dreamed of a united and peaceful world filled with love, hope and passion, an exalted world which is a safe, free and noble place for children, a place where dreams come true where living is not a struggle but a joy! Of course you have. So has every human being since time began, always the same dream. Some call it Shangri-la, others, Utopia. Still others, Paradise. And, it is our dream to make this dream come true.”
That’s the dream and mission of his continuing legacy.
Allan attended Black Fox Military Academy and graduated from El Paso High School and the University of Texas at El Paso, where he was student body president. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Army Special Services and pursued post-graduate work at Harvard, UCLA, NYU, and law school at UT Austin.
A Big Heart for Humanity
More than his professional achievements, Allan was known for his kindness and deep love for people. He had a child’s heart and a Mensa-level intellect, blending curiosity with an eccentric wisdom. Allan’s spirituality and comprehensive understanding of various religious philosophies created a profound sense of connection with everyone he encountered.
A Visionary Collaborator with a Lasting Legacy
As the Founder and President of Picture Book Productions, LLC, The Center for Top Performance, and the Family Film Awards, Allan’s influence extended beyond his own creations. He collaborated with industry giants who collectively earned over 50 Academy Awards, 200 Emmy Awards, and 25 Tony and Grammy Awards.
In his solo work and collaborations, whether comedies, dramas, or musicals, his vision to better the world, one person at a time, was always paramount.
Allan’s enduring mission was to educate, inspire, and elevate the world through entertainment, and to transform the world from being mind-driven to heart-driven. He sought to make the world a free, safe, and noble place for children. Each of his projects was designed as a brand with the potential to generate billions, with proceeds supporting homeless and abused children, pets, and the elderly.
Allan Jay Friedman’s spirit continues to shine through his extraordinary legacy, carrying forward his purpose of revealing truth and fostering transformation.