Jimmie Allen
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Jimmie Allen burst on the country music scene in 2018 with his debut album, Mercury Lane, and the hit singles ‘Best Shot’ and ‘Make Me Want To’, but he’d put a lot of hard work into the craft before success came knocking on his door.
Allen moved to Nashville in 2007 and even auditioned to be on America’s Got Talent and American Idol, but neither led to the kind of stage time – and visibility – that he’d hoped for.
Allen could have given up, but he kept pushing, performing around Nashville until he landed a deal with the Broken Bow Records imprint Stony Creek in 2017. He released his debut EP with the label shortly thereafter.
It would take one more year and Allen’s official debut single ‘Best Shot’ before he started garnering major attention. The track landed at no. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making Allen the first black artist to achieve that top spot with his debut song.
Allen followed Mercury Lane with another EP, Bettie James, in 2020. In 2021, he became the first black solo artist to win the ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year.
- Full name: Jimmie Allen
- Born: June 18, 1986
- Hometown: Milton, Delaware
- Genre: Country, Pop
LONG READ•Why I Love: Jimmie Allen on Charley Pride
"He was my Superman": Jimmie Allen pays tribute to the late Charley Pride, his idol and friend.
ESSENTIALS•Holler's Records of the Year 2020
In a year of deep tragedy and anxiety, the 20 records here have offered deep empathy, comfort and empowerment to carry us through.
ALBUM REVIEW•Jimmie Allen - Bettie James
Jimmie Allen may be tipping a Stetson, but this ain’t old fashioned country.
Brad Paisley, Lady A and More Plot 2021 Tours
The number of musicians going out on the road later this year keeps growing.
Jimmie Allen Wins ACM New Male Artist of the Year
ACM Awards host Keith Urban broke the news to Allen while he was working in the studio.
Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley share new single ‘Freedom Was A Highway’.
The song, which is the latest single from Allen’s ‘Bettie James’ EP, has hit potential.
