Jimmie Allen Explained

Jimmie Allen
Birth Name:James Edward Allen
Birth Date:18 June 1985[1] [2]
Birth Place:Milton, Delaware, U.S.
Origin:Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Genre:Country
Years Active:2011–present
Label:Stoney Creek

James Edward Allen (born June 18, 1985)[3] [4] is an American country music singer and songwriter. He was signed to Broken Bow Records imprint Stoney Creek, for which he released the two singles "Best Shot" and "Make Me Want To" and the 2018 album Mercury Lane. In 2021, he won the Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year, the second black artist to do so (in 2009, Darius Rucker was the first). Allen was dropped by Broken Bow in June 2023 amid sexual assault allegations.

Early life

Allen was born in Milton, Delaware, United States, but moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2007.[5] During most of his first few years in Nashville, he experienced poverty and often lived out of his car.[6] [2] He auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol, but was cut before the live voting rounds. While on American Idol, he performed with Colton Dixon during one of the group rounds[7] and befriended Scotty McCreery, who eventually won the competition that year. Allen and McCreery later reconnected and toured together after the release of Allen's debut album.[8] [9] [10]

Career

Allen signed a publishing deal with Wide Open Music, a songwriting imprint formed by singer-songwriter Ash Bowers, in 2016.[2] After doing a talent showcase for representatives of Broken Bow Records in early 2017,[2] he was signed to that label's Stoney Creek imprint and released his self-titled debut EP, which Bowers produced.[11] The label's executive vice president said that the decision to sign Allen was one of the fastest they ever made at the label.[5] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic compared the EP's sound to the "slick, assured style" of Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt.[12] Similarly, Rolling Stone Country writer Brittney McKenna compared Allen's contemporary R&B influences to those artists and Maren Morris.[5] A track from the EP, "Blue Jean Baby", was added to Spotify's "United States Viral 50 chart".[5]

His first official single, "Best Shot", was released in early 2018. The week of its release, it was the second most-added song to country music radio playlists.[5] The song has made the Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, and Billboard Hot 100 charts and was made into a music video.[13] Allen said that the song's title and central theme were inspired by his grandmother and his son, who was 4 at the time of the song's release.[14] [2] His debut album, Mercury Lane, was issued in October 2018.[12] Also produced by Bowers, the album takes its name from the street on which Allen lived as a child.[15] "Best Shot" was a Number One hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in November 2018, making him the first Black artist to send his debut single to the top of that chart.[16] The album's second single, "Make Me Want To" released to country radio on February 1, 2019,[17] and it also became a Number One hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Allen also recorded a cover of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" with Abby Anderson in May 2019. The recording was made into a video as well.[18]

In 2020, Allen released "This Is Us", a duet with Noah Cyrus.[19] It was included on his new EP, Bettie James, which was released on July 10, 2020.[20] [21] The project's second single was "Freedom Was a Highway," a duet with Brad Paisley, which was released on February 1, 2021.[22] It became Allen's third Number One hit and Paisley's twentieth on the Billboard Country Airplay in February 2022.

Allen became the first Black solo performer to win New Male Artist of the Year at the 2021 ACM Awards (at which he also performed a duet with Brad Paisley).[23] In September 2021, Allen was announced as one of the celebrities competing on season 30 of Dancing with the Stars.[24] He and his partner Emma Slater were the ninth couple to be eliminated, ultimately placing 7th.[25]

On November 10, 2021, he won New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards.[26] 15 days later, he performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.[27] In February 2022, Allen announced that he would be a guest mentor on American Idol (season 20).[28]

He also featured on Noah Schnacky's "Don't You Wanna Know" for his 2022 album Thoughtfully Reckless[29] and a duet with Nick Carter in "Easy".[30]

Allen release the lead-off single, "Down Home," to his third studio album Tulip Drive on March 8, 2022.[31] The album was released on June 24, 2022.[32]

In 2023, Allen was a coach and judge on My Kind of Country.[33]

Personal life

Allen married his wife, Alexis Gale, in 2021 after the couple had been dating for two years. At the time of their relationship, Allen had a son from a previous relationship and Gale was pregnant with a second child. In April 2023, Allen stated through social media that he and Gale would be separating, and that Gale was pregnant with a third child.[34]

Lawsuit and termination from record company

On May 11, 2023, Variety reported that an unnamed former manager of Allen's had filed a lawsuit against him, as well as his management company Wide Open Music and Ash Bowers, who serves as both the owner of Wide Open Music and as Allen's record producer. The manager alleged as part of the claims that Allen had sexually and verbally abused her, and that she had been fired from her role after bringing these allegations to Bowers.[35] As a result, Allen's record label, BBR Music Group, suspended the artist effective immediately.[36] On June 1, 2023, the Western Idaho Fair, held in Boise, Idaho, dropped Allen from scheduled performances on the grandstand lineup and announced that he would not be attending the fair that year.[37] Further reporting from Variety on June 8 published similar reports that a second anonymous woman, who stated that she and Allen had a long-distance relationship for several months which culminated in him sexually assaulting her in a Las Vegas hotel and recording their encounter on his cell phone.[38] Later the same day, Taste of Country confirmed that BBR Music Group dropped him as an artist.[39]

His lawsuits are scheduled to go to trial in November 2024 and March 2025.[40] However, Allen's decision to change lawyers has been seen as an effort to delay litigation.[41]

Tours

Headlining
Supporting

Discography

Albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart
positions		Sales
US
[45] 		US Country
[46]
Mercury Lane 128 11
Bettie James Gold Edition
  • Release date: June 25, 2021
  • Label: Stoney Creek
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
— —
Tulip Drive
  • Release date: June 24, 2022
  • Label: Stoney Creek
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
— —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Extended plays

TitleEP details
Jimmie Allen
  • Release date: October 6, 2017
  • Label: Stoney Creek
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
Bettie James
  • Release date: July 10, 2020
  • Label: Stoney Creek
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

As lead artist

YearTitlePeak chart positionsSalesCertificationsAlbum
US
[48] 		US
Country
Songs
[49] 		US
Country
Airplay
[50] 		US Adult
Pop
[51] 		CAN
[52] 		CAN Country
[53]
2018"Best Shot"37 5 1 33 79 1 Mercury Lane
2019"Make Me Want To"49 7 1 — — 5
2020"This Is Us"
(with Noah Cyrus)		— 32 48 — — —
  • RIAA: Gold
Bettie James Gold Edition
2021"Freedom Was a Highway"
(with Brad Paisley)		45 5 1 — — 21
2022"Down Home"61 16 2 — — —Tulip Drive
"Lose You"
(with Cheat Codes)		— — — — — —One Night in Nashville
2023"Be Alright"[57] — — 57 — — —Tulip Drive
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

As featured artist

Music videos

YearVideoDirector
2018"Best Shot"Ford Fairchild[59]
2019"Shallow" (with Abby Anderson)[60]
"Make Me Want To"Justin Key[61]
2020"This Is Us" (with Noah Cyrus)Dustin Haney[62]
2021"Don’t You Wanna Know" (with Noah Schnacky)[63] Chris Beyrooty
2022"Down Home"[64] Chris Beyrooty and Jimmie Allen

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jimmie Allen and Alexis Gale's Relationship Timeline. People.com.
  2. Jimmie Allen On His Breakthrough 'Best Shot' & Diversity In Country Music: 'The Fans Have Always Wanted It' . Tatiana. Cirisano. Billboard . October 12, 2018 . October 21, 2018.
  3. By2ZP5MnvsS . mbreezy_xox . Screaming happy birthday to the biggest Pain in the ass I know, @jimmieallen! You're getting old man. You drive me absolutely insane, but I wouldn't have it any other way haha. Watching your career this last year has been such a blessing and Im excited to see what this next year has in store. Hope you have a great day in DE, love you! . 2019-06-18 . 2024-06-21 . en-us . . https://www.instagram.com/p/By2ZP5MnvsS/?img_index=1 . mdy.
  4. By3vBuGn0C_ . tasteofcountry . @JimmieAllen a very #HappyBirthday to YOU! . 2019-06-18 . Taste of Country . Townsquare Media . 2024-06-21 . en-us . https://www.instagram.com/p/By3vBuGn0C_/ . mdy.
  5. Web site: See Rising Country Singer Jimmie Allen's Smooth Rendition of 'Best Shot'. Rolling Stone Country. 27 February 2018. July 12, 2018.
  6. Web site: Jimmie Allen Embodies Perseverance in Music and Life. Houghton. Cillea. Sounds Like Nashville. 2 March 2018. July 12, 2018.
  7. Web site: Cape grad Jimmie Allen reflects on 'American Idol'. Ryan . Mavity. Cape Gazette. March 7, 2011. January 23, 2019.
  8. Web site: Scotty McCreery's Tour with Jimmie Allen is Seven Years in the Making. Billy. Dukes. Taste of Country. August 31, 2018. January 23, 2019.
  9. News: Scotty McCreery riding a tidal wave of success in music, life. Tricia. Despres. Chicago Sun-Times. December 7, 2018. January 23, 2019.
  10. Web site: Scotty McCreery reveals Jimmie Allen is his brother from "American Idol" -- but he still stole his puppy. ABC News Radio. January 25, 2019. January 25, 2019. October 26, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201026090748/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2019/1/25/scotty-mccreery-reveals-jimmie-allen-is-his-brother-from-ame.html#entry36151452. dead.
  11. Web site: Jimmie Allen EP. iTunes Store. July 12, 2018.
  12. Web site: Jimmie Allen biography. AllMusic. July 12, 2018.
  13. Web site: Jimmie Allen Gives Life and Love His "Best Shot". https://web.archive.org/web/20180522083413/http://www.cmt.com/news/1795130/jimmie-allen-gives-life-and-love-his-best-shot/. dead. May 22, 2018. Stephens. Samantha. CMT. July 12, 2018.
  14. See Rising Country Singer Jimmie Allen's Smooth Rendition of 'Best Shot' . . February 27, 2018 . October 17, 2018 . Brittney. McKenna.
  15. Web site: Everything we know about Jimmie Allen's debut album, 'Mercury Lane' . Theboot.com . October 5, 2018 . October 17, 2018 . Liv . Stecker.
  16. Web site: JIMMIE ALLEN MAKES HISTORY WITH NO.1 SINGLE 'BEST SHOT' . Sounds Like Nashville . 19 November 2018 . November 20, 2018.
  17. Web site: Hear Jimmie Allen's Swooning New Single, 'Make Me Want To'. Stecker. Liz. Theboot.com. January 8, 2019. January 30, 2019.
  18. News: Jimmie Allen & Abby Anderson Cover Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" From "A Star Is Born". February 22, 2019. Nash Country Daily. 2020-04-03. 2019-12-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20191229185315/http://www.nashcountrydaily.com/2019/02/22/jimmie-allen-abby-anderson-cover-lady-gaga-bradley-coopers-shallow-from-a-star-is-born/. dead.
  19. Web site: This Is Us – Single by Jimmie Allen & Noah Cyrus. Apple Music. 21 February 2020. February 22, 2020.
  20. Web site: Jimmie Allen Teams with His Childhood Musical Heroes on His New EP: 'It's Been a Dream of Mine'. Nancy. Kruh. July 10, 2020. People. July 13, 2020.
  21. Web site: Jimmie Allen Reveals Seven-Song 'Bettie James' EP Track List. Lauren. Laffer. July 8, 2020. Sounds Like Nashville. July 13, 2020.
  22. Web site: Future Releases for Country Radio Stations. All Access. August 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210125180525/https://www.allaccess.com/country/future-releases. January 25, 2021.
  23. Web site: Ahead of the ACMs, Jimmie Allen shares his vision for the future of racial equality in country music. Wincountry.com. 16 February 2022.
  24. Web site: 2021-09-08. 'Dancing With the Stars' 2021: Meet the season 30 celebrity cast. 2021-09-11. Good Morning America. en.
  25. Web site: Duncan. Gabrielle. 2021-11-08. DWTS: Who Was Sent Home in the Double Elimination?. 2021-11-23. People.com. en.
  26. Web site: DeSantis. Rachel. Daniela. Avila. 2021-11-10. Jimmie Allen Delivers Tearful Speech After Winning New Artist of the Year at the 2021 CMAs. 2021-11-23. People.com. en.
  27. Web site: Regan . Jenny . 2021 MACY'S THANKSGIVING PARADE: PHOTOS OF MICKEY GUYTON, DARREN CRISS & MORE . billboard.com . 26 November 2021 . 28 November 2021.
  28. Nicholson. Jessica. Jimmie Allen to Serve as 'American Idol' Season 20 Guest Mentor: See His Announcement Video. February 15, 2022. February 15, 2022. Billboard.
  29. Web site: Tricia . Despres . Rising Star Noah Schnacky Teams Up with Jimmie Allen on 'Don't You Wanna Know': 'It Was Magic' . People . June 9, 2021.
  30. Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter Talks Bonding with Jimmie Allen over Fatherhood While Making 'Easy'. Billboard. 11 February 2022.
  31. Web site: JIMMIE ALLEN ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE "DOWN HOME" | Jimmie Allen. 2022-03-06. 2022-03-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20220306152155/https://www.jimmieallenmusic.com/jimmie-allen-announces-new-single-down-home/. dead.
  32. Web site: Jimmie Allen announces 'Tulip Drive'. Buddy. Iahn. themusicuniverse.com. 4 April 2022. 4 April 2022.
  33. Web site: 'My Kind of Country': Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen, Orville Peck scout for diverse voices . 2023-07-15 . USA TODAY . en-US.
  34. Web site: Jimmie Allen and Alexis Gale's Relationship Timeline . People . April 26, 2023 . May 11, 2023.
  35. Web site: Country Star Jimmie Allen Sued for Assault and Sexual Abuse by Former Manager (EXCLUSIVE) . Variety . May 11, 2023 . May 11, 2023 . Elizabeth Wagmeister.
  36. Web site: Country Star Jimmie Allen Suspended by Label Following Sexual Assault Lawsuit From Ex-Manager. Melinda Newman. May 11, 2023. Billboard.com. May 11, 2023.
  37. Web site: Western Idaho Fair cancels grandstand concert after rape lawsuit against country singer. Michael Deeds. June 6, 2023. Idahostatesman.com. June 7, 2023.
  38. Web site: Country Star Jimmie Allen Accused of Sexual Assault and Making Secret Sex Video Recording by Woman in New Lawsuit . Variety . June 9, 2023 . June 9, 2023 . Elizabeth Wagmeister.
  39. Web site: Jimmie Allen dropped by BBR Music Group after second sexual assault allegation . . June 9, 2023 . June 9, 2023 . Billy Dukes.
  40. News: Jimmie Allen's attorneys want to drop him as he fights sex assault cases, trial dates set. Andre. Lamar. Evan. Mealins. Delaware News Journal. January 4, 2024. January 4, 2024.
  41. Jimmie Allen Sexual Assault Accuser Says He's Delaying Litigation By Changing Lawyers. Bill. Donahue. Billboard. January 3, 2023. January 4, 2023.
  42. Freeman. Jon. Jimmie Allen Announces Headlining 2022 Tour Dates. Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone, LLC. December 6, 2021. May 16, 2022.
  43. Web site: Nicholson. Jessica. Brad Paisley Sets 2021 Tour With Jimmie Allen, Kameron Marlowe . https://web.archive.org/web/20210504140727/http://www.cmt.com/news/1833438/brad-paisley-sets-2021-tour-with-jimmie-allen-kameron-marlowe/. dead. May 4, 2021. CMT. Viacom International Inc.. May 4, 2021. May 16, 2022.
  44. Web site: Carrie Announces Return To The Road With THE DENIM & RHINESTONES TOUR. CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com. Universal Music Group Nashville. May 16, 2022. May 16, 2022.
  45. Billboard 200: October 27, 2018. Billboard. October 23, 2018.
  46. Billboard Country Update. Billboard. 6, 15. October 22, 2018. October 23, 2018.
  47. News: Top 10 Country Albums Chart: April 15, 2019 . Matt . Bjorke . April 15, 2019 . Roughstock.com . July 21, 2019 . January 6, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210106190048/http://roughstock.com/news/2019/04/43757-top-10-country-albums-chart-april-15-2019 . dead .
  48. Chart Search: Jimmie Allen. Billboard. March 3, 2020.
  49. Billboard Country Update. Billboard. 5, 10. November 5, 2018. November 6, 2018. November 6, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092917/https://bulletins.billboard.com/country/country_update_1105.pdf. dead.
  50. Peaks on the Country Airplay chart:
  51. Adult Pop Songs: April 27, 2019. Billboard. 2 January 2013. April 23, 2019.
  52. Canadian Hot 100: January 12, 2019. Billboard. January 8, 2019.
  53. Canada Country: February 8, 2020. Billboard. 6 March 2013. February 4, 2020.
  54. News: Top 30 Digital Country Tracks: April 8, 2019. RoughStock.com. Matt. Bjorke. April 8, 2019. April 10, 2019. January 25, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210125081931/http://roughstock.com/news/2019/04/43752-top-30-digital-country-tracks. dead.
  55. United States. Jimmie Allen.
  56. Web site: Bjorke . Matt . Top 30 Digital Country Singles Sales Chart: March 2, 2020 . Roughstock.com . March 4, 2020 . March 14, 2020 . April 4, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210404163252/http://roughstock.com/news/2020/03/44155-top-30-digital-country-singles-sales-chart-march-2-2020 . dead .
  57. Web site: Future Releases for Country Radio Stations | New Music Artist Free Song .
  58. Billboard Country Update. Billboard. 5, 10. November 5, 2018. November 6, 2018. November 6, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092917/https://bulletins.billboard.com/country/country_update_1105.pdf. dead.
    • "Good Times Roll": Billboard Country Update: July 20, 2020. Billboard. July 20, 2020. June 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200607161755/https://bulletins.billboard.com/country/country_update_0511.pdf. dead.
  59. Web site: Jimmie Allen Reflects on His Journey in New Video for 'Best Shot . Sounds Like Nashville . May 23, 2018 . October 17, 2018 . Sara . Weathers.
  60. Web site: Jimmie Allen & Abby Anderson - Shallow. YouTube. 21 February 2019 .
  61. Web site: Jimmie Allen's 'Make Me Want To' Video Makes Dreams Come True. Tasteofcountry.com. 23 May 2019 .
  62. Web site: Jimmie Allen drops 'This is Us' single with Noah Cyrus. Miscountry.com. 12 March 2020.
  63. Web site: Noah Schnacky Wanted Just One Thing from Jimmie Allen Collaboration. Tasteofcountry.com. 23 June 2021 .
  64. Web site: Jimmie Allen Debuts 'Down Home' Music Video. Rocknloadmag.com . 21 March 2022 .

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