It's been a long and winding road that's taken Jimmie Allen from Milton, Delaware to Nashville, Tennessee to a tour bus headed to Florida where we caught up with him by phone last week.
After years of singing, writing, and working to find his way in country music, the Best Shot singer now finds himself fulfilling his dreams. But, he remembers the days when he wasn't. Jimmie told us that it still feels like yesterday when he was sleeping in his car and didn't have a dollar in his pocket to buy a McChicken for lunch.
Hearing him tell us that with genuine reflection in his voice made it clear that the success of his debut full-length album and major label single is not just well deserved, but appreciated.
In October, Allen released Mercury Lane, a 15 song album that shows off his voice, personality, and shares messages that are important to the 32-year-old rising star. Best Shot, the lead single, has become a smash hit. Shooting as high as #3 on the US Country Airplay chart. In Canada, the song has also made its way onto the all-genre Viral 50 chart on Spotify as one of only two country songs currently on the list.
Fans have grabbed hold of the music, and have been showing Allen love at tour stops big and small all over the United States and beyond. This fall he's been across the Atlantic to play in the United Kingdom. And this summer we saw him in the afternoon sun on the main stage at Boots & Hearts. We asked him about having the chance to be on the road, and specifically about playing for Canadian country fans this August. He told us that he's happy to have tour dates booked and those opportunities given to him. Right now he's looking at shows scheduled into the beginning for March 2019 as the continuation of the work he's been putting in on the road.
When we talked about Boots & Hearts, Jimmie said that coming up to play in Canada was something that he'd been looking forward to for a long time, and the fans validated his trip. We saw that set, with Canadians at the front of the stage, looking up at Jimmie Allen and his band, and listening and singing along from start to finish.
If we had to guess, we'd say he'll be back at the festival again before very long.
Related: Jimmie Allen at Boots & Hearts 2018 Photo Review
As we talked about the album, we ended up focusing on the three songs at the end of the tracklist.
And while we did discuss the success of Best Shot as it's climbed the charts for almost 40 weeks, the messages of Warrior and All Tractors Ain't Green ended up taking control of the conversation for a few minutes.
Jimmie Allen told us that everything he does, every decision he makes, is with intent and purpose. So when it comes to including those songs, and the messages about strong women, race, and inclusion, there were no accidents or coincidences.
These are things that Jimmie decided he needed to include on his album. He talked about how important it was to him that there be a song about how strong his mother is, and his grandmother was, as well as strong women in general. It's a message that can't be heard enough ever, and it feels like we need it even more in our current climate. And he nails it on Warrior.
The message of race and inclusion and equality in All Tractors Ain't Green is another one that was important for Allen. As one of only a handful of black men visible in mainstream country music, he knows first hand what it's like to be the outsider trying to make his way in. To immediately be identified as different, even though the work he does is both outstanding and in line with the genre.
This song and its words allow him to express thoughts and feelings that are no doubt close to the surface from time to time. And we hope that his message finds its mark where needed.
We often celebrate country music for its storytelling and honest lyrics. We applaud artists and songwriters that get to the heart of the matter. We embrace songs that move us and make us think and feel. Jimmie Allen has done that. And we hope he keeps doing it for a long time to come.
Before we wrapped up our call with Jimmie, we got him to play a quick round of 5 Quick Questions with us. Check that out and keep up to date with what he's up to on his website and all over social media ( Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
5 Quick Questions with Jimmie Allen
Q1. If you're on a long drive and can only listen to one album, which do you choose?
JA. Matchbox 20: Yourself Or Someone Like You
Q2. Do you have a dream duet partner?
JA. Jimmie had three answers off the top of his head...
Note: Jimmie's love for Thomas and Matchbox 20 is for real. Hit play on 21 and listen for the name drop and check the clip of him playing Thomas's Ever The Same on Instagram.
Q3. Do you have a dream venue?
JA. The Ryman Auditorium (Nashville) and The Viper Room (Hollywood)
Q4. Do you have a dream vacation destination?
JA. A beach in Tahiti
Q5. Is there an artist that you think more people should be listening to?
JA. Abby Anderson
Thanks again to Jimmie for taking the time to chat. We look forward to seeing where he takes things from here.
