Let’s address the elephant in the room. The lack of Black artists who thrive in the country music industry is real. Back in the day, you had Charley Pride. Today, you probably think of Darius Rucker.
It’s been so long since there was a new Black country artist on the scene. That is, until Jimmie Allen hit the stage.
Who is Jimmie Allen?
Jimmie Allen (James Edward Allen) is a 36 year old singer and songwriter who has taken the country world by storm. From being the first Black artist to launch a career with two number one hits consecutively, to being the 2021 ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Allen has a bright future ahead of him.
Never giving up
Allen may be new to you, but he has been in the shadows of country music for awhile. He auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” and “American Idol” but never made it far enough in the competitions for stardom. Instead of giving up in the eyes of failure, Allen put everything on the line. Allen headed for Nashville, the country music capital of the world, (even living in his car homeless for a while) to continue to pursue country music. And look at him now.
Breaking barriers
One of the most amazing things about Allen is his passion to break barriers in country music. There have been countless debates about “keeping country music country” and how the rise of “stadium country” will evidently put “real” country music in the grave, but Allen is above that.
Allen has collaborated with Babyface, Pitbull, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, and the list goes on. Allen is truly a trailblazer for the future of country music, and collaborating with artists from different genres is just the beginning.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for “Tennessee Whiskey” or “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, but it’s refreshing to listen to something new. Not buying it? Click here and listen for yourself, I guarantee you will love it.
Big moves for Black country
Even in the early stages of his career, Allen had a life-changing experience when he was chosen to present Willie Nelson’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Charley Pride. The award is meant to honor country icons and is the highest degree of recognition in country music, making it a huge honor for Allen to present.
The same day, Charley Pride invited him to sing his iconic song “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” with him live at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
Not only was this a huge step in Allen’s career, it was also a historical moment for Black country music.
Pride died of COVID-19 just a month after the performance with Allen. It was Pride’s last performance of his life. Allen refers to Pride as his “superman.”
Allen is already using his platform to usher in a new generation of Black country artists by featuring up-and-coming artists like Mickey Guyton and BRELAND.
Off-stage opportunities
Allen is making serious moves off the stage, too. In July 2021, Allen released his first book, a children’s book, called “My Voice is a Trumpet”. The book teaches kids to have confidence in their voices and use them to change the world.
Allen is also an advocate for Black Lives Matter and paves the way for other Black artists in country music to support the cause. In an emotional video call regarding the death of George Floyd, Allen explained how he fears for his own son’s future as a Black man.
New experiences
In early September 2021, there was speculation that Allen turned in his cowboy boots for dancing shoes on the 30th season of “Dancing With The Stars”. Lucky for Allen lovers, the rumors were true! Allen took the stage for his first dance on September 20 and absolutely killed it. There is no doubt he will be in the competition for a while. Tune in to ABC on Monday nights to see Allen perform.
Allen continues to impress the country music world with his lyrics and leads the way for future Black country singers. The man of many talents has a long road ahead, and we are so, so proud of him.