The epitome of the phrase “persistence pays off,” today’s guest laid it all on the line to make his dreams a reality. This artist and songwriter moved to Nashville from Southern Delaware with $21 in his pocket. He lived in his car and worked multiple odd jobs waiting tables, making smoothies at a gym, stocking shelves at Wal-Mart, etc. Now signed to BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek Records, a lifetime of never giving up has brought him full circle. His debut single “Best Shot” from his 2018 debut album ‘Mercury Lane’ is an RIAA certified Platinum hit that claimed the No. 1 spot on Country radio for three weeks. On the heels of that success, his second single “Make Me Want To” hit the No. 1 spot on the Country Airplay chart this year, marking the first time in history that a Black artist launched their career with two consecutive No. 1 singles on Country radio. His talent for songwriting is undeniable, with a knack for razor-sharp hooks and a love of deep messages. In 2019, he received his first ACM nomination for New Male Artist of The Year, a CMT Music Awards nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Best Shot” and won Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year at the 31st Annual MusicRow Awards. His current single “This Is Us” is a genre-defying track featuring Noah Cyrus has garnered 30 million streams – his fastest consuming single to date. It is featured on his new collaboration project, ‘Bettie James.’ Inspired and named after his late father and grandmother, the EP was co-produced and co-written by our guest and combined his deep love of family and wide ranging musical sensibility. It features collaborations with hitmaking artists such as Nelly, Noah Cyrus, Rita Wilson, Tim McGraw, Mickey Guyton, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, and more. To him, it is a musical composition of love, heartbreak, perseverance, hope, and faith. NPR calls the project an “announcement of his arrival” and a “huge step for country” while Billboard hails it “a powerful statement from a developing voice.” And The Writer Is… Jimmie Allen!

This episode is sponsored by SESAC. 

Art: Michael Richey White

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