Country Star Jimmie Allen Dishes On Writing “Best Shot” And Why He Never Gave Up

Photo Credit: EB Media

Country sensation Jimmie Allen’s road to success is proof that if you work hard enough and never give up, dreams will come true.

The Delaware native, whose debut song “Best Shot” soared straight up to number one in the country music charts, hasn’t always had it easy. At just 20 years old, Allen took a leap of faith and decided to move to Nashville where he was forced to live out of his car while working three jobs to make ends meet, but he never gave up. Since then, his hard-won dreams have become a reality leading him to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, co-host the Today Show and appear on The Steve Harvey Show – all proof that Allen is just getting started.

We caught up yesterday with the Delaware native to chat about his journey to stardom, how he stayed motivated during the difficult times and what’s up next for him. He will be performing with Scotty McCreery Friday night at the House of Blues in Boston.

Photo Credit: EB Media

Your debut song “Best Shot” made history launching your career with a number one debut single. Tell us a little about that journey and what inspired that song.

I wrote the song about taking the opportunity to be better about life. For me, it was about my son. The journey to Nashville started when I lived in my car and worked every job I could think of. Then, I got the chance to work with Alex and Ani and fell in love with the Boston and Rhode Island area. In 2017, I got a record deal and it has been great. I have always set goals, but there was no carved-out way to get there. I am thankful for everything I was a part of that led me here.

How does it feel to join the ranks of Darius Rucker to claim the top spot in country music with a debut single?

It feels great to be in the same category as Darius Rucker. I am now at the point that I have done the hard work to get here, so I am able to continue to grow and keep putting out quality products.

You spent some time living out of your car when you first moved to Nashville supporting your family while trying to get a record deal. What kept you motivated during that time?

I realized where I was then wasn’t where I was wanted to be. I believe everything is a mindset. Try to keep pushing to keep you focused where you want to go.

Your album, Mercury Lane, is named after the street where you lived. How would you describe your upbringing?

It was a small town I grew up in where we never had to lock our doors. The town had about 850 people. I had siblings looking up to me, so I didn’t want to give up on my dreams. If you quit, you really don’t want it. I am also an Eagles fan (laughs), but my cousin is a big Patriots fan. At the end of the day, the team and players like Jason McCourty worked really hard to get to the Super Bowl. You don’t just end up in the NFL.

Do you think that country genre as a whole has embraced diversity?

For sure. I think fans have wanted it for years, but the people making decisions have been so out of touch saying they know what they want, but they didn’t really. They don’t communicate with the fans, who wanted it. Things have started to shift. Country music came from blues – guys like Chuck Berry, Elvis and Ray Charles. The base of it was all blues. Technically, it’s like black guys are getting back into it. You gravitate toward what’s familiar. If I only allowed my son to watch Sports Center, that would be all he knows. It’s all about exposure.

You have performed at the Grand Ole Opry, co-hosted the Today Show and played on The Steve Harvey Show. What’s up next for you?

I will be going out on tour next month with Kane Brown and am working on a book. I will also start filming a movie in June that I can’t talk about right now. If you have those kinds of opportunities, why not go for it?

You’ll be performing in Boston Friday night with Scotty McCreery. Do you have any favorite spots you like to check out when you are in town?

Definitely not the Boston Garden (laughs). I’m a Lakers fan. I actually love Boston, but it’s freezing up there! The cold you have up there, you just want to bury your face in your coat. It’s a different kind of cold – my soul feels it. It’s the kind of cold where you just want to go cry to your mom. I hope I have a warm time in Boston.