Gary Allen is a very original artist, that because of his uniqueness and originality, found a very loyal audience.  This is a guy that when he comes on the radio, there is no confusion as to who’s singing.

Debut Single

His voice is raspy and seemingly unpolished, but that’s his beauty.  It’s very different.  It’s also raw and vulnerable all at the same time.  The funny part is, as seemingly unpolished as his voice can be, his songs are for the most part artsy and many times more refined than his voice.   It’s a very original mix and sound.

This Song Was A Real Favorite

All of this is what makes him original.  It all started with a little song called,. Her Man in 1996.  It was a top ten hit, people noticed, and it was a great song off his first album, Used Heart For Sale. The next album, It Would Be You, had about the same success as the debut.

This Song And Album Are Sensational

Then 1999 happened and his incredible album, Smoke Rings In The Dark album came out.  It sold a million, and was a great project all the way around, from it’s look, image and sound.  Mandatory owning.

First #1

Allen then went on a real nice run of very successful singles and albums for about the next 15 years with many going Gold or Platinum. His music was gutsy, and honest and it seemed to be coming from deep within.  It also was a bit outside of regular Nashville, and I think that was a huge part of his allure.  He was kind of his own thing.

Another #1

He’s the kind of artist too that you root for.  He was like the kid you really didn’t knew a lot about, but once you got to know him, he was great.  As much as anyone in this Originals Series, he is one.

A Big WQMX Favorite

We need artists like Gary Allen.  They give us balance and a very diverse sound, and I think that’s when we are at our best, when we serve our core and have guys like him that push the center out a bit further, but not so much they alienate fans.

GREAT Rocker Of A Song

Gary Allen  –  An artist that has been through a lot.    A True Original