From Small Town Roots to Country Music Superstardom: The Morgan Wallen Story

In Shorts:

• After impressing the judges on The Voice’s sixth season, he became famous with tremendous vocals and charisma.
• But he was eliminated in the playoffs and forced to find his way in music. In 2018, he released If I Know Me, his first album, with Big Loud Records.
• ‘Up Down’, ‘Whiskey Glasses’, and ‘Chasin’ You’ were hits from the album, which topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Morgan Wallen has swiftly risen from promising talent to one of the biggest stars in country music today. His chart-topping album Dangerous: The Double Album spent ten consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts, a feat not achieved since 1987. Wallen’s music career traces back to his small-town roots and early love for the country, which drove him to take a chance on his dreams.

Morgan Wallen Profile Details

Early Life and Musical Roots

Morgan Cole Wallen was born in the rural eastern Tennessee hamlet Sneedville on May 13, 1993. His parents, Tommy and Lesli, were pastors and teachers. Youngest of four siblings, Wallen has two older sisters, Ashlyne and Mikaela, and an adoptive sister, Lacey. Wallen sang at his father’s church as a child. Piano and violin classes sparked his musical enthusiasm. His dream was to play collegiate baseball and become a pro. After an elbow injury in high school precluded him from playing baseball, Wallen focused on music. He taught himself guitar and played in bars. Country performers Keith Whitley, Eric Church, Breaking Benjamin, and Nickelback inspired Wallen’s early songs. Gospel, R&B, pop, and rap impacted his varied style.

The Big Break – Competing on The Voice

In 2014, a 21-year-old Wallen got his big break competing on season 6 of the singing competition show The Voice. He impressed judges during the blind auditions, with Usher and Adam Levine wanting him on their teams. Wallen initially chose Usher’s team before later switching to Team Adam. While competing on The Voice, Wallen released his first single, “Spin You Around.” He made it through several rounds before being eliminated in the playoffs. The national exposure from the show helped launch his career, leading to a record deal with Panacea Records.

Move to Nashville – Early Singles and Songwriting Success

After The Voice, Wallen moved to Nashville to pursue his country music dreams. He began collaborating with producers like Sergio Sanchez and signed with indie label Panacea Records in 2015. Wallen released his first EP titled Stand Alone in August 2015. He co-wrote singles for other artists like Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean, establishing himself on the Nashville songwriting scene. Wallen’s debut single, “The Way I Talk,” released in 2016, exhibited his smooth vocals and charm. It was followed by songs like “Up Down” and “Whiskey Glasses”, which incorporated pop, rock, and R&B influences into traditional country.

Breakout Debut Album If I Know Me

In April 2018, Wallen released his first full-length album, If I Know Me, through his new label Big Loud Records. It included prior singles like “The Way I Talk” and “Up Down.” The track “Whiskey Glasses” became Wallen’s first country radio #1 in June 2019 and was named one of Billboard’s top songs of the year. The success of “Whiskey Glasses” propelled his debut album to #1 on the Top Country Albums chart in August 2020, after a record 114 weeks on the list. Suppose I Know Me showcased Wallen’s heartfelt songwriting and diverse musical styles. It blended pop melodies and R&B grooves with country lyricism, establishing his crossover sound.

Dangerous: The Double Album – Massive Mainstream Success

Wallen’s sophomore album Dangerous: The Double Album was released in January 2021 and instantly shot to #1 on the Billboard 200. It spent an unprecedented ten weeks atop the all-genre chart, becoming the longest-reigning country album since 1992. Propelled by the viral track “7 Summers,” Dangerous broke records with numerous songs charting simultaneously. Wallen had three singles in the Hot Country Songs top 10 the week after its release. It spawned 5 top 10 country hits, including “More Than My Hometown” and “Wasted on You.” With 30 songs spanning country, pop, rock and hip-hop influences, Dangerous highlighted Wallen’s creative ambition and vocal talent. Despite lacking radio play amidst controversy, Dangerous continued selling exceptionally well, cementing Wallen as country music’s biggest star.

Continued Chart Dominance with One Thing at a Time

Riding high on success, Wallen released his third studio album, One Thing at a Time, in March 2023. It gave him his first #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the single “Last Night”, while all 36 songs charted simultaneously. One Thing at a Time topped the Billboard 200 for 12 consecutive weeks, setting the record for most weeks at #1 for a country album. Wallen broke standards and expectations for the genre with his unprecedented sales and chart achievements.

Notable Collaborations Over the Years

Wallen has collaborated with various artists that have aided his meteoric rise. He toured and co-wrote with Florida Georgia Line early in his career. Pop singer Halsey appeared on the track “More Than My Hometown” in 2020. In 2021, Wallen teamed up with rappers Lil Durk and 2 Chainz for the Dangerous song “Broadway Girls.” He also worked with HARDY and Ernest on tracks from One Thing at a Time, blending their styles seamlessly. These collaborations displayed Wallen’s interest in fusing country with other popular genres, expanding his audience beyond traditional country fans.

Continued Success Despite Controversies

While hugely successful, Wallen’s career has not been without missteps. In October 2020, he was removed from performing on SNL after videos showed him partying maskless. And in February 2021, he faced backlash after a video captured him saying the N-word.

Radio play and streaming support temporarily halted, but his album sales eventually rebounded stronger. While requiring sensitivity training, his popularity persisted thanks to his widespread fan base. Wallen has since apologised and vowed to learn from his mistakes.

Relatability and Redemption

Despite his massive success, Wallen has maintained his image as the approachable, regular guy. His small-town background and missteps make him appear down-to-earth.

Songs like “More Than My Hometown” touch on the theme of staying loyal to his roots. He sings earnestly about learning from regrets. His flaws endear him more to supporters who see themselves in him.

Unitary Fanbase and Audience Appeal

Wallen’s fusion country brand has allowed him to cultivate a more varied audience than typical Nashville acts. His music incorporates styles that appeal to multiple demographics, including pop, rock and hip-hop fans. Rather than just country listeners, Wallen draws large audiences at concerts across the spectrum. His inclusive artistry and humble personality attract a wide fanbase who is passionate about supporting him.

Former Relationship and Co-Parenting

 

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After two years of dating, Wallen got engaged to his girlfriend, Katie Smith, in 2019. However, the couple called off their engagement that same year. In 2020, his ex-fiancée Katie gave birth to their son Indigo “Indie” Wilder Wallen. Despite no longer being romantically involved, Morgan and Katie maintain a positive co-parenting relationship focused on raising their son together.

Charity Concert Work

Wallen has organised and performed in several concerts to benefit charitable causes close to his heart. In September 2021, he hosted the Morgan Wallen & Friends benefit concert in Nashville, supporting Big Loud’s charitable arm, The Game Changer Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships and donations to charities helping kids in need.

In June 2022, Wallen headlined the first-ever Country Thunder Iowa, donating a portion of the festival proceeds to emergency responders and military organisations. He strongly believes in using his platform to aid others.

Local Causes and Giving Back

The singer quietly donates to organisations supporting underprivileged youth, homelessness, recovery programs, and poverty relief in his home state. Wallen also frequently returns to his hometown to make surprise donations to local charities and small businesses, preferring to keep the spotlight on the recipients rather than himself. Despite his stardom, Wallen stays devoted to giving back at home and nationwide through philanthropic efforts.

Please Note:  Wallen has risen to stardom by appealing to broad audiences beyond country music’s typical demographic. His sound straddles the line between genres, and his honest songwriting makes him relatable.

Conclusion

Already shattering records, Wallen seems destined for country music immortality. At just 30 years old, he has the talent and work ethic to potentially become the biggest-selling country artist. With his humble small-town roots and personable nature, Wallen could ultimately achieve the icon status held by legends like Garth Brooks and Johnny Cash. He remains focused on making meaningful music and providing for his family. But more extraordinary things surely await.

FAQs

Morgan Wallen was born in what country?

Morgan Wallen spent her formative years in the sleepy eastern town of Sneedville, Tennessee. As a child, he often sang in church choirs and was always around country music.

When did Morgan Wallen’s big break come?

Morgan Wallen tried out for The Voice’s sixth season in 2014. He advanced to the playoffs after being chosen for Team Usher and came in fifth place. As a result of this exposure, his music career took off.

Which album did Morgan Wallen release first?

The 2018 album If I Know Me was Morgan Wallen’s first with a major label. His breakthrough single “Whiskey Glasses” was on the album, which debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.