Local favorite Jimmie Allen performs at Delaware State Fair

Cape graduate and local celebrity Jimmie Allen opened for country star Toby Keith at the Delaware State Fair July 19 to a packed house of country music and Jimmie Allen fans. The night was electric with Allen’s smooth, pure and satisfying vocals mixed with his acoustic guitar and his talented three-piece backup band followed by Keith’s raspy voice and 25 years of familiar hits. The combination made for a country superstar evening.

But the fan favorite was rising star Jimmie Allen.

Allen played songs from his EP that’s rising up the country music charts. Allen played songs such as “Back of your Mind,” “Warrior,” “Underdogs,” “Blue Jean Baby,” “Home to You” and his newest release, “Best Shot,” which was inspired by his grandmother who gave him advice about women and how the ladies just want to know that you care and are trying. He says her words always stuck with him.

Allen left his hometown in Delaware for the country music capital, Nashville. Things weren’t always great for Allen, as his journey to a recording contract had him living in his car and working small jobs just to get gas for his car and his next meal. He finally tasted success as a songwriter and snagged a few publishing gigs.

In August 2017, he signed with a deal with Stoney Creek Records, a subsidiary of BBR Music Group, and released “Blue Jean Baby,” his first single from his self-titled EP. 

After the concert, they hopped in their tour bus and left to play Jamboree in the Hills in Belmont, Ohio, where he performed with Toby Keith, Big & Rich, The Steel Woods and Riley Green July 20.

Allen will always keep his Slower Lower mantra and be grateful for his local roots. It’s what has kept him going through the bad times and now his good times.