Gary Allan: Biography

Gary Allan
Born:
Dec 5, 1967

Genres:
Country Music, Contemporary Country Music

Decades Active:
1990's|2000's


Popularity
Low



Gary Allan hit the honky tonk circuit in his native Southern California at the seasoned age of 12. Playing in and out of the smoky, sweaty bars with his dad's band led Allan to follow in his father's footsteps and start his own band. When Allan returned to those same honky tonks with his own combo, the sound was true Bakersfield country: Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and the rest. Allan spent most of his 20s honing his skills as a new traditionalist country singer; finally, in 1996, he was picked up by the Decca label. Used Heart for Sale appeared that year, and even if it was a bit timid, the album established Allan as a talented performer with plenty of potential. Two years later, he returned with It Would Be You. This time out, Allan suffered from slick Nashville production, which winnowed away most of his whiskey-soaked barroom charm. Nevertheless, Allan's talent shone through. In 1999, Decca closed its doors. However, Allan's contract was picked up by MCA, who released his Smoke Rings in the Dark later that year. The album combined most of what Allan did best -- dusty honky tonk, cracked country ballads -- into a solid effort that didn't get too heavy with the Music City sheen. The album even included a rousing cover of the Del Shannon classic "Runaway" that harked back to Allan's younger days on the honky tonk circuit. With 2001's Alright Guy, an accomplished mix of driving, dusty swagger and slow-burn croon, Allan proved that he was only getting better with age. Its single, "Man to Man," became the singer's first number one hit. Allan toured extensively in support of Alright Guy and began work on a follow-up in spring of 2003.

- Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

SPONSORED LINKS

Shopping > Music > Gary Allan Biography
Help us improve Yahoo! Shopping - Send Your Feedback