GRAMMY®, ACM and NAACP Image Award nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Jimmie Allen lands his third career chart-topping single, with ‘Freedom Was A Highway’ hitting No. 1 on both the Billboard and Mediabase US Country radio charts. It also marks Paisley’s 25th song to hit No. 1.
‘Freedom Was A Highway’ is Allen’s current single off his 2021 star-studded album Bettie James Gold Edition with his friend – and country music superstar – Brad Paisley. The breezy, windows down track was co-written by Allen, Ash Bowers & Matt Rogers and features an unmistakable, signature Paisley guitar solo. Allen and Paisley’s vocals pair to reminisce about the nostalgia and simplicity of more carefree, youthful days. Watch the music video for the song, co-directed by Allen and Christopher Beyrooty.
ALLEN TO CO-HOST THE 57TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, ALONGSIDE DOLLY PARTON AND GABBY BARRETT ON 7 MARCH – AIRING LIVE EXCLUSIVELY ON PRIME VIDEO IN THE US, UK, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA
“This song is super special to me. I wrote it about the streets I grew up driving on in Milton and Lewes, Delaware. It has been amazing to see the song connect with so many people,” Allen told Billboard of the song’s meaning and chart-topping achievement. “A huge thank you to my friends at country radio and my Stoney Creek team.” “Working with Brad was great. I have been a fan of him since his career started and have always wanted to work with him,” Allen continued. “I’m honored to call him a collaborator and friend. Also, he crushed that guitar solo and then vocals!”
“Couldn’t be prouder to ride shotgun on this record with Jimmie,” said Paisley. “I’ll be the Sally Field to his Burt Reynolds anytime.”
‘Freedom Was A Highway’ marks Allen’s third career chart-topping single, following ‘Make Me Want To’ in March 2020 and ‘Best Shot’ in November 2018, both from his debut album Mercury Lane.
The accolade follows the recent announcement that Allen will co-host the 57th ACM Awards, alongside Dolly Parton and Gabby Barrett in addition to being nominated as Male Artist of the Year. The awards will stream live exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the US, UK, Canada and Australia on Monday, 7 March at 7 PM CST / Tuesday 8 March 1 AM GMT from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Following the live broadcast, an edited version of the show will be available to stream in over 230 countries worldwide.
Allen is also currently nominated for Outstanding New Artist at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards, taking place on 26 February as well as Best New Artist (all-genre) at the 64th GRAMMY® Awards taking place on 3 April.
The reigning CMA New Artist of the Year and ACM New Male Artist of the Year is currently headlining his first ever solo headline tour in the US and has received inclusion in The Country Music Hall of Fame® and the Museum’s upcoming American Currents: State of the Music exhibit.