Black Is Back – Jimmie Allen
Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Jimmie Allen is back with his latest single âFreedom Was A Highwayâ with his friend â and Country music superstar â Brad Paisley (LISTEN HERE).
The breezy, windows-down tune impacts US Country radio today, February 1st, and is already receiving international airplay including from Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 (28/1), describing himself as âa massive fan of Jimmie Allen,â and Baylen Leonard on Country Hits Radio (31/1).
âFREEDOM WAS A HIGHWAYâ
On âFreedom Was A Highway,â Allen and Paisleyâs vocals pair to reminisce about the nostalgia and simplicity of more carefree, youthful days; the track also features a distinctive Paisley signature guitar solo. The song was co-written by Allen, Ash Bowers and Matt Rogers.
âWhen I was writing this song with my co-writers, I imagined myself driving down my favorite roads in Delaware. This song takes me back to simpler moments such as an innocent, childhood crush on the next-door neighbor or feeling freedom in the wind as you drive with the windows down. Iâve loved this song from the creation,â Allen says of the track. âIâm a huge admirer of Brad Paisley. I love what he brings to music and I had to have him bring that same magic to this song. Iâm humbled to have him join me on this song â he brought the Freedom to the Highway.â âIâm a fan of Jimmie, not only as a musician but also as a person, and I was honored when he asked me to join him on the song. Itâs a magical combination â it doesnât sound like a typical record for me at all and when I come in, I try my best not to ruin Jimmieâs song,â Paisley adds. âI use my guitar to make a record sort of sound like Iâm on it even before you hear me sing, and I love this guitar solo. Iâm really proud to be a part of âFreedom Was A Highwayâ and Iâm excited for people to hear it.â
âFreedom Was A Highwayâ was first featured on Allenâs star-studded record Bettie James, which has garnered more than 118 million streams and widespread critical acclaim since its July 2020 release via Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group/BMG. NPR calls the project âan announcement of [Allenâs] arrivalâ and a âhuge step for Countryâ while Billboard hails it âa powerful statement from a developing voice.â Bettie James also landed on several âBest Of 2020â lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard and Sounds Like Nashville.
Allen ushered in 2021 with a dynamic performance of the song on Dick Clarkâs New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on ABC, reaching more than 8 million households across the USA. He has previously performed the song on NBCâs TODAY and the Tamron Hall Show. Jimmie Allen will host a forthcoming episode of Music Life featuring Mickey Guyton, Abby Anderson, and Twinnie, available as a podcast and on the BBC World Service from 6th February, 2021 – more details here.
