Erin P. Hernandez 
Grammy-nominated country music singer Jimmie Allen recently opened up about how contemporary Christian music “saved” him through a tough time and how Christian music is still one of the foundations on which his faith grows.
Allen, 36, raised Christian, told Christian Headlines in an interview ahead of the K-Love Fan Awards last week that he remembers being “in a tough spot” about a year ago.
During this time of hardship, Allen recounts how he turned to Christian music to cope with his struggles, particularly the Grammy-winning Christian worship band Maverick City Music.
“The music of Maverick City Music saved my life – literally. And I met Chandler [Moore] from Maverick City Music, and I told him,” Allen said.
“Each genre is important, but for [me]Personally, there’s something special about Christian music that grounds me and brings me back to my roots, and refocuses me on who I should be and what I should do.”
Allen, who previously collaborated with CCM musicians Chris Tomlin and Tauren Wells, recently became the first black artist to kick off a career with back-to-back No. 1 hits on country radio.
Allen also won the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards New Male Artist of the Year and the 2021 Country Music Association Awards New Artist of the Year.
Allen told Christian Headlines that when he first moved to Nashville more than a decade ago, he served as lead worship musician at Franklin People’s Church, now called the Church from the city.
Even before serving in the church, Allen said he remembers being influenced by various Christian artists in his youth.
Allen admired Christian musicians, such as Mike Purkey, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Fred Hammond, Bee Bee and Ce Ce Wynans, DC Talk and Andrae Crouch.
While contemporary Christian music has played a huge role in Allen’s life and continues to encourage him both in his career and in his walk with God, he said all credit for his progress in the industry country music belongs to God.
Allen noted that without his Christian faith, he might not have been able to remain patient during the waiting seasons as he aimed to cultivate his recognition as an artist.
“It took me 10 and a half years to get a recording contract in Nashville. And without patience, it wouldn’t have happened,” he admitted.
“[I let] God fights the battle. Because a lot of times we want to step in and help him and the only thing we do is get in his way.”
Allen will soon accompany Carrie Underwood on the “Denim and Rhinestones” fall 2022 to spring 2023 tour. The arena tour will kick off in Greenville, South Carolina on October 15, reaching 43 different cities across the United States.
“I am thrilled to be back on the road with The Denim and Rhinestones Tour,” Underwood said in a statement posted on his tour website.
“I’m thrilled to bring new music from Denim & Rhinestones to life on tour, as well as giving new versions to familiar favourites. We’ve already worked hard to put together an amazing show, and I can’t wait to see all the people on the road.”
Allen’s Third Album tulip reader will be released on June 24.
Despite Allen’s recognition among the masses of country music lovers and his desire to continue in the country music genre on his upcoming musical tour, he said he would not back down from his admiration for CCM.
“I listen to K-Love and Air1 all the time,” Allen admitted before appearing as a stage presenter at the May 29 K-Love Fan Awards, which aired last week on TBN.
“I’ve always wanted to do country music. But I’m a big fan of Christian music and I’ve always wanted to do songs with Christian artists,” he added, noting that he attended the K-Love Awards as a fan. in the old days.
