Classic Rewind: Lee Ann Womack – ‘The Fool’

Spotlight Artist: Gary Allan

By the age of 13, Gary Allan Herzberg – he takes his stage name from his middle name – was already playing the club circuit in his native southern California area.  The young man from Li Marada, CA began his music career as a child, always having a guitar around the house.  ”I don’t remember not playing the guitar”, recalls the singer, “It was just always there.”  By age 15, Gary had caught the attention of executives at A&M Records, but decided against the deal, opting to finish his education and pursue his music career when his skills were more honed.

The late 1980s and early 90s found Gary playing the club scene once again.  In 1993, a chance meeting with Byron Hill lead to his first demo recordings in Nashville.  After a 1995 Los Angeles showcase, the singer was offered a deal on the newly-revived Decca Records country division.  He recorded his first 2 albums for the label before it was absorbed into Universal Music Group and Gary was moved to MCA Nashville, with Decca being shut down once again.  He has recorded for MCA since then.

His first album for Decca, Used Heart for Sale, yielded the top 10 ‘Her Man’ and was certified gold.  He’s since charted 18 top 40 hits on the Country Singles chart, including 3 #1′s.  With six gold albums – three platinum – to his credit, Allan has proved a consistent hit-maker and record seller while retaining a fresh and soulful sound.  He will release his eighth studio album, Get Off On The Pain, March 9.

Throughout his career, Gary Allan has infused traditional country music with the Bakersfield sound and West Coast rock, to mostly renowned critical acclaim.  And there’s good reason for that: he’s really that good.  His mainstream success is a bit puzzling, but nonetheless refreshing.  Throughout the month of February, we’re going to explore the music of Gary Allan, revisiting the songs that made us fans and the ones that reminded us of of his raw talent.  We hope you enjoy the music from one of the few standout talents left in mainstream country music.  If you’re not familiar with it already, now’s a great time to start.