Gary Allan

Gary Allan Herzberg was born on December 5, 1967, in La Mirada, California. His musical journey began early, playing in honky tonks with his father by age 13. At 15, he declined his first recording contract with A&M Records to complete his education, a decision supported by his parents who felt he needed to develop his own style. After graduating from La Serna High School, he continued performing with his band, the Honky Tonk Wranglers. A significant turning point occurred on August 28, 1993, when he was introduced to songwriter/producer Byron Hill, leading to the recording of demo tracks. These demos attracted attention from multiple labels, and Allan signed with Decca Records in 1995. His debut album, “Used Heart for Sale” (1996), yielded his first Top 10 country hit, “Her Man,” and received praise, being named “Best of the Month” by Stereo Review.

Allan’s career progressed with his second album, “It Would Be You” (1998), which included the title track that became his second Top 10 country hit. In 1999, after Decca Records folded, he moved to MCA Nashville, where his third album, “Smoke Rings in the Dark,” achieved platinum certification. This album marked a shift to a fuller sound, incorporating background singers and stringed instruments. His fourth album, “Alright Guy” (2001), produced his first number one hit, “Man to Man.” In 2003, despite his established career, Allan was nominated for the CMA Horizon Award, typically for newcomers. That same year, his fifth studio album, “See If I Care,” included two more number one singles: “Tough Little Boys” and “Nothing On but the Radio.

Allan’s personal life profoundly influenced his music, particularly following the death of his third wife, Angela, in 2004. This led to his 2005 album, “Tough All Over,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart and featured deeply personal songs like “Puttin’ Memories Away” and “I Just Got Back from Hell.” Subsequent releases include “Greatest Hits” (2007), “Living Hard” (2007), “Get Off on the Pain” (2010), and “Set You Free” (2013), which delivered his fourth number one hit, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).” His most recent album, “Ruthless,” was released in 2021. Throughout his career, Allan has maintained a distinctive “raspy and unpolished” vocal style and a sound influenced by the Bakersfield scene, navigating the country music landscape with a commitment to soulful, meaningful songs.