There’s a breakout country singer-songwriter in town, and it looks like he’s going to be the next big thing – and it’s none other than Bailey Zimmerman. He recently signed with Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group and is currently one of the most-added new artists on country radio.
Well, it’s a little surprising! With his straightforward charm, infectious enthusiasm, and honest depiction of life on the back roads, the up-and-comer has already attracted a loyal and ardent fan base. If you’re one of them, make sure to read these facts you might not have known yet.
1. He’s a native of Louisville, Illinois.
Born on January 27, 2000, Bailey Zimmerman grew up listening to country radio. His father owned a trucking business, and Zimmerman would tag along with his dad to haul cars across state lines. During those long drives, the two would listen to country music hour after hour.
Craig Morgan‘s “Wake Up Lovin’ You” was one of the country hits his dad would always turn up at any time, Zimmerman revealed.
2. His family is into business.
In addition to his father’s trucking business, the family also owns a towing and salvage yard. Zimmerman’s grandfather also owned a car shop – where his mother used to work and is now basically owned by his uncle. Meanwhile, his brother owns a metal shop.
3. He used to play baseball.
Zimmerman first got into playing guitar when he was nine, but he kind of threw it away a few years later to start playing baseball as well as riding bikes.
4. He worked at a gas pipeline.
Before Bailey Zimmerman songs caught the attention of fans and industry executives alike, he embodied the old-school American values of dependability. In fact, he started working when he was sixteen at the local meat processing plant. In 2018, he went to West Virginia, where he started building gas pipelines. He had the job until his original song “Never Comin’ Home” became a hit in 2021.
5. His career started on TikTok.
Zimmerman’s TikTok following first expanded when he uploaded videos of his custom-lifted trucks. Later on, he started combining those truck videos with clips of himself singing – and it shook the country music world. Zimmerman now has amassed millions of followers.
6. His first show was with country superstar Luke Combs.
Zimmerman’ had a 25-minute set during the Rock the South music festival in Cullman, Alabama – which Luke Combs headlined. Ingrid Andress, Laine Hardy, Morgan Wade, among others, are also on the lineup.
7. His dream venue to play in is Madison Square Garden.
Zimmerman said he watched Justin Bieber’s concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, on repeat. He thought to himself that it “would be the ultimate place to play.”
Well, we can’t wait for Bailey Zimmerman to do so!