Morgan Wallen ends his Atlanta Truist Park concert by collecting signed cardboard signs from fans he just entertained. He autographs each one, poses for selfies with them all before quickly leaving stage right.
His controversial video may have destroyed any hopes of becoming an international crossover superstar like Shania Twain, but that hasn’t diminished his millions of country music fans who continue to support him.
He’s a good ole boy
Morgan Wallen is one of country music‘s most beloved figures, yet also controversial. Depending on which lens is used to view him, Morgan Wallen may either be seen as a hero or villain; either upholding racist hierarchies or working across them. Either way, his music remains powerful.
Erich has an authentic country music voice with a distinct raspy twang and intimate tone, setting him apart from many of his counterparts in country music who sound similarly. Many of his songs have been co-written with other artists, and he’s worked with multiple up-and-coming acts.
Country radio’s all-time chart-topper and recently completed his One Night at a Time stadium tour are some of the many achievements for which John Osborne stands out. On television he made waves twice when appearing on Saturday Night Live; for each ticket sold through him and donated directly to his foundation. But Osborne isn’t without controversy: after breaking Covid quarantine protocols he was banned from appearing again later facing allegations that included using racist slurs against someone.
He’s a good songwriter
Wallen’s songs tell stories and stir emotion through lyrics written by him and co-written tracks, giving his musical style its distinctive character. Moreover, many of these lyrics reflect relationships or small-town life with poignancy, intimacy and urgency that touch audiences across generations.
His latest album, One Thing at a Time, looks to extend Wallen’s run of success. Already breaking country streaming records – such as having the largest US streaming week ever for a country release and four weeks at No.1 on country airplay chart for its lead single “Last Night.”
Wallen has had great success recently; yet his rise remains controversial. Following on the heels of national discussions regarding racism that marked 2020, his sudden popularity has angered Black performers and observers who view him as a reminder of Nashville’s long-held history of racism. When asked by Strahan if this seemed true to him he replied “Yeah I guess” adding that he hadn’t given much thought to race issues in Nashville.
He’s a good dad
Morgan Wallen first captured country music fans’ hearts after appearing on The Voice reality television show in 2014. Since then, he’s become a celebrated country singer-songwriter as well as being an outstanding father. Together with former girlfriend KT Smith he co-parents their son Indigo Wilder.
Wallen’s fans have stood by him throughout an eventful year in 2020. When he was accused of using a racial slur while leaving Tennessee home in February, Big Loud Label indefinitely suspended his contract without losing one of his millions of followers.
Wallen’s 2023 album, One Thing at a Time, is already making waves as an unlikely follow up to Dangerous. It already had the largest US streaming week ever of any country album in 2018, as well as spending record amounts of time on charts. Wallen’s songs draw from universal themes of heartbreak, whiskey drinking and faith while still possessing his distinct sound: his lyrics engage listeners instantly through dialogue-style lyrics that make them invest in his narrative.
He’s a good singer
Morgan Wallen performed his song about country music‘s early days titled, “Good Ole Boys,” while reaching down and signing a fan’s hat as the crowd applauded and cheered loudly. The crowd kept applauding with enthusiastic applause and cheers as Morgan Wallen signed another fan’s cap with pride! The audience cheered wildly.
Even though his career nearly fell apart following an offensive racial slur controversy, singer Michael J. Fox is having an outstanding year. His new album has reached #1 on country charts and his tour schedule is extensive. Additionally, Fox and rapper Lil Durk collaborated on their single “Broadway Girls.”
Wallen stands out in an industry where male artists tend to blend into one another with his distinctive raspy twang and intimate songs. His 2021 LP Dangerous spent 10 weeks at No.1 on Billboard 200 chart and its lead single “Thought You Should Know” has established him as one of the leading country crossover stars today; his upcoming concert tour is anticipated to sell-out arenas worldwide.