Bailey Zimmerman

Bailey Zimmerman
A waist-up view of singer Bailey Zimmerman, holding a bottle in his left hand.
Zimmerman in 2023
Background information
Birth nameBailey Lynn Zimmerman[1]
Born (2000-01-27) January 27, 2000 (age 24)[2]
Louisville, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2020–present
Labels
Websitebaileyzimmermanofficial.com

Bailey Lynn Zimmerman (born January 27, 2000) is an American singer. In 2022, he charted the singles "Fall in Love" and "Rock and a Hard Place", which both reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.[3] His debut album Religiously. The Album. was released on May 12, 2023. This album also includes singles "Religiously" and "Where It Ends."

Early life[edit]

Zimmerman was born in Louisville, Illinois. He began playing the guitar at the age of nine, devoting much of his childhood to riding dirt bikes and playing baseball.[4] His mother first introduced him to various hair metal bands as well as Kid Rock, Avenged Sevenfold, and Nickelback when he was a teenager.[5] In 2012, his mother took him to his first concert, which was performed by Tesla. It was the only other concert he had attended before he became a singer.[6] In comparison, his father would take long trips with Zimmerman playing country music on the radio.

Prior to making music, he worked in the meat-packing industry in 2016. Shortly after graduating, he relocated to West Virginia to work on a union gas pipeline.[7][8] He graduated from North Clay High School on May 12, 2018.[9][10] Due to a lack of time spent with his family, he quit pipelining to pursue a truck lift venture with his stepbrother's welding business Top Notch Metal Worx. He started promoting the business through his TikTok account to acquire customers.[11]

Career[edit]

Early career (2020–2021)[edit]

While awaiting the completion of a customer's build at his stepbrother's establishment, Bailey recorded himself singing "Stay" by Black Stone Cherry for Snapchat. His motivation was to impress girls. Songwriter Gavin Lucas, whose father had been Bailey's school bus driver in elementary school, came across Bailey's story and was taken aback by his singing ability. Lucas informed Bailey that the video had been widely shared, and he expressed interest in hearing some of Bailey's own songs.[12] Several weeks later, while at his uncle's body shop, Lucas approached Bailey with a request to collaborate on a song. In response, Bailey penned the first verse of "Never Comin' Home." Subsequently, they captured a video of Bailey performing the song with Lucas accompanying on guitar.[13]

In December 2020, Zimmerman started sharing original music on his TikTok account, notably featuring "Never Comin' Home." Within a mere five hours, a snippet of the song had garnered over a million views. Motivated by this rapid success, he secured a studio in Nashville to professionally record the track, investing $3,000. He made the decision to resign from his job shortly after. With finances tight, he turned to his mother, requesting $1,500. He conveyed to her the escalating traction of his song and his aspirations to pursue a career as a Country singer.[14]

On February 3, 2021, he released his debut single "Never Comin' Home", which later entered the top 20 on Spotify's Viral Chart in the United States.[15] The co-manager at 10th Street Entertainment Scott Frazier came across Zimmerman on TikTok and subsequently introduced him to Core Entertainment principals Kevin Zaruk and Simon Tikhman.[16] He later signed to Core Entertainment in August 2021.[17] The same month, he performed his first show at "Rock The South 2021" with a backing band he only met three days prior to the performance.[18]

Mainstream success (2022–present)[edit]

His breakout single "Fall in Love" was released on February 11, 2022, and reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October.[19] This was followed by additional singles "Rock and a Hard Place" and "Where It Ends" in June and August 2022, respectively.[20] Due to the success of these songs, Zimmerman was signed to Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Records,[21] with "Fall in Love" later charting at Country radio format.[20][22]

Zimmerman released his debut major-label project Leave the Light On on October 14, 2022. It debuted in the top ten of the Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums charts.[23] As a result of high demand, Zimmerman extended his headlining tour of the United States into the fall of 2022, with Josh Ross opening his early 2023 dates.[24] He made his Grand Ole Opry debut on November 4, 2022.[25] Morgan Wallen announced that Zimmerman would be one of the opening acts for his One Night at a Time World Tour in 2023.[26]

On March 17, 2023, Zimmerman announced his debut album Religiously. The Album., and it was released on May 12, 2023.[27] He will support the album with the "Religiously: The Tour" across the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland in 2024, with Josh Ross again joining him as an opening act.[28] “Rock And A Hard Place” broke the record for the longest climb to the top 10 for a song by a soloist in Billboard Hot 100 history.[29]

On February 23, 2024, Zimmerman released "Holy Smokes" as the lead single for his second album which was previously teased through TikTok.[30] It debuted at No. 54.

Artistry[edit]

Zimmerman is noted for having a raspy, gritty voice with influences stemming from Nickelback, Tesla, and Eric Church.[14] His sound is a mix of rock and country.[31]

Personal life[edit]

Zimmerman is a Christian, and has a habit of sharing his favorite Bible verse, Mark 9:23, with his audience.[32]

His parents divorced at the age of ten.[5] He has an older brother Dalton, and younger brother Nicholas.[2]

On February 11, 2023, Bailey performed at BetMGM’s West Super Bowl Fest held at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Arizona. However, during his performance of "Rock And A Hard Place," technical difficulties resulted in Bailey losing audio feedback, leading to an unintentional off-key performance. This incident garnered significant attention, with a TikTok video capturing the moment amassing over eleven million views.[33] Consequently, Bailey faced accusations of being unable to sing. Responding to the ensuing backlash on February 15, Zimmerman, acknowledging the incident, issued a public apology and displayed resilience by addressing the situation with levity.[34]

Discography[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[35] 		US Country
[36] 		AUS
[37] 		CAN
[38]
Religiously. The Album. 7 3 25 8

Extended plays[edit]

List of extended plays, with selected details and chart positions
Title EP details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[35] 		US Country
[36] 		AUS
[41] 		CAN
[38]
Leave the Light On 9 2 95 8

Singles[edit]

As lead artist[edit]

List of singles, with year released, selected chart positions, and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[43] 		US
Country
[44] 		US
Country Airplay
[45] 		AUS
[46] 		CAN
[47] 		CAN
Country
[48] 		NZ
Hot
[49] 		WW
[50]
"Fall in Love" 2022 29 5 1 — 64 1 — 117
  • RIAA: 4× Platinum[39]
  • MC: 3× Platinum[40]
 Religiously. The Album.[A]
"Rock and a Hard Place" 10 2 1 41 17 1 11 59
"Religiously" 2023 13 4 1 — 18 1 34 71
"Won't Back Down"
(with Dermot Kennedy featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again) 		— — — — — — — — Fast X
"Where It Ends" 32 6 3 — 21 6 22 68 Religiously. The Album.[B]

As featured artist[edit]

Single as featured artist, with selected chart positions shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Bub.
[52] 		NZ
Hot
[53]
"Strong Enough"
(Jonas Brothers featuring Bailey Zimmerman) 		2023 16 19 Non-album single

Promotional singles[edit]

Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[43] 		US
Country
[44] 		CAN
[47] 		CAN
Country
[48] 		NZ
Hot
[49] 		WW
[50]
"Never Comin' Home"[54] 2021 — — — — — — Non-album singles
"Change"[55] — — — — — —
"Small Town Crazy"[54] — — — — — —
"Never Leave" 2022 —[C] 27 — — — — Leave the Light On
"Get to Gettin' Gone" — 34 — — 28 — Religiously. The Album.
"Fix'n to Break" 2023 84 23 83 — — —
"Holy Smokes"[56] 2024 54 13 46 55 19 — TBA

Other charted songs[edit]

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Bubbling
[52] 		US
Country
[44] 		NZ
Hot
[57]
"Waiting" 2022 21 36 — Leave the Light On
"You Don't Want That Smoke" 2023 5 28 30 Religiously. The Album.

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Award show Category Nominated work Result Ref
2023 CMT Music Awards Male Breakthrough Video of the Year "Fall in Love" Nominated
Male Video of the Year "Rock and a Hard Place" Nominated
Academy of Country Music Awards New Male Artist of the Year Bailey Zimmerman Nominated
2024 CMT Music Awards Male Video of the Year "Religiously" Nominated

Tours[edit]

Headlining[edit]

  • Bailey Zimmerman On Tour (2022-23)
  • Religiously. The Tour. (2024)

Opening[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "Fall in Love", "Rock and a Hard Place", and "Where It Ends" first appeared on the 2022 EP Leave the Light On before officially appearing on an album.[42]
  2. ^ "Fall in Love", "Rock and a Hard Place", and "Where It Ends" first appeared on the 2022 EP Leave the Light On before officially appearing on an album.[42]
  3. ^ "Never Leave" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.[52]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "CHANGE". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
  2. ^ [1] Country Thang Daily
  3. ^ Asker, Jim (May 1, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman's 'Rock' Skips to Historic Sixth Week Atop Country Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  4. ^ @BCMF_Taylor (February 19, 2024). "Get to Know Your BCMF 2024 Artists: Bailey Zimmerman". Barefoot Country Music Fest. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "How Bailey Zimmerman's breakup songs made him country's breakout star". Los Angeles Times. October 12, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  6. ^ "How Bailey Zimmerman's breakup songs made him country's breakout star". Los Angeles Times. October 12, 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  7. ^ "Bailey Zimmerman (Bio)". Warner Music Nashville. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  8. ^ "TikTok - Make Your Day". www.tiktok.com. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  9. ^ 2018 North Clay High School Graduation LIVE, retrieved February 21, 2024
  10. ^ "North Clay High School Alumni". AllHighSchools. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  11. ^ How Bailey Zimmerman Accidentally Became A Country Star... Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  12. ^ "Meet Bailey Zimmerman, Country's Biggest New Star Who Still Can't Believe He's Famous | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  13. ^ Freeman, Jon (March 17, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman Was Working a Gas Pipeline and Making Truck TikToks. Now He's Touring With Morgan Wallen". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Caramanica, Jon (May 11, 2023). "How Bailey Zimmerman Charmed Nashville". New York Times. ProQuest 2811839088.
  15. ^ "Daily Viral Songs USA: March 15, 2021". Spotify. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  16. ^ "ZIMMERMAN UNBOUND". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  17. ^ Hollabaugh, Lorie (August 19, 2021). "Bailey Zimmerman Signs With The Core Entertainment, 10th Street Entertainment". MusicRow.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  18. ^ Reynolds, Scott (September 18, 2021). "Louisville artist manager helping musicians achieve dreams". WDRB. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  19. ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard.
  20. ^ a b "Hear Bailey Zimmerman's Brooding New 'Rock and a Hard Place'". Taste of Country. June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  21. ^ "Bailey Zimmerman Joins Warner Music Nashville, Elektra Music Group Roster". MusicRow. April 13, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  22. ^ "DISClaimer Single Reviews: Toby Keith Shows Off His Mighty Vocals On 'Oklahoma Breakdown'". MusicRow. June 16, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  23. ^ Romualdi, Melissa (October 24, 2022). "Bailey Zimmerman Shatters Country Records With Debut Album". ET Canada. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  24. ^ Roden, Ally (October 31, 2022). "Bailey Zimmerman Breaks Streaming Records & 'Leave The Light On' Becomes The Biggest Streaming Country Debut Of All Time". Music Mayhem Magazine.
  25. ^ "BAILEY'S GRAND OLE DEBUT". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  26. ^ "MORGAN WALLEN ANNOUNCES 2023 ONE NIGHT AT A TIME WORLD TOUR - Side Stage Magazine". sidestagemagazine.com. December 2, 2022. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  27. ^ a b Freeman, Joe (March 17, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman Was Working a Gas Pipeline and Making Truck TikToks. Now He's Touring With Morgan Wallen". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  28. ^ Anderson, Clayton (June 12, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman Announces The "Religiously" 2024 Tour W/ Josh Ross". Country Chord. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  29. ^ Black, Lauren Jo (April 11, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman Smashes Chart Records With Second No.1, 'Rock And A Hard Place'". Country Now. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  30. ^ White, Logan (February 23, 2024). "Bailey Zimmerman shares new song "Holy Smokes"". Substream Magazine. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  31. ^ "7 Facts To Get To Know Bailey Zimmerman". Warner Music New Zealand. July 28, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  32. ^ "WATCH: Rising Country Music Star Declares Christian Faith Live on Stage". MRCTV. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  33. ^ "TikTok - Make Your Day". www.tiktok.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  34. ^ MUSIC·, Brady Cox·COUNTRY (February 13, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman Responds To Viral Super Bowl Weekend Performance: "Ears Went Out… I Swear I'm Not THAT Bad"". Whiskey Riff. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  35. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  36. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Top Country Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  37. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  38. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  39. ^ a b c d e "American certifications – Bailey Zimmerman". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  40. ^ a b c d e "Canadian certifications – Bailey Zimmerman". Music Canada. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  41. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 24 October 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1703. Australian Recording Industry Association. October 24, 2022. p. 6.
  42. ^ a b c Major, Michael (September 15, 2022). "Bailey Zimmerman Announces Debut EP 'Leave the Light On'". Broadway World. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  43. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  44. ^ a b c "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Hot Country Songs". Billboard. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  45. ^ "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Country Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  46. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  47. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  48. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Canada Country". Billboard. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  49. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  50. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Global 200". Billboard. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  51. ^ a b "Oct 2023 Single Accreds" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  52. ^ a b c "Bailey Zimmerman Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  53. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  54. ^ a b "Bailey Zimmerman". The Underdog Music. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  55. ^ "Bailey Zimmerman – Singles & EPs". Apple Music. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  56. ^ Humphrey, Jack (February 17, 2024). "Bailey Zimmerman Announces New Song "Holy Smokes"". Country Central. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  57. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
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