Morgan Wallen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Morgan Wallen
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![]() Wallen performing in 2025
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Born |
Morgan Cole Wallen
May 13, 1993 Sneedville, Tennessee, U.S.
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Education | Gibbs High School |
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Years active | 2014–present |
Works
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Discography |
Children | 1 |
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Morgan Cole Wallen (born May 13, 1993) is an American country pop singer from Sneedville, Tennessee. He became famous after competing on The Voice in 2014. After the show, he signed with Panacea Records and released his first music, Stand Alone (2015).
In 2016, Wallen joined Big Loud and released another EP called The Way I Talk. His first full album, If I Know Me (2018), had popular songs like "Whiskey Glasses" and "Chasin' You". This album stayed on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for a very long time.
His second album, Dangerous: The Double Album (2021), was a huge success. It was the first country album to be number one on the Billboard 200 chart for its first seven weeks. It included hit songs such as "More Than My Hometown" and "Wasted on You".
Wallen's third album, One Thing at a Time (2023), also spent many weeks at the top of the Billboard 200. All 36 songs from this album appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time. The song "Last Night" from this album became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
His fourth album, I'm the Problem, was released on May 16, 2025. It quickly became number one on the Billboard 200. Songs like "Love Somebody" and "What I Want" (featuring Tate McRae) topped the Billboard Hot 100. Wallen is known for his unique style and has won many awards, including Entertainer of the Year.
Early Life and Education
Morgan Cole Wallen was born on May 13, 1993, in Sneedville, Tennessee. His father, Tommy, was a church pastor, and his mother, Lesli, was a teacher. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Knox County. He went to Gibbs High School.
In high school, Morgan was a talented pitcher and shortstop on the baseball team. He hoped to play baseball in college, but he injured his arm during his senior year. As a child, he learned to play the piano and violin. His father introduced him to many different types of music, including classic rock. Later, he enjoyed bands like Breaking Benjamin and Nickelback, and rappers like Lil Wayne.
After high school, Wallen worked in landscaping. He was disappointed that he couldn't continue playing baseball. He then started focusing on music and learned to play the guitar. He grew to love country music, especially artists like Keith Whitley and Eric Church, and they influenced his own musical style.
Career
2014–2015: The Voice and Stand Alone
In 2014, Morgan Wallen appeared on season 6 of the TV show The Voice. He sang "Collide" by Howie Day for his audition. Judges Shakira and Usher liked his singing, and he joined Usher's team. Later, he moved to Adam Levine's team but was eliminated during the playoffs.
Wallen said that his time on The Voice helped him grow. He learned to practice harder and made important connections in the music world. After the show, he moved to Nashville to continue his music career.
In 2015, Wallen signed with Panacea Records. He released his first EP, Stand Alone, on August 24, 2015. His first single from this label was "Spin You Around", which later became a very popular song.
2015–2019: If I Know Me
In 2015, Morgan Wallen signed with Big Loud, an independent record label. He also joined their publishing company, which helped him write songs for other artists. His first single with Big Loud was "The Way I Talk". He also co-wrote songs for artists like A Thousand Horses and Dallas Smith. He even helped write Jason Aldean's song "You Make It Easy".
Wallen joined Florida Georgia Line on their Dig Your Roots Tour. He also worked with them on the song "Up Down", which became a top-five hit on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Around this time, Wallen started wearing a distinctive mullet haircut, which became part of his unique look. He got the idea from an old photo of his father.
His first studio album, If I Know Me, came out on April 27, 2018. The song "Whiskey Glasses" from this album became a huge success. It reached number one on both the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. It also made it into the top 40 of the main Hot 100 chart. Many people consider "Whiskey Glasses" to be his signature song.
In 2019, Wallen toured with Florida Georgia Line again. His next single, "Chasin' You", was also very popular. In August 2020, If I Know Me reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart after being on the chart for a record-breaking 114 weeks.
2020–2021: Dangerous: The Double Album
Morgan Wallen's popularity continued to grow, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. In October 2020, during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wallen faced public criticism for not following health guidelines. He was scheduled to perform on Saturday Night Live but was removed from the show. He later performed on the show two months later.
During the pandemic, Wallen had more time to create music. This led to his second album, the two-disc Dangerous: The Double Album (2021). This album mixed country music with R&B and pop songs. Dangerous was an instant hit, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums Chart. It stayed at number one on the US chart for six weeks in a row. It was one of only three albums in over 30 years to spend its first ten weeks at number one on the Billboard 200.
The album's songs, including "More Than My Hometown", "7 Summers", "Sand in My Boots", and "Wasted on You", became record-breaking hits. "7 Summers" was his first song to reach the top 10 on the Hot 100. After the album's release, Wallen became the first artist to have six songs in the top 10 of the Hot Country Songs chart at the same time.
Public Incident and Popularity
In February 2021, a video was released showing Wallen using inappropriate language. He quickly apologized for his words. As a result, some radio stations stopped playing his music, and his songs were removed from certain music playlists. His record label, Big Loud, temporarily suspended his contract. The Academy of Country Music also announced that Wallen and his album Dangerous: The Double Album would not be eligible for their awards that year. Wallen later released an apology video and asked his fans not to defend his actions.
In April 2021, Wallen donated money to the Black Music Action Coalition in the names of people who had helped him after the incident. He spoke publicly about his comments on Good Morning America in July, saying he was wrong to use those words. His songs returned to country radio in August.
Despite the controversy, sales of Dangerous actually increased. The album remained at the top of the Billboard charts for seven more weeks. Dangerous continued to be a huge success, breaking records for how long it stayed in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. It was named Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music.
2022–2023: One Thing at a Time
Morgan Wallen's popularity continued to grow in 2022. His Dangerous Tour sold out many arenas and amphitheaters. He released new music, including "Don't Think Jesus" and "You Proof". "You Proof" became his first song to reach the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. Both "You Proof" and "Thought You Should Know" topped the country charts.
Wallen also worked with rapper Lil Durk on the song "Broadway Girls", which was a top-fifteen hit. He also co-wrote songs for other artists like Tyler Joe Miller and Keith Urban. In December 2022, Wallen released a sampler EP with new songs.
In 2023, Wallen started his One Night at a Time World Tour, performing in stadiums. His third studio album, One Thing at a Time, was released on March 3, 2023. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for its first 12 weeks, becoming the most popular album on the Billboard 200 in 2023.
In May 2023, Wallen was featured on Lil Durk's song "Stand by Me". He also co-wrote the song "Fixer Upper" for Dallas Smith. Throughout 2023, Wallen released several singles from his album, including "Last Night", "One Thing at a Time", and "Man Made a Bar".
2024: Stand Alone Ten Year Anniversary
On January 26, 2024, Panacea Records released a special 10th-anniversary edition of Wallen's 2015 EP, Stand Alone. This version included eight songs that had not been released before. Wallen stated on his Instagram that this release happened "against his wishes." In response, he released a new acoustic version of "Spin You Around (1/24)".
On March 3, he shared performances from his Abbey Road Sessions, including a new song called "Lies Lies Lies". On May 2, Wallen announced his next single, "I Had Some Help" with Post Malone. This song was released on May 10 and immediately became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Wallen also appeared on the Moneybagg Yo single, "Whiskey Whiskey".
In September 2024, Wallen announced his second single for his upcoming fourth album, "Love Somebody", which was released on October 18. This song also debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Wallen was nominated for seven awards at the 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards and won the Entertainer of the Year award. On November 15, Wallen was featured on an updated version of "Neon Moon" by Brooks & Dunn. On December 31, Wallen surprise-released a single called "Smile."
2025–Present: I'm the Problem
On January 24, 2025, Wallen announced his fourth studio album, I'm the Problem, and a tour with the same name. The title track was released on January 31, and the full album came out on May 16, with 37 songs. In March 2025, Wallen released two more songs, "Just in Case" and "I'm a Little Crazy". On March 29, Wallen performed these songs on Saturday Night Live.
On April 15, 2025, Wallen announced his next single, "I Ain't Comin' Back" featuring Post Malone, which was released on April 18. This was their second collaboration. Wallen also confirmed that "What I Want" would be a duet with a female artist. On April 15, Canadian pop singer Tate McRae hinted at a collaboration with Wallen. The next day, Wallen revealed the full tracklist for I'm the Problem, confirming features from Tate McRae, Eric Church, Hardy, Post Malone, and Ernest.
On May 1, 2025, Sirius XM launched "Morgan Wallen Radio," a temporary channel featuring his music and his favorite songs by other artists. On May 5, Wallen announced the final single before the album, "Superman", released on May 9. This song was written about his son. On May 16, Wallen released his highly anticipated album I'm the Problem. The song "What I Want" with Tate McRae was also released as a single.
I'm the Problem debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart on May 25, 2025. This was Wallen's third album in a row to reach number one. On May 31, 2025, 37 of Wallen's songs were on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time. This made him the first country artist to have at least 100 songs chart on the Hot 100. Six of his songs were in the top 10, including "What I Want" (which debuted at number one), "Just in Case", and "I'm the Problem".
Business Ventures
Morgan Wallen's This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen
On June 1, 2024, Morgan Wallen opened his first bar and restaurant called Morgan Wallen's This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen. It is a six-story building in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, that serves as a restaurant and music venue. Wallen partnered with the TC Restaurant Group for this project.
The restaurant menu includes southern food, bar snacks, and some of Wallen's mother's recipes. The bar is 30,000 square feet and has six bar areas, three live music areas, a gift shop, and a rooftop deck.
The Ryl Company
In 2022, Wallen teamed up with Blodin Ukella to create The Ryl Company. This company makes all-natural iced tea in various flavors like Peach, Raspberry, and Green Citrus. Their teas are known for being sweetened with stevia, a natural sweetener that is not sugar.
Personal Life
Morgan Wallen was in a relationship with influencer KT Smith starting in 2016. They later got engaged but separated in 2019. Their son, Indigo, was born in 2020 after their breakup. Wallen has also been linked to influencer Paige Lorenze and country singer Megan Moroney.
Discography
- If I Know Me (2018)
- Dangerous: The Double Album (2021)
- One Thing at a Time (2023)
- I'm the Problem (2025)
Tours
Headlining
- The Dangerous Tour (2022)
- One Night at a Time World Tour (2023–2024) (with Bailey Zimmerman, Ernest, Hardy, and Parker McCollum)
- I'm the Problem Tour (2025)
Opening
- What Makes You Country Tour (2018) (with Luke Bryan)
- Can't Say I Ain't Country Tour (2019) (with Florida Georgia Line)
- Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour (2019) (with Luke Combs)
Awards and Nominations
Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
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2019 | CMT Music Awards | Breakthrough Video of the Year | "Whiskey Glasses" | Nominated | |
Country Music Association Awards | New Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated | ||
2020 | Academy of Country Music Awards | New Male Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
Country Music Association Awards | New Artist of the Year | Won | |||
iHeartRadio Music Awards | Country Song of The Year | "Whiskey Glasses" | Nominated | ||
Best New Country Artist | Himself | Won | |||
Billboard Music Awards | Top Country Song | "Whiskey Glasses" | Nominated | ||
Top Country Album | If I Know Me | Nominated | |||
CMT Music Awards | Male Video of the Year | "Chasin You' (Dream Video)" | Nominated | ||
American Music Awards | Favorite Male Artist-Country | Himself | Nominated | ||
Favorite Album-Country | If I Know Me | Nominated | |||
2021 | Billboard Music Awards | Top Song Sales Artist | Himself | Nominated | |
Top Country Artist | Won | ||||
Top Country Male Artist | Won | ||||
Top Country Album | Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album | Won | |||
Top Country Song | Morgan Wallen, "Chasin' You" | Nominated | |||
Country Music Association Awards | Album of the Year | Dangerous: The Double Album | Nominated | ||
American Music Awards | Favorite Male Artist-Country | Himself | Nominated | ||
Favorite Album-Country | Dangerous: The Double Album | Nominated | |||
Country Now Awards | Favorite Male Artist | Himself | Won | ||
Favorite Album | Dangerous: The Double Album | Won | |||
2022 | Academy of Country Music Awards | Album of the Year | Won | ||
Country Music Association Awards | Entertainer of the Year | Himself | Nominated | ||
Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated | ||||
American Music Awards | Favorite Male Country Artist | Won | |||
Favorite Country Song | "Wasted on You" | Won | |||
2023 | ARIA Music Awards | Best International Artist | Himself | Nominated | |
Country Music Association Awards | Entertainer of the Year | Nominated | |||
Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Album of the Year | One Thing at a Time | Nominated | |||
Billboard Music Awards | Top Artist | Himself | Nominated | ||
Top Billboard 200 Artist | Nominated | ||||
Top Radio Songs Artist | Nominated | ||||
Top Song Sales Artist | Nominated | ||||
Top Billboard Global 200 Artist | Nominated | ||||
Top Streaming Songs Artist | Won | ||||
Top Country Artist | Won | ||||
Top Male Country Artist | Won | ||||
Top Male Artist | Won | ||||
Top Hot 100 Artist | Won | ||||
Billboard Music Award for Top Country Touring Artist | Won | ||||
Top Country Album | One Thing at a Time | Won | |||
Top Billboard 200 Album | Won | ||||
Top Streaming Song | "Last Night" | Won | |||
Top Country Song | Won | ||||
Top Hot 100 Song | Won | ||||
2024 | Country Music Association Awards | Entertainer of the Year | Himself | Won | |
Male Vocalist of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Single of the Year | "I Had Some Help" | Nominated | |||
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Music Video of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Musical Event of the Year | Nominated | ||||
"Man Made a Bar" | Nominated | ||||
2025 | Grammy Awards | Best Country Song | "I Had Some Help" | Nominated | |
Best Country Duo/Group Performance | Nominated | ||||
American Music Awards | Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
Collaboration of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Favorite Country Song | Won | ||||
Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated | |||
Favorite Touring Artist | Nominated | ||||
Favorite Country Male Artist | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Morgan Wallen para niños