Morgan Wallen, who was born on May 13, 1993, is an American country singer and songwriter who gained fame on The Voice. He released his debut EP in 2015 and his first album in 2018. His second album, released in 2021, made history by spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Wallen’s third album, released in 2023, broke records with all 36 tracks entering the Billboard Hot 100. He has won numerous awards, including an Academy of Country Music Award and fourteen Billboard Music Awards.
Profile Summary
Full Name: | Morgan Cole Wallen |
Date Of Birth: | May 13, 1993 |
Place Of Birth: | Quakertown, Pennsylvania, U.S |
Nationality: | American |
Children: | 1 |
Occupations: | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist |
Labels: | Panacea, Big Loud, Republic, Mercury |
Net Worth: | $12 – 20 million |
Early Life And Education
Morgan Wallen, born in Sneedville, Tennessee to Tommy and Lesli Wallen, had a childhood filled with diverse music influences. Growing up, he took piano and violin lessons, and developed his love for country music inspired by artists like Keith Whitley and Eric Church.
Despite initially pursuing baseball, an injury led him to refocus on music and learn the guitar. Wallen’s eclectic musical taste, ranging from classic rock to rap, shaped his unique sound as a musician.
Career
In 2014, Morgan Wallen competed on The Voice, impressing judges Shakira and Usher with his performance. Although he was eliminated during the playoffs, the show helped boost his career.
Wallen then signed with Panacea Records and released his debut EP in 2015. Through his manager, Wallen connected with Big Loud and released his first single “The Way I Talk”.
His debut album, If I Know Me, was released in 2018 and achieved success with the single “Whiskey Glasses”. Wallen’s unique style, including his signature mullet, has helped him stand out in the music industry.
Wallen gained popularity on platforms like TikTok and became a rising star in country music. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he took the opportunity to create his sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album (2021), which blends country and R&B/pop.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums Chart, staying at the top for multiple weeks. The singles from the album, including “More Than My Hometown” and “7 Summers”, broke records and earned Wallen his first top 10 hit on the Hot 100.
Wallen made history by having six songs simultaneously in the top 10 of the Hot Country Songs chart.
In February 2021, a video of Wallen using a racial slur surfaced, leading to consequences like radio stations and streaming platforms removing his music. Despite the controversy, his album sales saw a significant surge.
Wallen later apologized and made donations to the Black Music Action Coalition. He addressed the incident publicly on Good Morning America and continued to release new music. Wallen’s popularity remained high, with his album Dangerous breaking records and winning awards.
In 2023, he released his third studio album, One Thing at a Time, and embarked on a successful world tour. Despite facing setbacks, Wallen continued to collaborate with other artists and release new music.
Legal Issues
In May 2020, Wallen was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Nashville. He later apologized on Twitter.
In October 2020, during the pandemic, he faced criticism for not following COVID guidelines after videos of him maskless and not social distancing were shared on TikTok. This led to his removal as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
In April 2024, Wallen was arrested for allegedly throwing a chair off the roof of Eric Church’s bar in Nashville, resulting in charges of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.
Personal Life
In 2016, Wallen started a relationship with KT Smith, and they got engaged. They broke up in 2019 due to his infidelity but share a son named Indigo. Smith is now married to someone else.
Wallen has also been linked to Paige Lorenze and Megan Moroney, who wrote a song about him. On June 1, 2024, Wallen opened a multi-story bar, restaurant, and music venue in downtown Nashville.
Morgan Wallen Net Worth
As of 2024, Morgan Wallen’s net worth is estimated to be between $12 million and $20 million, a substantial increase from around $4 million the previous year. His success in music, a lucrative tour earning around $70 million, and record-breaking album sales have contributed to his financial growth and continued popularity in country music.
Discography
Morgan Wallen has released:
Albums
- If I Know Me (2018)
- Dangerous: The Double Album (2021)
- One Thing at a Time (2023)
EPs
- Stand Alone (2015)
- 3 Songs at a Time Sampler (2023)
- One Thing at a Time (Sampler) (2023)
- Deluxe Edition of Stand Alone (2024)
Singles
- The Way I Talk (2016)
- Up Down (feat. Florida Georgia Line) (2017)
- Whiskey Glasses (2018)
- Chasin’ You (2019)
- More Than My Hometown (2020)
- 7 Summers (2020)
- Sand in My Boots (2021)
- Wasted on You (2022)
- You Proof (2022)
- Thought You Should Know (2022)
- Last Night (2023)
- Thinkin’ Bout Me (2023)
- I Had Some Help (feat. Post Malone) (2024)
Awards And Nominations
Morgan Wallen has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including:
- Billboard Music Awards: 11 wins, including Top Male Artist and Top Country Album for Dangerous: The Double Album.
- Academy of Country Music Awards: 6 nominations in 2024, including Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year.
- Country Music Association Awards: 7 nominations in 2024, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
- American Music Awards: Winner for Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Song for “Wasted on You”.
- 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards: 4 wins, including Song of 2024 for “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone.
Wallen’s accolades reflect his significant impact on country music despite past controversies