During the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo, country music singer Jimmie Allen performed his hit songs for a packed crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. He also shared his influences and insights on a variety of topics with convention newsroom intern Lizzy Parks.
Q: You share a clear message of perseverance. Why does the phrase “never give up” play such a huge role in your music and life?
A: I feel like when people quit, you never end up where you want to be, let alone where you’re supposed to be. In my music and my life, when there’s something I want, I go for it. It doesn’t matter how many people tell me otherwise.
Q: Similar to your message of never giving up, what are the biggest lessons you have learned in your career thus far?
A: Everyone gives advice from their perspective, so it’s impossible for someone to give the best advice to you when they’re not you. With every decision you make, someone’s not going to agree with it. That’s okay as long as you agree with it. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with yourself and the decision.
Q: Who inspires you to create music?
A: My music is inspired by Prince, Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, Newsboys and For King and Country. Lots of different genres and different types of people.
Q: Country music includes themes of rural life. What is your relationship to agriculture?
A: I appreciate agriculture. I have a lot of friends and family that work in it. My grandpa was a farmer, so it’s always been a part of my life, and it always will be even if it’s not something I do as a career.
Q: What do you want young FFA members to know about you?
A: I’m someone that loves living life without barriers. I believe in making decisions and being happy with them. Never compare your life to anyone else’s. Just discover your own version of success and chase your own happiness.
