1. Gary Allan Images from www.CMT.com Mini-Bio and Listening Guide Accompaniment to Gary Allan Paper by Emily Briggs Music 1010-052 Spring 2014

2. Career Beginnings • Allan began performing early, at only 13 years old. • For his father’s band • Later with his own band, The Honky TonkWranglers. • He was encouraged by both parents and industry scouts. • First album recorded in 1996 with Decca Records. • Switched to MCA in 1999 for his 3rd album.

3. Inspiration • Allan co-writes much of his music and is inspired by “real” life situations and feelings. • He views “pop” music as fun and carefree whereas country, in his view, tends to be focused on everyday life including commitment, love, sorrow, and the simple joys in average life. • Allan’s wife, Angela, died, tragically, after shooting herself in their home. • Angela suffered from severe, untreated depression. • Allan’s music has been signi- ficantlyinfluenced by her death. Image from www.CMT.com

4. Process • Allan, very purposefully, dedicates time for writing and producing ideas. • He prefers an open and honest atmosphere in order to get the best quality music possible. • He is willing to take criticism and suggestions from his partners in order to accomplish this most fully.

5. Albums Man to Man 1st#1 song (2002) It Would Be You See If I Care Used Heart for Sale Smoke Rings in the Dark 1st #1 Album (2005) Living Hard Get Off On The Pain Album covers from www.wikipedia.com

6. Listening Guides

7. Watch Smoke Rings in the Dark Music Video

9. Watch Man to Man

11. Watch Songs About Rain

13. Watch Learning How to Bend Image from www.CMT.com