Morgan Wallen Reflects on Career in the Music Industry, Family, Faith
By Movieguide® Contributor
Morgan Wallen was born into the church as he’s the son of a Southern Baptist pastor.
At a young age, Wallen had a passion for music, however he also had a passion for rebellion.
“From a child, I was going to do the opposite. I can’t help it. It’s just who I am. Like I’ve got something to prove on my own,” Wallen stated.
As Wallen started taking his music seriously, he auditioned for THE VOICE in 2014. Wallen was later eliminated in the playoffs but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams.
“The disappointments just made me dig deeper and figure out why I didn’t win,” Wallen expressed. “Some things in life are out of your control. Being the best you can be isn’t. I didn’t feel like I was the best I could have been. So, I practiced harder and really tried to make my voice second nature.”
In 2016, Wallen released his first single, “The Way I Talk.” From there, it was his time to shine. Wallen wrote the hit song, “You Make it Easy,” for Jason Aldean and he later toured with Florida Georgia Line for his hit song, “Up Down.”
In May of 2020, Wallen was arrested for being “a danger to himself and the public.”
But two months later he posted on his Instagram a picture of his son, Wilder.
“Little Wilder, I’m a changed man. Since you came into the world Friday, I see mine differently now,” Wallen wrote.
Later in October of 2020, Wallen signed a contract for a skit on SNL. However, social media footage showed him breaking COVID-19 protocols as he was at a bar.
He was dropped from the show and later apologized. Two months later, he was re-invited on to the show and not only did Wallen sing but he also acted in a skit which made fun of his arrest two months prior.
“I signed on immediately to do the skit,” he said. “Let people see I don’t take myself too serious. A lot of the people that watch ‘SNL’ don’t know me anyway. Their introduction to me was me doing something they severely disagreed with, so I wanted to let them know I’m human. I got it.”
In addition, Wallen’s most scandalous moment was back in February of 2021 when he used a racial slur while out with a group of friends.
“I’m embarrassed and sorry,” Wallen addressed in an apology. “I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
Wallen received much backlash after that incident. He was not included in the Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony. He also was dropped by his record label and banned from iHeartRadio.
Although Wallen has made many mistakes, he had made a comeback with his third hit album, “One Thing at a Time.”
Conversely, he recently cancelled his show in Mississippi due to losing his voice.
“After last night’s show I started losing my voice, so I spent the day resting up, talking to my doctor and working through my vocal exercises trying to get better,” Wallen wrote on an Instagram story. “I really thought I’d be able to take the stage and it kills me to deliver so close to showtime, but my voice is shot, and I am unable to sing. All tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. I am so sorry; I promise you guys I tried everything I could.”
After the cancellation, a fan filed a lawsuit against Wallen on behalf of those who purchased tickets and sought compensation.
Wallen will continue to pursue his music career putting one foot in front of the other and making smart decisions.
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