Jimmy Allen

Jimmy Allen

Jimmy Allen is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and percussionist, also known as James Christopher Allen and Jimmy Stewart. He is a member of Against All Will and Puddle of Mudd.

Early life and musical background

Allen begins singing and performing at a very young age and develops his musical style in the church, where he builds his roots as a vocalist. He is influenced by his mother, Angela, and his sisters, and he starts experimenting with rhythm by using pots and pans. His cousin, the late Charles Gibbs, acts as a musical mentor and teaches him harmonies and melodies. Allen learns instruments by ear rather than through formal lessons, and he plays drums, percussion and piano in addition to singing.

Performance and stage work

Alongside music, Allen takes on acting roles in stage productions, including Peter Pan, Aladdin, Grease, The Wizard of Oz and Footloose. He enters the national talent search Best New Talent in Hollywood as the youngest participant and finishes third, performing Brian McKnight’s Still In Love With You and receiving a standing ovation.

Recording and live appearances

Allen records a debut project titled Perfect Stranger, and its title track receives radio play in Philadelphia, Delaware, Baltimore and Michigan. He also opens for artists including Usher, B5 and Musiq Soulchild. Descriptions of his voice in the input place him in a contemporary R&B context, with comparisons made to Usher, Brian McKnight and John Legend.