Born Gary Allan Herzberg on December 5, 1967 in Montebello, California, he grew up on a cattle ranch with a brother and sister. He has always been interested in country music. His father used to play in local bars and Gary would go with him. Then he got his first record deal at the age of 15 but turned it down because he and his parents did not think he had what it took, just yet. He formed his own band called the "Honky Tonk Wranglers" and three years later, he knew he was ready. He had to wait several years before anyone would listen to him but then Byron Hill heard him at a bar in Downy, California and this landed him his recording contract with Decca records in 1996.
He has three daughters from his first marriage, which ended in divorce. He then married Danette Day on November 28, 1998 and was divorced only 7 months later. His third marriage on June 5, 2001 to Angela ended in tragedy when she shot herself in their home after dealing with depression, an eating disorder, and migraines.
Gary Allan has sold over 5 million records and has had back to back platinum albums and landed back to back number ones with country music radio.
He has remained true to his identity, and style. Gary is known to be quick to speak his mind and is not afraid to take a risk that would make most artists cringe. Over the last decade, everyone has seen him struggle through heartache and high times. With the passing of his wife and the closing of his first record label, he has come through it all strong and everyone is cheering him on. His music has remained pure and strong as you can see with his newest album of his greatest hits.
"Not addressing what happened to my family would have been wrong," says Allan. "It's a part of our lives and part of who I am. I absolutely had to work through what had happened through music." Gary Allan is currently a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He currently lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
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