Bailey Zimmerman Earns Biggest Country Streaming Debut Of All Time With ‘Religiously. The Album.’
The breakout singer/songwriter “can’t get over” the success of his project.
Bailey Zimmerman; Photo by Spidey Smith
Bailey Zimmerman continues to break records with his debut album, Religiously. The Album.
Released on May 12 via Warner Music Nashville/Elektra, the full-length project has already achieved incredible feats. Not only has it become the biggest streaming debut album of the year across all genres, but it’s also been proclaimed the biggest streaming country debut of all time.
Upon hearing the exciting news, Zimmerman took to social media to share, “Can’t get over this 🙏 Thank y’all so much❤️”
The LP debuted Top 3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, No. 7 on their all-genre Billboard 200 chart and No. 8 on The Billboard Canadian Album Chart.
“The past two years of my life have been insane and the fact that I get to release my first ever album is so surreal,” Zimmerman previously shared. “Thank you to everyone that has had my back through thick and thin. I will never be able to repay y’all for the love and support, this album is for you.”
Among the 16 tracks, the rising country star co-wrote 11 of the songs. He showcases his passion for storytelling throughout the collection, which includes his newest single, “Religiously,” as well as previously released “Fix’n’ To Break,” “Fall In Love,” “Rock and A Hard Place,” and “Where It Ends.”
“We are so proud of Bailey and the history-making, debut album he delivered. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch this talented, young artist develop as both a songwriter and performer, connecting with his fans in truly meaningful way,” said Warner Music Nashville co-president Cris Lacy and Elektra Entertainment president Gregg Nadel. “The partnership between our two labels has been equally gratifying, working hand in hand alongside Bailey’s team, to make this launch one for the record books. This is only the beginning of a long and successful career.”
This project comes hot on the heels of the “Where It Ends” singer’s record-shattering 2022 debut EP, Leave The Light On, which also made history upon release as the most-streamed all-genre debut of 2022. Both collections include Zimmerman’s multi-Platinum smash, “Rock And A Hard Place” as well as his No. 1 debut single “Fall In Love.”
With nearly 2 billion career streams to date, the fast-rising artist can proudly say that he was the only country artist to earn not one, but two RIAA Platinum certifications in 2022 with both of these tracks.
“Fall In Love” was the first debut song to make its way to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart in 2022 and became the fastest debut single to reach No. 1 at country radio since 2015, a major feat for a brand-new artist. As for “Rock And A Hard Place,” the Jet Harvey, Jacob Hackworth and Heath Warren penned song holds the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart for the sixth consecutive week.
According to Billboard, this makes Zimmerman “the first male artist to spend six weeks atop Country Airplay just two or fewer promoted chart entries, in a lead role, into a career.” This has only been done one other time, and it was when “Carrie Underwood’s first promoted country single, ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel,’ dominated for six weeks in January-February 2006.”
As a result of his roaring success and growing fanbase, the 23-year-old singer/songwriter inked a deal with Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group in April of 2022.
Bailey Zimmerman is currently out on the road in support of Morgan Wallen’s 2023 One Night At A Time World Tour. This incredible opportunity has allowed the Illinois native to perform his songs in front of record-breaking crowds and continue to build his fanbase.
The 50+ date trek will visit multiple legendary venues including stadium stops at LA’s SoFi Stadium, Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. See a complete list of Bailey Zimmerman’s upcoming tour dates HERE.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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