Inside Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Unbelievable’ Journey from Building Gas Pipelines to Country Stardom (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Getty

Getty

Bailey Zimmermanhas always been country—now he’s just famous for it.

The CMA-nominated singer has had a meteoric rise over the past few years, from earning multiple platinum certifications on singles to selling out a headline tour. A few years ago, though, he was building gas pipelines in rural Illinois.

“I thought I was gonna build gas pipelines for the rest of my life, honestly,” he shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, as he was named one of our Ones to Watch in music. “I actually went through many things before I got to singing.”

After working for a few unideal bosses in the gas pipeline business, Zimmerman shifted gears towards building trucks. He got involved intrucktokand was even planning on creating a truck shop with his brother.

Bailey Zimmerman on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’.Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

He used music to share experiences in his life.

“I was very blessed. I had a home, and I had food,” he said. “There was just a lot of hecticness and craziness growing up. When I started writing songs, I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I had all these stories.”

“I didn’t really intend for it to go out ever, but then I posted a video; I don’t know why I quit questioning it,” he said. “But I posted it, and people just connected to it… Over time I realized it wasjust as helpful for me as it was for them.”

Since then, Zimmerman has been nominated forbest new artist at the 2024 CMA Awardsand released several chart-topping singles, along with a record-breaking album. His reception, both from fans and other members of the country music community, has been extremely positive.

“I was so scared coming into Nashville because I had just started singing and I know how hard people work and how long people work to get where I’ve gotten to be at,” he said. “To have country music wrap its arm around me…you can’t get better than that.”

He’s received advice from big country names likeHARDY, which he takes in stride. He attributes much of his success to those who have helped him along the way.

“People have definitely steered me clear of a lot of wrong things,” he said. “Every person I’ve met has given me some stepping stone to getting me to where I’m at.”

Bailey Zimmerman at Audacy’s 2024 Stars and Strings event.Derek White/Getty

Derek White/Getty

“It’s the country kid’s dream—go to the party, get lit, have fun with your friends, blow stuff up, be country as hell,” he said. “That’s kind of what it was for, to show people how I grew up.”

Zimmerman says his path to success is a testament to the power of resiliency.

“There’s a lot of people out there that have failed many times, but one time, you’re not going to, and it’s going to change your life,” he said.

He conveyed this message in his latest single, “Holding On.” At PEOPLE’s pre-CMAs listening event, hosted in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts on Nov. 19, Zimmerman said the song inspired him toget back in the studio.

Zimmerman also marveled at how far he has come.

“Man, it’s just crazy to not live in a trailer anymore. I feel like any time you can have the opportunity to make it out and support your family, retire your dad, get to do things that nobody else gets to do, it’s just emotional all the time. Every day is emotional,” he says. “You wake up, and I’ve got a house now and got two puppies. To be recognized for your music is insane.”

source: people.com