Morgan Wallen Blasts Ex-Managers For Releasing His Early Recordings

Morgan Wallen issued a statement and a new song today (1/26) after his former managers released music he made in 2014. Morgan is not happy about the release of the recordings.

Wallen issued a statement about the release. "I'm writing y'all from a duck hunting trip because I want to fill you in on something happening tonight. Back in 2014, I went to Florida to try my hand at making original music & songwriting for the first time. This led to a recording deal with a local investor & an artist management deal that I deeply regret. Unfortunately, I signed both deals without any legal representation."

He continued, "We made 13 songs. Some were ok, but most were terrible, as I was just learning how to write in general & figuring it all out. I was not the only collaborator, so many of these songs were not my idea nor to my standards. We deemed 5 worthy enough to make the Stand Alone EP, which includes a fan-favorite, 'Spin You Around.' Tonight, those colleagues I parted ways with almost 10 years ago plan to release a "10th Anniversary" edition of Stand Alone against my wishes & include 8 unreleased songs, distributing it with the assistance of my former managers. For months, I've been exploring every avenue possible to acquire the rights to this old music & keep the quality of my catalog consistent with the songs I choose to release & believe in."

Wallen added, "It's gross, greedy & an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists. I want you to know this is NOT my new music & I don't want to see this happen to anyone else. I cringe when I listen to these songs & I'm concerned my fans may mistakenly believe this is a new release by me."

He continued, "I begin recording my next project at the end of February. I'm feeling inspired creatively & super excited to make more music I'm proud of."

He concluded, "In response:
1. I re-recorded "Spin You Around (1/24)" this week in Nashville & it comes out TONIGHT. Thank you, Joey Moi & Bryan Sutton. I did the artwork myself while in the woods duck hunting. Hope you like it, lol.

2. I am donating $100k from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals For The Arts (VLPA) program. I hope young aspiring musicians read this story & know they should never have to give up their creative freedoms for an opportunity in this business.

3. Trust me, when new music is ready, you'll hear it directly from me."

Morgan Wallen spent the majority of his childhood playing baseball. Through that love of sports, he founded the Morgan Wallen Foundation in 2021, which, according to the website, is "based on the importance of sports and music opportunities for youth and the value of community service." Wallen has given back many times since he founded his foundation.

The website explained, 'Through baseball,Morgan learned about teamwork, commitment, hard work, and drive. These values have been critical to his success as a country artist. Music was a sense of joy – from singing with his sisters in church to playing the violin – music allowed Morgan to cultivate his artistic creativity. His parents saw the importance of these activities and found a way to create access for their kids. It wasn’t always easy, but they made it a priority."

After his latest donation to Nashville area youth baseball, Morgan said, "I started the Morgan Wallen Foundation to support youth in two areas - sports and music. When I heard about Parkwood, right here in Nashville, I knew I wanted to help. Every child deserves a chance to play ball and be part of a team, and I truly appreciate this opportunity to be part of Parkwood's next inning. I can't wait to come back out here and see the park once it has been renovated."

Over the course of just two years, the foundation has donated millions of dollars; it began with a donation in his hometown of Sneedville, Tennessee, and has spread across the country. MWF has donated funds to rehabilitate sports facilities, baseball fields, sports equipment, music programs, and instruments.

On Wallen's  2022 "Dangerous Tour," MWF supplied 500,000 meals across tour stops to help combat food insecurity during natural disasters in the US.

We take a look at the country superstar's kindness with four donations he has made since his foundation began.

Photo - Leila Grossman

Wallen, along with Major League Baseball and the  MLB Players Association Youth Development Foundation (MLB-MLBPA YDF) and other local funders, has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville to lead the community revitalization of the historic Black baseball and softball complex, Parkwood Community Club, in north Nashville. MLB-MLBPA YDF and Morgan Wallen Foundation have joined forces to donate $500k each, totaling $1 million invested in the project.

Photo - David Lear

During Morgan's "One Night At A Time World Tour" he played two back-to-back nights at Chicago's Wrigley Field; he celebrated the final night (June 23) at the home of the Chicago Cubs backstage with students from the nearby Baker and Bowen High Schools. He presented a check for $100k from The Morgan Wallen Foundation for revitalizing South Chicago's Bessemer Park baseball field.

Wallen said, "We are thrilled to donate $100k to Bessemer Park to give the kids a place to play ball here in South Chicago," said Wallen. "This donation, combined with being back on stage performing for my fans tonight at Wrigley, is a true doubleheader for me."

Photo - Happy Monday

Gibbs High School graduate Morgan didn't just surprise seniors with a concert – he left behind a gift in the form of $35,000 for the school's band, chorus, and baseball programs.

It was a night the senior class nor Wallen are likely to forget. From a surprise presentation of a 2021 championship ring by baseball coach Jeff Davis to having his parents, son, and both grandmothers in the crowd, Wallen reflected, "This is so cool. There are a lot of special people here. Having graduated in 2011, I wasn't sure how I'd feel coming back - but this place will always hold a special place in my heart."

Coach Steven Wilson said the team has been through a lot this year (2022) since the Waverly floods last August, and he said if Morgan Wallen didn't help their team out financially, then they wouldn't have been able to go to the World Series.

Morgan said in part to the Tennessee baseball team of 11 and 12-year-olds from Humphreys County in a video, "From my team to yours, we want to send y'all to South Carolina."