Less than a month after he made history as the first Black artist to receive the Academy of Country Music’s New Male Artist of the Year Award, Jimmie Allen received another first: a key to his hometown of Milton.

Town Manager Kristy Rogers said this is the first time she can remember a Miltonian getting a key to the town. Allen was back in Delaware to perform at a benefit concert for the family of slain Delmar police officer Cpl. Keith Heacook.

Upon accepting the key, Allen said, “This is super cool. Growing up in Milton, there’s something special about it. It’s cool to be able to do music for a living and at the same time, come back and play concerts. Milton always has a spot in my heart wherever I go.”

As a bonus, Allen revealed that he will have a new song coming out soon called “Home Sweet Home,” that will reference several of his favorite places around Milton, including of course, Milton Quick Stop. 

The key was presented May 11 by Milton Councilwoman Lee Revis-Plank, who also happens to be a fan of Allen’s music. She said Allen, a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, left Sussex County in 2007 to pursue his dreams in Nashville. Revis-Plank said it wasn’t easy, as Allen struggled for many years to establish himself, but after nearly 10 years he caught a break and signed his first big record contract. 

She said Allen’s lyrics are from the heart and relatable, and that’s why he is successful. But, she said, Allen has never forgotten his roots in Milton, visiting whenever he can and being seen around town, either at the Milton Quick Stop on Route 16 or at the Food Lion.