Jimmy Dooley began singing at age five, and started preaching at age fourteen. Three years later, he felt a calling into full-time music ministry. Shortly thereafter, he became seriously ill with a life-threatening illness that the doctors were unable to diagnose. After prayers were answered and Dooley was healed, he took his testimony out on the road. He co-founded a progressive Southern Gospel mixed trio and recorded two albums with the group. He ultimately left to launch a solo career.

Dooley's songwriting has led to cuts with various artists, including Ivan Parker's hit song "The Grace that I'm Under." He has also launched a recording studio and started producing albums. His work with World Vision has led to over two hundred children being sponsored, placing him in their Top 20 club.

His songs and concerts focus on evangelism and encouragement; as he states, "I really feel like this is becoming a big part of the ministry God is using me in, inspiring me to write songs like “I Survived” that hit home with just about everybody who has faced a hard time or tragedy in their life whether they are Christians or non-Christians."