Alan Jackson

[Kim]

CMT News

Alan Jackson Signs Deal With EMI Records Nashville


Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson will release his new music as a joint venture between his label, ACR (Alan's Country Records), and Capitol/EMI Records Nashville. Jackson's new music will be marketed through Capitol's EMI Records Nashville label. Capitol Nashville and EMI Records Nashville are both headed by Mike Dungan, who worked with Jackson in the '90s as senior vice president and general manager of Arista Nashville, the singer-songwriter's longtime label home. Jackson recently exited Arista Nashville, now a division of Sony Music Nashville, after completing his contract. Capitol and EMI's country roster includes Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban, along with several new artists.

[Kim]

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES


A million reasons why Alan Jackson is inducted into RodeoHouston Hall of Fame

By Clifford Pugh
03.18.11 | 08:55 pm


Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, RodeoHouston, Star Trail of Fame Alan Jackson, LeRoy Shafer


When Alan Jackson first performed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1992, he admits he was nervous.

But, he said in brief remarks after being inducted into the Star Trail of Fame Friday afternoon, those multiple rodeo appearances over the years did wonders for his career.

The country superstar performed for the 19th time at RodeoHouston Friday night, surpassing the one million mark in attendance. He joined an exclusive list of entertainers— George Strait, Reba Entire, Charley Pride and Brooks & Dunn — who have delighted one million or more fans at Rodeo performances in Houston.

Located on the second floor of Reliant Center, just outside the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's offices, the Star Trail of Fame also pays tribute to Gene Autry, Elvis Presley, and Roy Rogers.

[Kim]

ALAN JACKSON AND EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING EXTEND LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 6, 2011) – Country music superstar Alan Jackson and EMI Music Publishing, the world’s leading publisher of popular music, have extended their relationship with a new global deal.

Jackson, who has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide and topped the country singles charts 35 times, first signed with EMI Music Publishing more than ten years ago. The new co-publishing agreement will see EMI Music Publishing’s network of global offices represent Jackson’s classic catalog of songs including “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),” “Remember When,” “Good Time,” “Small Town Southern Man” and “Drive”.

“I write hurtin’ songs, cheatin’ songs, drinkin’ songs, lovin’ songs…and to me, those things are just a part of life and part of country music,” says Alan Jackson. “The folks at EMI have been there with me for a good while, and I’m glad we’re going to keep on working together.”

EMI Group CEO Roger Faxon commented: “We’re very happy to have extended our long-time relationship with Alan at EMI Music Publishing, especially as it comes so soon after he signed a new partnership with EMI Records Nashville. Alan is an incredible talent as both a songwriter and a recording artist, and we’re privileged that he is a part of the EMI family.”

EMI Music Publishing Nashville Executive Vice President & General Manager Ben Vaughn said: “Alan Jackson is simply a modern day poet, and folks from Australia to Albuquerque and all points in between connect to the songs that he writes. It’s an honor to have represented him for so long, and we’re all looking forward to building on the huge success he has had to date.”

The announcement of Jackson’s deal extension with EMI Music Publishing comes days after he completed a new recording deal with EMI in Nashville. Jackson will shortly begin recording a new studio album, which will be his first released as a joint venture between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and Capitol’s EMI Records Nashville label.

Jackson is one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music. He’s a 17-time winner at the ACM Awards and a 16-time CMA Award recipient, including three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors. His songwriting last year won him the ASCAP Founders Award, which is bestowed on songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music. Jackson is also a seven-time ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year, a recipient of the ASCAP Golden Note Award, and a two-time Grammy award winner.

EMI Music Publishing is the world's leading publisher of popular music, representing more than one million copyrights including some of the best known songs ever written. Iconic songs in the EMI Music Publishing catalog include “New York New York,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “The James Bond Theme,” “Lady Marmalade,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Always On My Mind,” “Over The Rainbow,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and “Singin’ In the Rain.” Its current Nashville hit-making writers include Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Chris Young, Kelley Lovelace, and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott.



alanjackson.com

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Lends A Helping Hand



(l-r) William Royal, Rogersville Middle School Principal; Jackson; Charlie Chase, country music radio and TV personality. Photo By Mark DeWitte


Alan Jackson performed at the local “Coming Home Concert” at the Rogersville Middle School in Rogersville, Tennessee to a sell-out crowd on Thursday night (April 14). The event was organized by veteran country music radio and TV personality Charlie Chase – a Rogersville native – to benefit the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life of Hawkins County.”

Tickets for the event sold out immediately after going on sale a few weeks ago – people jumped at the chance to see Jackson perform in an intimate setting while also raising money for the cause. Those people were treated to a performance of Jackson’s biggest hits in the unique setting of the small town’s Middle School gymnasium facility. “The show was a tremendous success for the Hawkins County Relay For Life and Rogersville is so appreciative,” Chase said after the event.

“Relay for Life” is an initiative of the American Cancer Society that raises funds and involves communities in the fight against cancer. More than 4-million events are held annually in more than 5,000 communities throughout the U.S.

Contact: [e-mail]

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Opens Up to GAC on Dec. 22


Alan Jackson isn't known for being talkative. In fact, the shy superstar rarely does interviews. That's why you don't want to miss our exclusive new special, Backstory: Alan Jackson, premiering this Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10/9c! Alan and his wife Denise sat down for a rare open and candid chat about his remarkable career, as well as their marriage and family.

The problems he and Denise experienced in their marriage in the 90's are well-documented. "God took our mess and made something wonderful out of it," Denise said. "We have the marriage we always wanted and I don't think we would've had we not gone through that separation." Their love and strong commitment to one another got them through what was possibly the most difficult year of their lengthy union. In 2010, Denise was diagnosed with cancer, a diagnosis that shocked their family.

"I just couldn't believe it, it was unreal," said Alan. "To see her go through that, it was the hardest thing I've ever been through. I've been taking care of her since she was 16, but I couldn't do anything to help her. It was tough."

"But there were blessings in it," Denise says. "For my children to see my faith in a situation like this, I think it made a profound impact on them."

A member of the now-famous country music new artist "Class of '89"(classmates included Garth Brooks and Clint Black), Alan has charted an amazing 35 No. 1 hits and wrote or co-wrote 24 of them. "It's great to see an artist like Alan Jackson who knows who he is, who doesn't waver based on what's going on. He just keeps being Alan," says Lee Ann Womack.

Alan clearly knows what works and has always kept it simple. "Most of the singers I admire - Gene Watson, Charley Pride - they just sing," he says. "They're not out there doing anything crazy."

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Discusses Wife's Cancer Bout on GAC's 'Backstory'




Alan Jackson and his wife, Denise, recently celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary, and while they've spoken candidly about the marital troubles they faced -- and overcame -- in the '90s, they're just now discussing something even more trying: her bout with cancer.

In 'Backstory: Alan Jackson,' which premieres Thursday (Dec. 22) on GAC, the country superstar reveals that Denise was diagnosed with the disease last year.

"I just couldn't believe it; it was unreal," Alan tells GAC. "To see her go through that, it was the hardest thing I've ever been through. I've been taking care of her since she was 16, but I couldn't do anything to help her. It was tough."

"Once you get that phone call and you hear that word 'cancer' ... I will never live another day in my life and expect anything," says Denise. "I will get up every day and be grateful for my health and the health of my family."

Denise is the author of the inspirational memoir, 'It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life.' Mom to the couple's three daughters, Mattie, Ali and Dani (pictured above), she insists many blessings came with her illness.

"For my children to see my faith in a situation like this, I think it made a profound impact on them," she says.

The 'Backstory' episode also centers on Alan's remarkable music career. Since emerging in 1989, the same year that saw the debuts of Garth Brooks and Clint Black, among others, Alan has scored 35 No. 1 hits.

"It's great to see an artist like Alan Jackson who knows who he is, who doesn't waver based on what's going on," says admirer Lee Ann Womack. "He just keeps being Alan."

'Backstory: Alan Jackson' premieres at 10:00 PM ET this Thursday, Dec. 22, on GAC. Be sure to tune in for an important update on Denise's progress in her cancer battle.

[grg_straitfan]

Alan Jackson Tickets Selling Fast
March 1, 2012 by WLKM

The first day of ticket sales for Alan Jackson’s appearance this fall at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair was overwhelming, fair manager Bill Johnson said.
Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday and a line of more than 250 people was in place outside the fairgrounds ticket window. At the head of the line was a group that had waited since noon Tuesday, Johnson said.
A team of four people inside the ticket sales booth was able to serve the long line of Jackson fans in about an hour.
Johnson said about half of the 5,200 tickets for the Sept. 22 performance were sold on opening day. Presidential Seating – trackside seats in the rows closest to the stage – were priced at $67 each, sold out in 10 minutes.
He said Wednesday marked the most tickets sold on an opening day since reserved seating was made available in the early 1990s.

[Kim]

Denise Jackson Cancer Free: Alan's Wife Now 'Doing Great'


Alan Jackson has endured plenty of ups and downs in both his personal and professional life, since he married his high school sweetheart, Denise, more than three decades ago. But nothing could have prepared the Grand Ole Opry member for the devastating news he received in 2010, when his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully, Denise is now cancer-free, and living life to the fullest these days.

"She's doing great," Alan tells The Boot. "Of course, you have to get a scan every few months to check on everything, and it's all been clear and looking good. She didn't lose all her hair, but it did get pretty thin. She's looking better now. She's probably more healthy than she's ever been now because she watches what she eats and does, and now she's wearing me out! Everything's looking good. I appreciate everybody's prayers and concerns."

The 'So You Don't Have to Love Me Anymore' singer acknowledges that their love affair is a constant work in progress ... as most marriages are. "I've been in this relationship I'm in for 30-something years now, and some days I wish I wasn't married to her and most of the time I'm glad I am," he concedes. "I don't care if it's somebody that seems compatible or your soul mate ... you have to work at it all the time. I always find that most times you treat strangers nicer than you do somebody that's close to you, and if you learn to do that, that makes a big difference."

Denise wrote a best-selling book in 2007, 'It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life,' and her proud husband hints there may be another book in the works. "I can't really speak for her, but she has felt like she wants to write something about what she just went through with this, because it's such a tough experience. She drew from her faith to help her get through that, and I think she feels strongly about trying to do something with that, eventually."

Alan will spend a few more weeks at home with Denise and their three daughters before he heads out for a series of shows, including stops in Colorado, Pennsylvania and California.

[Kim]

Alan Jackson To Release “Precious Memories” Again


Alan Jackson is set to rerelease his 2006 gospel album, Precious Memories, on Tuesday (March 27th). The country superstar, who grew up in the church singing many of the songs that appear on the album, says he wanted to put it out again, because there are no more copies to be found. “We just had so many people still wanting it. It’s just amazing,” says Alan. “That thing has sold and sold, and so, when I got over [to EMI Nashville]…we decided that we’d get it out there, see if anybody else wants it still.” Precious Memories includes many gospel favorites, such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Softly and Tenderly,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Alan says he would like to do a second gospel album for his mother and mother-in-law. “I still want to do another one,” he says. “My mama, she’s getting pretty elderly now and doesn’t get out much, but I’d really like to do another version of that for her, and especially my wife’s mama. She’s older than my mother, but she actually gets around better. She loves that thing, and [laughs] would love to have another version with some more new songs, so I need to do that. It doesn’t take but a minute to record that thing.”

The country superstar is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest hit, “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore.” He’ll perform the single when he appears on NBC’s Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday (March 30th).

[Kim]

Alan Jackson - 30 Miles West





NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 9, 2012) Country music superstar Alan Jackson will release his much anticipated album Thirty Miles West on June 5. It is his debut album on ACR (Alan’s Country Records)/EMI Records Nashville and is produced by long-time producer and friend, Keith Stegall. Jackson’s current single from the album is “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore.”

When asked about the unique album title Jackson responds, “There’s this highway that’s been in existence for forever now – it’s called the Dixie Highway and it runs from north of Michigan all the way down to South Florida, and I wrote a song about it that’s on the album. I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with Thirty Miles West. I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.”

About Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Jackson is one of the 10 best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.

Jackson has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, topped the country singles charts 35 times, and scored more than 50 Top-10 hits. He has written or co-written 25 of his 35 #1 hit singles. Jackson is a 17-time ACM Award winner, a 16-time CMA Award recipient, and a two-time Grammy-winning artist whose songwriting has earned him the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award and an induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as a 2011 Songwriter/Artist inductee.

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Opens Up About Family Life and Raising Three Daughters


Alan Jackson lives in a house full of women, and along with that territory comes a lot of delight — and some major drama every now and then. In a recent interview with radio station Q106 in Madison, Wisc., the country music veteran and proud father admitted to intimidating his daughters’ suitors when they come around.

Jackson says he tries to be nice, but he has no qualms about sitting down for serious talks with boyfriends of his three daughters, Mattie (21), Ali (1 and Dani (14). Of course, just his large stature and superstar status seem to make most guys nervous.

“I told my daughters I was a nice boy. I was a good kid, and I know what I was trying to do when I went out on a date,” Jackson said. “I don’t care how nice they are! Boys are boys.”

The Grammy Award-winning artist admitted that he hasn’t liked all of his daughters’ dates, but the ones he didn’t like “went away.” We don’t know exactly what that means, but we do know we’re not going to mess with Alan Jackson — or his daughters — any time soon.

Jackson also reported that his wife of 32 years, Denise, is currently in remission from breast cancer, and that she feels happy and healthy.

During the interview, Jackson chatted about his new single, ‘You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,’ from his upcoming album ‘Thirty Miles West’. Having been happily married for 32 years, Jackson didn’t write the song, but he said he wishes he had. We’re looking forward to the release of Jackson’s latest album in June of this year.

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Keeps It Country


Alan Jackson has sold more than 40 million albums and won dozens of awards by singing pure country songs, and he has no plans of changing his formula for success anytime soon. The Grand Ole Opry member is aware that several of his fellow artists, like Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts, have had a wider audience by creating music that is appealing on pop radio as well -- but he insists that method isn't for him.

"I don't think they'd cross me over," he said. "They tried that years ago. They came to me once and wanted me to take something off, and I wouldn't do it because I didn't want to change my sound to be on pop radio."

The Georgia native is quick to add that, even though he is content to be focused on country radio, he applauds artists whose music is more mainstream. "I think it's good for the artist, of course," he notes, "and the record label if they sell a bunch of records. I guess it's just fine."

One artist who has already earned high marks from the singer-songwriter is Taylor Swift, whose music has charted on country and mainstream radio all over the world. "With Taylor, it's not hard country, but her stuff to me is not nearly as pop sounding as some of the other acts that are on country radio," Alan explains. "Now they're sounding more like big pop bands that I heard in the '70s and '80s, that kind of sound."

Taylor was recently hand-picked to sing Alan's award-winning tune, "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" at his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, which the honoree insists was an easy decision. "She has been real supportive of my songwriting, real complimentary," Alan shares. "She's a great writer. I've heard some people sometimes pick at her about her writing, writing about teenage type things, but even that is written well."

The married father of three vividly recalls the first time he heard Taylor's music. "First song I ever heard of hers was 'Teardrops on My Guitar,'" he recounts. "I heard that song on the radio, and as soon as I heard it, I told my wife, 'I don't know who that is, but that's a great song, and it's going to be a big hit.'"

Alan's latest single, "So You Don't Have to Love Me Anymore" is in the Top 40 and steadily climbing the charts. He is busy juggling finishing up his new studio album with spending time out on the road, including several shows in Canada this week.

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Won’t Stray From Country Sound, Tips Hat to Taylor Swift


Alan Jackson has had great success as a tried and true country artist. Newer acts, like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, have scored their success by straying from the old-fashioned country sound. But Jackson says he won’t go that route. The 53-year-old country legend plans to hold steady with his down South sound.

“I don’t think they’d cross me over, they tried that years ago. They came to me once and wanted me to take something off, and I wouldn’t do it because I didn’t want to change my sound to be on pop radio.”

It’s not that Jackson thinks there’s anything wrong with a country pop hybrid — he just insists that his fans don’t want him to make that type of music. He happens to be an admirer of Swift, and when he first heard her single, ‘Teardrops on My Guitar,’ he told his wife that it would be a big hit.

In fact, Jackson is such a fan of the country cutie that he hand-selected her to cover ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)’ at his 2011 induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Jackson’s traditional country music has earned him dozens of awards, including a 2011 Grammy award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, thanks to his role in ‘As She’s Walking Away’ with the Zac Brown Band. He has also received several nods from the American Music Awards, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

At the 2002 CMAs, Jackson set a record for having the most nominations in a single year with 10. Many of them were for the song ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)’ and it also brought his career total up to the second number of most nominations ever, just trailing George Strait. ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)’ also was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year.

[Kim]

Alan Jackson to Debut Songs from New Album on the Grand Ole Opry


Alan Jackson will use his performance on the Grand Ole Opry on May 8 to give a sneak peek of songs from his new album, Thirty Miles West, set to be released on June 5. This will be his first project to be released through a new partnership between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and EMI Records Nashville.

During a 30-minute set, Alan will perform some of his greatest hits along with the new material. Alan’s portion of the show will be taped for a later airing on GAC’s Noteworthy at the Opry. Other artists scheduled to play the Opry on May 8 include Little Big Town, Thompson Square and Chris Young.

The Opry has several other highlight performances scheduled throughout the month. On May 10th’s Opry Country Classics show hosted by Larry Gatlin, Loretta Lynn and Mel Tillis will perform. On May 12, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery and more will take the stage. Ricky Skaggs will celebrate his 30th anniversary as a member of the Opry on May 15 and May 22 will feature a lineup that includes Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Ronnie Milsap and Craig Morgan.

[Kim]

Alan Jackson Praises Wife Denise on Mother's Day


Alan Jackson's wife Denise may take Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" to heart, but she also stands on her own as a best-selling author, mom of three and cancer survivor. So today, Mother's Day, is a particularly special day in the Jackson home, as Alan and his three daughters celebrate the tenacious head of their household.

Denise's first book, It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life details the ups and downs of her relationship with her husband of more than 33 years. It debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times best-sellers list.

"It's been great for [my daughters] to see her do something out there that's not typical for a parent at all," says Alan. "But she's a great role model for them anyway and always has been, whether she did anything professionally or not. I could see it in their eyes that they were surprised -- very surprised, and I could see them with interest looking at her, thinking it was special for her to do that. It was a very good thing for the kids to see that."

Denise is also the author of The Road Home, a religious book that inspires readers to look to God for help during dark times. Her husband hints that a similar book, based on her battle with cancer, may be in the works soon.

"I can't really speak for her, but she has felt like she wants to write something about what she just went through with this, because it's such a tough experience," the singer-songwriter tells The Boot. "She drew from her faith to help her get through that, and I think she feels strongly about trying to do something with that, eventually."

Alan and Denise were high school sweethearts. The country icon pays tribute to his better half in one of his most beloved hits, "Remember When."

"I don't care if it's somebody that seems compatible or your soul mate ... you have to work at it all the time," Alan says of his marriage. "I always find that most times you treat strangers nicer than you do somebody that's close to you, and if you learn to do that, that makes a big difference."