Alan Jackson Celebrates 30th Anniversary of First Record Deal

Alan Jackson Celebrates 30th Anniversary of First Record Deal

After moving to Nashville in 1985, Alan Jackson singed his first major-label record deal with Arista Nashville on June 26, 1989—30 years ago today.

Eight months later, Alan released his debut album, Here in the Real World, which spawned hits such as the title track, “Wanted” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Over the course of his 30-year career, Alan has become one of the Top 10 best-selling country artists of all time, according to the RIAA. He has unleashed 35 No. 1 hits, dropped more than a dozen platinum albums and earned two Grammys, 16 CMAs (three for Entertainer of the Year) and 18 ACMs. He’s also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Alan may be celebrating 30 years in the industry, but he’s not slowing down. In addition to touring, he’s the sole owner and creative force behind AJ’s Good Time Bar in downtown Nashville. He is also writing and recording new music—and he is the subject of a new documentary, Alan Jackson: Small Town Southern Man, which was released on DVD this week.

Congrats on the 30-year anniversary, Alan. Not bad for a man and his mustache.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Blogs

Eric Church Announces 2025 Free The Machine North American Tour

On Wednesday (April 30), Eric Church announced the dates and details of his 2025 Free The Machine Tour of North America. The 22-date arena tour starts in Pittsburgh on September 12 and finishes in Los Angeles on November 15, hitting cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, and Seattle along the way. Church will be joined by…

Eric Church Announces 2025 Free The Machine North American Tour

On Wednesday (April 30), Eric Church announced the dates and details of his 2025 Free The Machine Tour of North America. The 22-date arena tour starts in Pittsburgh on September 12 and finishes in Los Angeles on November 15, hitting cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, and Seattle along the way. Church will be joined by…

Jessi Alexander Shares Her Journey From Fledgling Artist To Hit Country Songwriter

Prior to being honored during Variety’s Power of Women: Nashville event, Jessi Alexander spoke with the publication about her journey from fledgling artist to blockbuster country songwriter. Alexander broke gender stereotypes in the Music Row writers' rooms by penning chart-topping hits like Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Miranda Lambert’s “Things That Break,” Blake Shelton’s…

Jessi Alexander Shares Her Journey From Fledgling Artist To Hit Country Songwriter

Prior to being honored during Variety’s Power of Women: Nashville event, Jessi Alexander spoke with the publication about her journey from fledgling artist to blockbuster country songwriter. Alexander broke gender stereotypes in the Music Row writers’ rooms by penning chart-topping hits like Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Miranda Lambert’s “Things That Break,” Blake Shelton’s…

Minority Stake In Morgan Wallen’s Catalog Sold By Big Loud For $200 Million

Nashville-based label Big Loud, home to Morgan Wallen, has reportedly sold a minority stake in the country superstar’s master recordings to Chord Music Partners for over $200 million. The deal is for a minority holding in Wallen’s first three studio albums, which includes his blockbuster 2023 double album, One Thing at a Time. The deal…

Minority Stake In Morgan Wallen’s Catalog Sold By Big Loud For $200 Million

Nashville-based label Big Loud, home to Morgan Wallen, has reportedly sold a minority stake in the country superstar’s master recordings to Chord Music Partners for over $200 million. The deal is for a minority holding in Wallen’s first three studio albums, which includes his blockbuster 2023 double album, One Thing at a Time. The deal…

2025 ACM Awards Will Open With 12-Minute “Songs Of The Decades’ Medley, With Special Collaborations Planned During Ceremony

The 2025 ACM Awards will begin with a 12-minute music showcase honoring ACM Award-winning Songs of the Year over six decades. The segment will feature Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, and will likely include hit songs like “Tequila,” “Why Not Me,” “Blue,” and “Stay” in the medley.…

2025 ACM Awards Will Open With 12-Minute “Songs Of The Decades’ Medley, With Special Collaborations Planned During Ceremony

The 2025 ACM Awards will begin with a 12-minute music showcase honoring ACM Award-winning Songs of the Year over six decades. The segment will feature Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, and will likely include hit songs like “Tequila,” “Why Not Me,” “Blue,” and “Stay” in the medley.…

Chase McDaniel Shares Insight Into His Debut Radio Single, “Burned Down Heaven”

Chase McDaniel believes that listening to music in real-time can have a significant impact on listeners, rather than letting an algorithm choose what they hear. The new country artist recalls three life-changing moments he’s had while hearing songs on country radio, and McDaniel hopes his first radio single, "Burned Down Heaven," has a similar effect…

Chase McDaniel Shares Insight Into His Debut Radio Single, “Burned Down Heaven”

Chase McDaniel believes that listening to music in real-time can have a significant impact on listeners, rather than letting an algorithm choose what they hear. The new country artist recalls three life-changing moments he’s had while hearing songs on country radio, and McDaniel hopes his first radio single, “Burned Down Heaven,” has a similar effect…