Jason Aldean Reflects on Big & Rich’s Role in Jumpstarting His Career 20 Years Ago
Country music superstar Jason Aldean recently took a moment to reflect on his journey in the music industry, particularly highlighting the pivotal role that Big & Rich played in jumpstarting his career two decades ago. As Aldean prepares for the release of his latest double album, “Macon, Georgia,” he reminisces about the early days of his career and the significant milestones that have shaped his path.
Aldean, who has become a household name in country music, is relaxed and content as he sips his morning coffee in a Music Row business office. With ten studio albums under his belt and numerous accolades, including the 2019 Academy of Country Music Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award, Aldean has every reason to feel at ease. His latest single, “If I Didn’t Love You,” a duet with Carrie Underwood, has topped the country radio charts and earned him his highest Billboard Hot 100 placement in a decade.
Reflecting on his early days in Nashville, Aldean recalls the challenges he faced while trying to balance his career as a Pepsi truck driver and his aspirations of becoming a country music artist. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Big & Rich, the dynamic duo known for their unique blend of country and rock. Their influence and support played a crucial role in helping Aldean navigate the competitive music scene in Nashville.
“I was a new artist trying to make my little mark in Nashville after moving here in November of 1998,” Aldean said. “Changing the genre’s sound a little bit while doing that was kinda cool.” He credits Big & Rich for their mentorship and for giving him the confidence to pursue his dreams. Their encouragement and belief in his talent were instrumental in helping him secure his first record deal and launch his career.
Aldean’s debut album, released in 2005, featured the hit singles “Hicktown” and “Amarillo Sky,” which quickly gained traction on country radio. However, it was his sophomore album, “Relentless,” that truly solidified his place in the industry. Despite initial nerves about avoiding the dreaded “sophomore slump,” Aldean’s unique sound and authentic storytelling resonated with fans, propelling him to new heights.
One of the defining moments in Aldean’s career came with the release of his 2009 album, “Wide Open.” The album featured the chart-topping single “Big Green Tractor,” which became a massive hit and further established Aldean as a force to be reckoned with in country music. Reflecting on the success of the song, Aldean admits that he never anticipated its impact. “I never know which songs are gonna be hits, and there’s an example of a song that went from me thinking not too much about it being my longest number one hit,” he said.
As Aldean’s career continued to soar, he remained focused on staying true to his artistic vision. He learned to trust his instincts and not let external opinions cloud his creative process. “I learned years ago not to let a lot of people hear these songs because everyone is going to have an opinion, and I lose a lot of who I am and what I like because I’m over-thinking the process,” Aldean explained.
With the release of “Macon, Georgia,” Aldean is entering a new era of his career. The double album features 20 new songs and ten re-released live versions of fan-favorite tracks. Among the new songs is “Your Mama,” a deeply personal tribute to his mother, who raised him as a single parent. Aldean considers it the most personal song he has ever recorded, a testament to the profound impact his mother has had on his life.
Collaborations have also played a significant role in Aldean’s career, and his duet with Carrie Underwood on “If I Didn’t Love You” is a standout moment. Aldean recalls the excitement he felt when Underwood began warming up in the studio. “I’ve had collaborations not work well before, but when Carrie was warming up — she hadn’t even cut her vocal yet — my producer, Michael [Knox] and I said, ‘Oh. My. God,'” Aldean said. The song went on to win Single of The Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, further cementing Aldean’s reputation as a hitmaker.
Aldean’s ability to connect with his audience through heartfelt ballads and relatable lyrics has been a cornerstone of his success. He draws inspiration from the timeless themes of love and heartbreak, a strategy that has served him well throughout his career. “I once heard Lionel Richie say that two things never go out of style: love songs and breakup songs — people are always going through one or the other,” Aldean noted.
Looking back on his journey, Aldean is proud of the impact he has had on the country music genre. He acknowledges the influence of artists like Sam Hunt and Morgan Wallen, who have carried forward his style and sound. Aldean is particularly impressed with Wallen’s lyrical delivery and the success of his collaboration with rapper Lil Durk on “Broadway Girls,” which name-checks Aldean’s Broadway bar in the opening line.
“In the past five years, I’ve finally been able to take the time to accept that I’ve accomplished far more in my career than I ever thought I would,” Aldean candidly stated. “Never in a trillion years did I expect this. I just wanted to make a decent living, have a nice house, keep the lights turned on and pay off my bills.”
As Aldean continues to evolve as an artist, he remains grateful for the support and guidance he received from Big & Rich in the early days of his career. Their belief in his talent and their willingness to take a chance on him set the stage for his remarkable journey in country music. With “Macon, Georgia,” Aldean is poised to continue making his mark on the industry, staying true to his roots while embracing new opportunities and challenges.
Source: USA Today, Billboard, CMT
