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Jason Aldean Today: Controversy Over New Song
Jason Aldean’s latest single, “Try That in a Small Town,” has sparked significant controversy, drawing criticism from both listeners and media outlets. Released in May, the song features lyrics that imply violence against outsiders who disrespect the “good ol’ boys” of a small community. The music video, which debuted on July 14, 2023, was filmed at a courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee—historically significant as the site of a lynching in 1927. In response to the backlash, CMT decided to cease broadcasting the video.
Who Is Jason Aldean?
Country music superstar Jason Aldean began his career in relative obscurity before achieving breakout success with his self-titled album in 2005. Over the years, he has solidified his status as one of the genre’s leading artists, thanks to acclaimed albums such as Wide Open and My Kinda Party. After a decade of chart-topping hits, Aldean received his first Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Award in 2016, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Childhood and Early Career
Jason Aldean, born Jason Aldine Williams on February 28, 1977, in Macon, Georgia, experienced a formative upbringing shaped by his parents’ divorce when he was just three years old. Raised primarily by his mother, Debbie, he spent summers with his father, Barry, in Florida.
From an early age, Aldean demonstrated a passion for music, making his first public performance as a singer at the age of 14. He was also an accomplished baseball player at Windsor Academy, attracting attention from college teams. However, Aldean chose to pursue a music career instead of accepting an athletic scholarship after high school. With his father serving as his booking agent, he began securing gigs in bars and small venues across the Southeastern United States.
In 1998, Aldean moved to Nashville after signing with Warner-Chappell Publishing, but his career initially stalled. A subsequent contract with Capitol Records Nashville did not yield an album, leading Aldean to reconsider his path.
Albums and Songs
Aldean’s breakthrough came in 2003 when talent scout Lawrence Mathis connected him with the independent label Broken Bow. His self-titled debut album featured the single “Hicktown,” which reached the Billboard country Top 10 in 2005. The follow-up single, “Why,” achieved the No. 1 position, establishing Aldean as a rising star.
Relentless and Wide Open
His second album, Relentless (2007), met mixed expectations despite the success of its lead single, “Johnny Cash.” However, Aldean’s third album, Wide Open (2009), garnered critical acclaim and featured hit tracks like “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” and “The Truth,” all of which reached
My Kinda Party
Aldean’s fourth studio album, My Kinda Party (2010), marked a significant milestone in his career. With chart-topping singles such as “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Fly Over States,” and the innovative country-rap track “Dirt Road Anthem,” the album achieved multiplatinum status.
Night Train and Old Boots, New Dirt
Upon its release in 2012, Night Train became Aldean’s third album to debut at No. 1. This was followed by Old Boots, New Dirt in 2014, which remained on the charts well into 2015, driven by successful singles like “Burnin’ It Down” and “Drowns the Whiskey,” a collaboration with Miranda Lambert. Aldean’s success culminated in recognition as the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year in 2016.
They Don’t Know and Rearview Town
In 2016, Aldean released They Don’t Know, which produced three No. 1 singles and topped the Billboard 200. His subsequent album, Rearview Town (2018), included hits such as the title track and “Drowns the Whiskey.”
9
Although Aldean’s consecutive ACM Entertainer of the Year awards ended in 2019, he was honored as the ACM’s Dick Clark Artist of the Decade that same year. His single “We Back” preceded the release of his ninth studio album, aptly titled 9.
Macon, Georgia
Aldean’s tenth studio album, Macon, Georgia, was released as a double album in two parts: the first, Macon, on November 12, 2021, and the second, Georgia, on April 22, 2022. The lead single, “If I Didn’t Love You,” featuring Carrie Underwood, was released on September 27, 2021, and both albums debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200.
Upcoming New Album and Song Controversy
Aldean is currently working on his eleventh studio album, the title of which has yet to be announced. The album’s first single, “Try That in a Small Town,” released in May 2023, has generated significant controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the lyrics and music video, which some perceive as promoting racist and violent sentiments. The music video, filmed at a courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, known for a historical lynching in 1927, prompted CMT to halt its broadcast shortly after release due to public backlash.
Route 91 Harvest Shooting
On October 1, 2017, country music artist Jason Aldean experienced a harrowing moment as he performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. While on stage, with his pregnant wife backstage, a gunman opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, targeting the audience. Fortunately, Aldean and his wife escaped unharmed, but the attack resulted in nearly 60 fatalities and over 500 injuries.
In the aftermath, Aldean issued a statement announcing the temporary postponement of his tour, expressing, “I feel like out of respect for the victims, their families, and our fans, it is the right thing to do.” Additionally, he took to Twitter to share his emotional response: “Something has changed in this country and in this world lately that is scary to see. This world is becoming the kind of place that I am scared to raise my children in. We are all humans and we are all Americans, and it’s time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE!”
Personal Life
Jason Aldean met his first wife, Jessica Ussery, in high school. They married in August 2001 and welcomed two daughters, Keeley (born in 2003) and Kendyl (born in 2007), before Aldean filed for divorce in April 2013.
In March 2015, Aldean married his second wife, Brittany Kerr, a former American Idol contestant and professional football cheerleader. The couple welcomed their son, Memphis, in December 2017, and announced the arrival of their daughter, Navy, born in February 2019.