Jason Aldean’s Favorite Thing About Making Music: “It’s Allowed Me to Take Care of My Family”

Jason Aldean’s Favorite Thing About Making Music: “It’s Allowed Me to Take Care of My Family”

Posted on November 21, 2019

Jason Aldean may be one of the Top 10 earners in the country music industry, but the father of four is still trying to keep his kids grounded.

Jason sat down with the titular host of The Blair Garner Show to talk about his new album, 9 (Nov. 22), as well as a number of additional topics, including trying to maintain a balance of normalcy in his kids’ lives.

“Part of why I love what I do and I’m glad for the success that I’ve had is that I get to give [my kids] things that I never had,” says Jason. “But there’s also a fine line between doing that and giving them everything that they want. I try to be conscious of that. I want them to work and have jobs and know what it’s like to earn money. It’s not easy. That’s something I’m pretty conscious of.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

While Jason acknowledged he’s humbled by and appreciative of his recent accolades in the country music industry—including winning ACM Artist of the Decade and scoring his 23rd No. 1 single—the best part of his career is providing for his family: wife, Brittany, and kids, Keely, 16, Kendyl, 12, Memphis, 23 months, and Navy, 9 months.

“The best part of [my music career] is it’s allowed me to do something that I enjoy doing and take care of my family—to me, that’s the number one thing,” says Jason. “I love playing music, I love going out and playing my shows, it’s allowed me to make a living do something that I love to do and give my family a great life. That’s the best part.”

Since releasing his self-titled debut album in 2005, Jason has dropped new albums at a prolific rate—never waiting more than two calendar years between projects. Jason’s most recent album, 2018’s Rearview Town, spawned four No. 1 hits, including the title track, “You Make It Easy,” “Drowns the Whiskey” and “Girl Like You.” Jason will drop his ninth studio album, 9, on Nov. 22. The 16-song offering features a host of top songwriters, including Josh Thompson, Jordan Schmidt, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and more, as well as artist/songwriters Morgan Wallen, Tyler Hubbard and Brantley Gilbert.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Sam Hunt Arrested for DUI in Nashville

Sam Hunt Arrested for DUI in Nashville

Posted on November 21, 2019

Sam Hunt was arrested for driving under the influence and having an open container in Nashville on Nov. 21, according to a report from WKRN.com.

According to the arrest warrant, police were notified that a driver was traveling the wrong way on a Nashville road. Officers located the vehicle going the wrong way and pulled the car over. The driver, identified as Sam Hunt, had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. A field sobriety test was administered. Sam had a blood alcohol content of .173. The legal limit in Tennessee is below .08.

Sam was arrested and later released from jail around 9 a.m. on a $2,500 bond. His court date is Jan. 17, 2020.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Forbes’ List of the Highest Paid Country Stars of 2019 Includes Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban & More

Forbes’ List of the Highest Paid Country Stars of 2019 Includes Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban & More

Posted on November 21, 2019

Forbes released its list of the 20 Highest-Paid Country Stars of the year—and some recognizable names are once again in the mix.

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2019

  1. Luke Bryan, $42.5 million
  2. Zac Brown Band, $38.5 million
  3. Keith Urban, $35 million
  4. Blake Shelton, $32 million
  5. Kenny Chesney, $31 million

Although Luke Bryan earned almost $10 million less than last year, his $42.5 million was good enough for this year’s top spot. Luke earned the majority of his income via his headlining tour as well as his role as a judge on American Idol. Keith Urban moved into the Top 5 this year after being absent from the Top 10 last year, while ZBB, Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney are once again in familiar territory in this year’s Top 5.

To formulate the list, Forbes looked at touring numbers from Pollstar, Bandsintown and Songkick, as well as record sales data from Nielsen, while performing independent research on outside business ventures and endorsement deals.

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2018

  1. Luke Bryan, $52 million
  2. Garth Brooks, $45.5 million
  3. Kenny Chesney, $37 million
  4. Zac Brown Band, $31 million
  5. Blake Shelton, $28 million

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2017

  • No. 1: Garth Brooks, $60 million
  • No. 2: Kenny Chesney, $42.5 million
  • No. 3: Luke Bryan, $42 million
  • No. 4: Dolly Parton, $37 million
  • No. 5: Toby Keith, $34.5 million
  • No. 5: Florida Georgia Line, $34.5 million

photos: Keith Urban by Curtis Hilbun; Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Alabama’s Randy Owen Receives CMA Humanitarian Award During Surprise Presentation

Alabama’s Randy Owen Receives CMA Humanitarian Award During Surprise Presentation

Posted on November 21, 2019

Alabama frontman Randy Owen was presented with the CMA Foundation’s Humanitarian Award in surprising fashion.

Under the guise of presenting radio vet Lon Helton with an industry honor, Randy and wife Kelly attended a reception at Nashville’s Analog at Hutton Hotel on Nov. 19. As the event unfolded, Lon took the stage to present Randy with the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism and advocacy.

“I’m truly surprised and grateful for this award,” says Randy. “Hopefully, this will inspire other artists to follow their hearts to help the down and out, the helpless and especially sick children and families in need. I am so grateful to my longtime friend Lon Helton for presenting me with this award.”

Randy’s philanthropic efforts include starting Country Cares, which has raised more than $875 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since its inception in 1989. Randy is also involved in a variety of additional philanthropic endeavors, including tornado and hurricane relief efforts.

After postponing more than 25 shows on their 50th Anniversary Tour in 2019 as Randy dealt with vertigo and migraines, Alabama is planning to announce rescheduled shows for 2020 in the coming weeks. Two shows in Nashville have already been announced.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

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