Jason Aldean
Biography
Jason Aldine Williams, known professionally as Jason Aldean, was born on February 28, 1977, in Macon, Georgia. His parents divorced when he was three, and he was raised by his mother in Macon, spending summers with his father in Florida. His father taught him to play the guitar by writing out chords on notebook paper for him to practice. At age 14, inspired by the country music awards on television, Aldean decided he wanted to perform on stage. With his mother's encouragement, he began performing at local talent shows and events. To create a more unique stage name, he changed the spelling of his middle name, Aldine, to Aldean.
Career Beginnings
After high school, Aldean and his band toured clubs and festivals across the Southeast. In 1998, he was discovered by music producer Michael Knox at a showcase in Atlanta and subsequently signed a publishing deal with Warner-Chappell. This prompted his move to Nashville at the age of 21. However, his initial recording contract was dropped, and a subsequent deal also fell through. After several years of struggle and on the verge of returning to Georgia, Aldean was offered a contract with the independent label Broken Bow Records in 2005.
Rise to Stardom
Aldean's debut single, "Hicktown," released in 2005, climbed to number 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His self-titled debut album produced his first number-one hit, "Why." The album also featured the successful single "Amarillo Sky." In 2006, he won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) award for "Top New Male Vocalist." His 2009 album, Wide Open, included the number-one hits "She's Country" and "Big Green Tractor." A major breakthrough came with his 2010 album, My Kinda Party, which was certified quadruple-platinum. This album featured the hit single "Dirt Road Anthem," which incorporated elements of rap and became a crossover success. He has received five Grammy Award nominations throughout his career.
Musical Style
Jason Aldean's music is known for its blend of traditional country with rock and roll influences. He is also recognized for incorporating elements of hip-hop and R&B, a style sometimes referred to as "country rap." This fusion of genres has contributed to his broad appeal and has influenced a new generation of country artists.
Notable Albums and Success
Throughout his career, Jason Aldean has released eleven studio albums with numerous commercial successes. Many of his albums have achieved platinum or multi-platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His albums My Kinda Party (2010), Night Train (2012), Old Boots, New Dirt (2014), and They Don't Know (2016) all reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. His success continued with albums like Rearview Town (2018) and 9 (2019). In 2019, he was honored with the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award.
Personal Life
Aldean married his high school sweetheart, Jessica Ann Ussery, in 2001. They have two daughters, Keeley and Kendyl. The couple divorced in 2013. In 2015, Aldean married Brittany Kerr. They have a son, Memphis, and a daughter, Navy. Aldean is also a co-owner of the hunting company Buck Commander.