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Artists in Nashville have classic stories of passing on a song that went on to become a hit for someone else. Alan Jackson has the most recent tale, as he regretfully admits turning down the opportunity to record the Zac Brown Band's song, 'Chicken Fried.'Alan remembers that his producer, Keith Stegall, played him 'Chicken Fried' before Zac and his bandmates had a record deal. "I liked the song," Alan says, "But I told him, 'Man, I just had a song about cornbread and chicken, and I had a song about bologna. Every album I've got has these songs about food, so I just don't think I want to do one about chicken fried right now.' In retrospect I should have done it."
Zac admits he would have been thrilled if Alan had recorded the song. "He's a legend," Zac says of Alan. "He's welcome to any song I have."
The admiration is mutual. Fans might be a bit surprised to hear that Alan, who is considered by many to carry the torch for traditional country music, is a big fan of the somewhat non-traditional Zac Brown Band.
"I love those guys, they're the real deal," Alan says of the 'Chicken Fried' band. "They're players and writers and musicians. I'm glad that song worked good for them and became their first hit."
Reader Comments(1 of 3)
brandylanciat 6-26-2009
Alan Jackson did have a song with cornbread and chicken.....Where I come from is the song.
Pamela1961at 6-26-2009
Don't worry Alan, we like your music like it is. You have a lifetime of hits that make you an icon. Sissy's Song is going to be bigger than chicken fried.
Vickiat 6-26-2009
I agree, I think Alan is one of the greatest country singers ever, but I do love the Zack Brown Band, they are the real thing too! I just think it's awful to make money off of someone's death like he's doing with Sissy's Song, unless the proceeds are going towards Sissy's family or something else in her memory.
maple1220at 6-27-2009
Alan Jackson has admitted that he never intended the song to be mainstream in the first place, it was supposed to be a special song dedicated to the woman that died. Sissy's Song was not played mainstream to profit off the woman's death.
Ritaat 6-27-2009
Sissy's Song is a hit because so many people have lost someone special and this song points to the hope we all have of seeing them again. The music touches so many people and I am sure the family it was written for are happy to know that someone else finds solace each time the song is played.
steveat 6-26-2009
if you look up the definition of "country music" in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of alan jackson. nuff said.
jbjg24mat 6-26-2009
AJ COULD SING THE DAMN ALPHABET AND IT WOULD BE A #1 SELLER ! LOVE HIS SONGS !
hmm0607at 6-26-2009
Are there any songs Alan has done that are not great? No, not a single flop in my opinion. And I absolutely loved Precious Memories, wish he would do another gospel album. I'd wake up during the night with those songs going through my head. Those songs will never get old, never go out of style. Alan, more.....please!!
gwill65074at 6-26-2009
He's the best, because he's one of the hardest working, most honest writer's and singer's the world of Country Music has EVER known. Aren't we proud to have him associated with the music world!!! Thanks, AJ, for making millions of people smile ANYTIME we throw in one of your CD's!!! :), and LOTS of X'S and O'S.
Arleneat 6-26-2009
I agree 100% with hmm0607. I bought Precious Memories...the first CD I had bought in ages. Heard one of the songs on a Sunday morning radio show and knew I had to have the CD. Love it!
Tinkerbellat 6-26-2009
Alan! Party like a COUNTRY ROCK STAR! CHICKEN FRIED AND COLD BEER ON A FRIDAY NITE LIKE TODAY AND THE RADIO UUPPP!!! =)
Lois Anneat 6-26-2009
Alan Jackson has MANY great hits and if he misses out on one song he'll make up for it in the next go-round. HE'S THE GREATEST...........!!!!!!!
howellmggh43at 6-26-2009
Alan, you are great! So many hits one after the other. Such a down to earth person. Attended all your concerts in my hometown over the years!
squeak1981at 6-26-2009
you know i would kick my husband out of the house for a week just to have one hour of listening to that georgious voice of his he has a way that sooths a person straight threw the body to the soul... keep bringing them great melodies and as for zac brown... damn i just love that song blare it when me and my hubby are cooking in the kitchen together
rkidd77at 6-27-2009
love me some alan jackson...he is the GREATEST...and zac brown...well...i love the song he sings ...WHATEVER IT IS...oh my freaking goodness...it is beautifulll....that song is right up there with alan jackson's like red on a rose...so soothing...love love love him....and sissy's song omg...my kids principal passed away at 53 and this was the song they played...WOW!!