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Alan Jackson 'Chickens' Out

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."

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33 Comments

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CNS

Interesting.

July 01 2009 at 10:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CNS

I like the Zac Brown Band version. Love Alan Jackson, but not sure it would have been the same.

July 01 2009 at 10:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
docchiro

Alan is the King of Country. He has been my favorite since I saw him in a little cowpoke bar in KY. when his Real World hit the radio. GJ told him to stay true to the roots of country and he has, and I love him for that. I have every Cd he has put out and will continue to listen, watch and adore Alan.

June 29 2009 at 9:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Becky Griffin

Alan made this song for me, we always had corn bread and chicken like a lot of southern's do, we love it..This song bring back great memories of my young life at home..you go Alen, nothing wrong with your song..Your one of the best..Becky in Georgia

June 27 2009 at 11:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kmiller2092002

how can anyone sit and think that alan jackson is singing "Sissy's Song" for the money!!! what an insult to him and to Sissy and her family! It's not like he said I will sing this song and make lots of money off of Sissy.

June 27 2009 at 11:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Millie

Alan Jackson is the best. He sings real country. You can under stand every word he sings. Some of the other performers try and swallow the mike. I think he is one of the best . Keep singing Alan.

June 27 2009 at 5:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ldyblue4u2

Why Alan Jackson records a song or what he does withe money it makes isn't necessarily any one elses business. I loves his songs especially "Sissy Song". It brings me solace after the recent death of my daughter,

June 27 2009 at 1:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
fayfaywilson0330

Love all your songs and keep them coming. Take good care of your health. I saw you in Okla.City.

June 27 2009 at 9:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dallas

I wish All country singers would chicken out and stop singing all together. COUNTRY MUSIC SUCKS. Who wants to sit around listening to a bunch of whinny inbred redknecks talk about driving ford trucks and being alcoholics, and a bunch of slutty women singing sings about how a man did her wrong. Only weak minded fools would listen to country music. what do you expect most ppl who listen to country think it's cool to wear belt buckles bigger than their IQ's

June 27 2009 at 12:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Dallas's comment
rkidd77

well..one thing...for ya ...if u dont like country music then u can kiss our country bumpkins...lmao...why are u here readin about country music if u dont like it...go away!!!

June 27 2009 at 2:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Laura

In response to vickie's comment. I heard on a CMT show the story behind "Sissy's Song." Actually, AJ wrote and recorded this song and gave it to her family for the funeral. He had no intentions of making it a hit until some people at his label talked him into putting it on his album. I can't imagine Alan Jackson, being as humble as he is, "trying" to make money on a situation such as this. The story is posted on this site as well as others.

June 27 2009 at 12:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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