Alan Jackson: 50 Million & Counting

Alan Jackson photo courtesy of SonyBMG Nashville.

Aug. 14, 2008 — "I never thought we’d sell 10 million — or 1 million — when we started, so I’m happy."

That was Alan Jackson’s quote years ago when he first reached eight digits in album sales, but he’s gone way past that number by now. His label, Arista Records, threw a party for him Wednesday on the Vanderbilt University campus in Nashville to mark the sale of 50 million albums, which puts him in "rarified air," as label executive Joe Galante put it. Alan is, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, just the fourth country artist to sell that many units, outstripped only by Garth Brooks (128 million), George Strait (67.5 million) and Kenny Rogers (51 million). Elvis Presley and the Eagles have each hit 100 million, though neither act is strictly considered country.

"I’m overwhelmed by the longevity of it all," Alan said.

Dripping ice sculptures encased the album jackets from each of the 17 projects Alan’s released, and the menu for the occasion included blue "Good Time" tinis, an obvious nod to his recent No. 1 hit; baloney sandwiches, honoring the Good Time album cut "I Still Like Bologna"; and grits — just ‘cause Alan’s from Georgia.

The guest list was impressive, too, including fellow Grand Ole Opry members Trace Adkins, Jack Greene, Jimmy C. Newman and Mel Tillis. Tim DuBois, who signed Alan to his first recording contract, was on hand, as were TV personalities Charlie Chase and Harry Chapman (who appears in Alan’s "Good Time" video), plus a bundle of songwriters such as Tim Nichols ("That’d Be Alright"), Charlie Craig ("Wanted") and Bob McDill ("Gone Country"). The party was also attended by Alan's producer, Keith Stegall; former Barbara Mandrell producer Tom Collins; numerous members of Alan’s road band, the Strayhorns; and studio musicians who’ve played on his albums.

"I owe a lot of [this success] to them," Alan said. "Nobody’s ever paid me to play guitar."

Symbolic of both his roots at home and his desire to move forward in his career, Alan also made a point of thanking his wife, Denise, and his three daughters for their support.

"They love me," he said, "whether I’ve sold 51 million albums or zero."