Jason Aldean and Friends Celebrate Platinum Success of 'Wide Open'
"There's no doubt that 2009 has been a breakout year for Jason," Broken Bow Records owner and CEO Benny Brown assured the crowd gathered Tuesday (Jan. 19) at Nashville's ritzy Sambuca restaurant to celebrate the platinum-selling success of Jason Aldean's current album, Wide Open.
Aldean's songs spent a total of six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard country charts in 2009, reported Broken Bow senior vice president of promotion Carson James. In addition, Billboard proclaimed the lanky singer its top independent artist of the year in all genres.
Demonstrating Aldean's growing sales appeal was the fact that it took only eight months for Wide Open to reach platinum status (meaning 1 million copies shipped to retailers), while it required a 20-month climb for his first album, Jason Aldean, to hit that mark.
Two singles from Wide Open -- "She's Country" and "Big Green Tractor" -- have also been certified platinum.
Broken Bow spared neither bell nor whistle in lauding Aldean's achievements. Topping the lavish buffet layout -- which stretched the length of Sambuca's long bar -- was a large ice sculpture engraved with the guest of honor's name and logo.
Television screens throughout the room played a loop of congratulatory messages to Aldean from other artists, including Kix Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown, Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith.
Remarking on the many people involved in Aldean's recent success, Broken Bow executive vice president Jim Yerger, said, "It takes a village, and I just want to say we have a damn fine village right now."
Brown presented the first of several awards handed out to Aldean's wife, Jessica, calling her "a stand by your man woman." Also receiving plaques were Michael Knox, Aldean's producer (and the man who brought him to Nashville 12 years ago), the members of Aldean's road band, his booking agent, publicist, distributor, record manufacturer and album designer.
"I've waited since I was 14 years old," the elated Aldean said, "to have a year like we had last year."
