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r e a l w o r l d n e w sthe official newsletter of the Alan Jackson Platinum Fan Club

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spring ‘11

s P r I n G 2 0 1 1I s s u e 8 5

Alan Jackson Fan Club

P.O. Box 121945

Nashville, TN 37212-1945

(615) 321-5219 office

(615) 321-5221 merchandise

(615) 321-2112 fax

ajfc@alanjackson.com e-mail

www.alanjackson.com

Real World News

is the official publication of the

Alan Jackson Fan Club.

Newsletters are mailed out in

February, may, August and

November.

Platinum Fan Club Membership includes:

Real World News Newsletter

merchandise Discounts

Alan’s Biography and Fact Sheet

8x10 exclusive Color Photo

Official membership Card

Preferred Concert Seating

(subject to availability)

annual dues:$20 USA

$25 Canada$30 International

Please check your address label

for your expiration date. We do

not send out renewal reminders.

You will have a three month grace

period in which to renew your

membership.

When writing to Alan

or theFan Club,

please remember to include a

Self-Address Stamped envelope

(SASe) for a quick response.

Cindy Hartpresident

Abby Busickadministrative assistant

We reserve the rightto refuse or deny

privileges to anyoneat our sole discretion.

©2011 Alan Jackson materials may not be reproduced without

written permission.

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topnews

Alan will join his friends, Zac Brown Band, during their set to give fans a special performance of their hit collaboration “As She’s Walking Away.” Alan and ZBB will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field on Thursday, June 9. CmA music Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, in downtown Nashville. The event, which celebrates its 40th birthday since beginning as Fan Fair® in 1972, will once again be filmed for an ABC television special to air in late summer. Four-day tickets, which include all four Nightly Concerts at LP Field and daily access to the Fan Fair® exhibit Hall, can be purchased through Ticketmaster at Ticketmaster.com or 1-(800)-745-3000. They can also purchase them through CmAfest.com or 1-(800)-CmA-FeST (262-3378). Ticket prices are based on the level of seating at LP Field for the Nightly Concerts, and range from $115 to $325 plus handling fees.Single night tickets to the individual Nightly Concerts can be purchased for $35 (plus applicable handling fees) for general admission in the upper deck of LP Field through the same websites and phone numbers.

alan jacksonto make guest appearance at

Also, the Fan Club staff will be at the

Fan Fair exhibit Hall! Come by to

say HI and see the new booth!

Class With A Capitol “C”: Capitol Records Nashville staff and artists celebrated the evening together immediately following Sunday night’s ACM Awards that saw Lady A win two awards. Standing (l-r): Phillip Sweet, Charles Kelley, Eric Church, Jimi Westbrook, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson (ACM Winner - Vocal Event of the Year), Pres./CEO Mike Dungan, Eric Paslay, Troy Olsen, Dave Haywood, Luke Bryan, SVP/Promotion, Steve Hodges and COO Tom Becci. Seated (l-r): Jennette McCurdy, Karen Fairchild, Hillary Scott, Kimberly Schlapman, Darius Rucker, Walker Hayes and SVP/Marketing, Cindy Mabe

ALAN JACkSON AND CAPITOL ReCORDS NASHvILLe PReSIDeNT AND CeO, mIke DUNgAN, are joining forces for the next chapter in Jackson’s prolific music career. Jackson’s new music will be released as a joint venture between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and Capitol/emI Records Nashville. Jackson—who is heading into the recording studio soon—will be released and marketed through Capitol’s emI Records Nashville label. “mike Dungan and I go way back. He was right there during my early days at Arista, and it’s going to be great to work with him and his team there at Capitol,” Jackson says. “I’m happy to be joining the hottest label in Nashville.” “everyone here at Capitol/emI is beyond thrilled to represent Alan Jackson,” responds Dungan. “A true American original, a future Hall of Famer, and an artist whose work to date is not only commercially successful, but is of historical cultural significance. We are honored, and we are jacked!”

alan jacksonfinds newlabel homeat Capitol’sEMI Records/Nashville

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scrapbookaj’s australianphotos by Scott Scovill

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snapshots

1 Cate Olsen and her friend Nicole having a gOOD TIme at the Brisbane show!

2 mick & Leia from Australia enjoyed the concert in Sydney. They travelled 7 hours to attend the show. Leia was determind to go no matter what, even though it was her due date. Her water broke as the concert was ending, and delivered a healthy baby girl 2 hours later. Welcome NewestLittle Bitty Alan Jackson Fan—Olivia Joyce!

3 Piper Bevan went to sunny California for the Rose Bowl this past January. She said, “The main thing I wanted to do (actually even more than going to the parade and game on New Year’s Day) was to see Alan’s star in Hollywood.”

4 Theresa White from submitted these two photos from the first Brisbane show!

T H A N K S F O R A L L T H E g R E A T P H O T O g R A P H S ! Remember, anytime we use one of your photos in a newsletter, we will send you a $10 gift certificate toward official AJ merchandise. If you’d like your photo returned, please include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope.

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Alan Jackson performed at the local “Coming Home Concert” at the Rogersville middle School in Rogersville, Tennessee to a sell-

out crowd on in April. The event was organized by veteran country music radio and Tv personality Charlie Chase—a Rogersville native—to benefit the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life of Hawkins County.” Tickets for the event sold out immediately after going on sale a few weeks ago—people jumped at the chance to see Jackson perform in an intimate setting while also raising money for the cause. Those people were treated to a performance of Jackson’s biggest hits in the unique setting of the small town’s middle School gymnasium facility. “The show was a tremendous success for the Hawkins County Relay For Life and Rogersville is so appreciative,” Chase said after the event. “Relay for Life” is an initiative of the American Cancer Society that raises funds and involves communities in the fight against cancer. more than 4-million events are held annually in more than 5,000 communities throughout the U.S.

alan jackson headlines local benefit

Event Supports American Cancer Society’sRelay for Life of Hawkins County

Photo by: Mark DeWitte (l-r) William Royal, Rogersville Middle School Principal; Jackson; Charlie Chase, country music radio and TV personality

Photo by: Mark DeWitte.

RogersvilleMiddle School

classroom window

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congratulationsto Alan and Zac Brown Band for winning a gRAmmY for Best Country Collaboration with vocals and an ACm for vocal event of the Year for their chart-topping collaboration, “As She’s Walking Away.” Pictured here, backstage at the ACms, are Alan, ZBB and their producer keith Stegall, along with gAC Host, Storme Warren. For Alan, this is his 17th ACm Award and second grammy win.

meet & greetwinnersSara Gascon

Jeanine BolgerClaudette RoyDebbie DigbySharon Avery

Nakita LeCointreCharlene Ford

Shelbi JonathanTanya Hyatt

Hilary ProwseKathy VanDeBerghe

Nancy NadaeuJenny Broadbent

Shirley Whitehouse

Elaine MeierTravis HoltJudy Green

Emily JacksonSarah McHargShane Meehan

Dianne DavisKylie MarriottLeonie Brown

Stuart PerryTammy HickeyMarlene Rogan

Christine MarshJo Tolhopf

Rosemary KnightMelodie SuhrPat DavidsonPeggy Lumley

Danielle WillekeMarianne Hoff

Audrey GartnerLynn Sandmaier

Lisa LaFranceDarlene Clark

Veronica BurtonAllison Boyechko

Mariah GuayGail Wells

autographed itemwinners

front rowwinners

Susan Garrett, AlabamaBarbara Smith, Indiana

Dan Willmann, AustraliaTate Walker, Texas

Mary Ries, kentucky

Marie Starkey, missouriDoris Averill, virginia

Ellie Mae Stratton, IowaShelia Sheldon, Texas

Vickie Easler, maine

Amanda EadyHilary MorrisonHeidi McIlmoyleBarry MacIntyre

Adam LakeKayla PihlainenJasmine Baron

Tania Ahmet

Rex ChapmanKerri Crain

Hayley DanielsWendy Hoffman

Danille DunnMitchell Watts

Amanda McKenzieRick Grima

Chad SlettenGerrie-Mae Zillman

Helen KenyonJulia Harrington

Joanne TallyTammy Gulling

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After six sell-out concerts in four venues across three states, country music legend Alan Jack-son’s first Australian tour has come to an end. The “legend” in this case is well deserved.

Jackson has had 34 number one selling singles and sold more than 50 million albums, but his Austra-lian fans have had to wait more than 20 years for him to come Down Under.

Was it worth the wait? most definitely.

This was a tour which gave the fans a chance to hear Jackson singing those number one hits live and on stage. Fans were on their feet even before the first moment he walked on stage and were

ready to sing along within seconds of the opening bars of each song. These were not music fans or country music lovers checking Jackson out on the off-chance it might be a good night. They were the hard-core Jackson followers, singing along with every lyric, and lapping up his every word between songs.

“It’s a beautiful country,” he told the audience, “and everyone’s been so nice to us down here and I’m glad to finally get the chance to come and play y’all some country music.

“We’re just gonna play you a bunch of ol’ songs about life and love, some fun songs, some drinking songs, some heartache songs, some good ol’ sad songs, everything that makes up country music to

me.”

And that’s what he did.

The fans danced and sang along to “Little Bitty,” “Chattahoochee” and “Summertime Blues,” with some of the biggest cheers for what appears to be their favourite drinking song, It’s Five O’Clock

Somewhere.He reminded us of the importance of family with Remember When, Small Town Southern man and Drive, dedicated to his late father for taking the time to give him experiences at the wheel that will never be forgotten. And I felt especially privileged to hear him sing, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” his song about the 9/11 terrorist attack on the US. As he says in that song he is just a “singer of simple songs”, but it is the simplicity of them that gives an added depth.

The concert was simple too.

Jackson did not need to be lowered from the ceiling and be surrounded by writhing dancers. There were not thousands of flashing lights and smoke machines. The only “high-tech” addition

was videos on the big screen behind him with shots of the family and other scenes which helped il-lustrate his songs. His last song before the encore, “Where I Come From” was backed on the big screen not by shots of his home town in georgia, but by pictures of Brisbane, with the biggest cheer for the statue of Wally Lewis outside Suncorp Stadium.

Jackson also shared a few insights into his life, explaining how his first song bombed on the charts and he was thinking about going out and getting a job. Then he explained how his second song,

“Here in the Real World” took off and, with a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye, he told us, “I haven’t worked since.”

Jackson did not have to work hard on Saturday night at the Brisbane entertainment Centre, but he entertained well and we hope it won’t be another two decades before he is Down Under again.

As one fan said at the end of the concert, “That was awesome.” Yes, it was.

In march, Alan was honored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by being inducted into its Star Trail of Fame for playing to over one million fans at the Show.

Jackson’s performance in march was his 19th since 1992 on the RodeoHouston stage and his one millionth fan was in the audience. “Alan is obviously a favorite of our fans,” said Skip Wagner, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president. “We’re excited to honor him for a bringing so many people to the Show over the years.” Jackson joined an exclusive list of entertainers who have played to a million-plus RodeoHouston fans, including Brooks & Dunn, Reba mcentire, Charley Pride and george Strait. Located on the second floor of Reliant Center, just outside the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s offices, the Star Trail of Fame also pays tribute to gene Autry, elvis Presley, and Roy Rogers. Jackson was also presented an honorary belt buckle to add to his collection of 18 from his previous years’ performances.

the ‘‘singer ofsimple songs’’ wows BrisbaneChris Hutton, Australian Associated Press

houston livestockshow and rodeo’s

star trail of fame

Photos courtesy of The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

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fanreview

Alan Jackson was finally playing in melbourne, his first Australian concert! I have been a fan for more than 20 years, it felt like a dream that the great southern man was here to showcase his amazing voice, to sing about love, broken hearts, drinking and all things good and sad. Here was this very tall man standing with his guitar in front of over 13,000 fans ready to have a gOOD TIme, the fans were on their feet right from the word go. my Dream just became a reality... We were lucky enough to score 4th row seats through AJ fan club sale, dead centre in front of him, surrounded by wonderful fans with the same dream. Alan came on to the stage and this massive roar from the fans was just amazing, singing “She ‘s gone Country.” You could see it in Alan’s eyes and smile. He was just blown away by the reception the fans were giving him. His great southern, but softly spoken, voice greeted all the fans with a “Hi Ya’ll.” He thanked us all for coming out to his first Australian tour. One voice in the crowd yelled, “It’s 5’oclock,” a classic great song of Alan’s. He acknowledged the fans with a laugh and with a, “YeS IT IS.” He played hit after hit. After about 4 or 5 songs, my wife saw the opportunity for me to move to the front of the stage. We had spoken to the fans in front of us prior to the show and asked, if the chance came for us to move to the front of the stage, would they mind. They were all willing for us to get close to Alan. So I jumped seats and headed to the front of the stage. What a view I had! I was surrounded by so many fans

and standing in front of Alan Jackson—a Country music legend and a music super star in my eyes! Reading the fan forum, I read that Alan signs autographs during his shows. So I was determined to get my snake skin boot signed. I had been lucky enough to have another favourite country music artist, gary Alan, sign my boot a few years ago when he last toured Australia, so once I got close to the stage I took my boot off and sat in on the stage and waited for Alan to come over to sign it. With a camera in one hand and the black

B R E N DA NHere In Our Real World TourMelbourne, Australia 2011

Remember to send your concert reviews into the Fan Club for a chance to win tickets to the next AJ show in your area. See your membership packet for complete details.

marker in the other, I was ready. After singing some of his greatest hits, he headed over my way, my wife took the camera so she could capture that lucky photo of Alan signing my boot. He was so close to me it was unbelievable. He had just signed a t-shirt for a fan when I picked up my boot and handed it to him.

gOT IT....Yee HAW! The feeling was amazing. It’s hard to describe. my wife capture the moment all on camera. He sang so many hit songs. Hearing Alan talk about what some of the songs meant to him and where they came from was so entertaining and such a pleasure to understand the journey he has been on throughout his life and how he expresses that through his music. One of the great parts of the show was when he sang, “Where I Come From.” Alan’s team had put together a montage of

videos of different parts of melbourne, which I thought was fantastic. Another great moment was when he sang, “Drive”— dedicating it to his late father. He looked so proud singing that song. Alan knew we were there to have a good time, and he let the fans know it. His stage presence was just flawless. He worked it, sang it, but most of all he OWNeD IT! During the show I was lucky to catch a guitar pick—one of many Alan threw to the fans throughout the show. I wasn’t letting that one go. Now with the boot signed and a guitar pick, I was one happy man.THAT BOOT WILL NeveR Be WORN AgAIN. The whole concert was the best I had ever experienced, I knew I had to do it all again. One show just wasn’t enough. Alan was playing three shows in Brisbane, north of our country, so my wife and I looked for flights and concert tickets. Next thing I was off to Brisbane on Saturday night for another brilliant show. During the day I was able to buy a hat, hoping to get it signed by Alan again. I managed to score 2nd row seats for this show, with another opportunity to get up close. And get close I did, but on the other side to which I was at for melbourne. Once again I was just blown away that I was seeing this great southern man twice in the same week. After 20 years of hoping and praying for him to come to Australia, I had been lucky enough to see him again. With no camera in hand, I was able to take it all in and hear all those hits again. During the last song, his version of “great Balls Of Fire,” I had my hat and marker waiting. His version was just awesome. At the end of the song he came over and took the hat and signed it—Yee Haw! And much to my surprise he dropped a guitar pick just in front of me. I was absolutely stoked. The great Southern man left the building. Until next time! I was on such a high, in fact I still am. I feel really blessed to be able be a part of his Australian tour. I had spent a long time waiting, but it so worth it. From reports I read, Alan loved his time down under in Australia, but most of all, Australia loves him. Let’s hope Alan returns to Australia sooner than later. He puts the country back in to country music. Alan Jackson, thank you for sharing your music! It has been part of my life for so many years. Next time Alan is here, I have promised to share this amazing experience with my two daughters—aged 8 and 4—as they are huge fans as well. Thank you for coming into my ReAL WORLD.. Cheers, Brendan (CRIkYHD) melbourne , Australia. Yee HAW... That’s Right!!!

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heyy’alla note from the fan club

tourscheduleDATE CiTY, STATE / VENuE TiCKET iNFO

june 6/17 Chattanooga, TN / Riverbend Festival

6/23 Loveland, CO / Budweiser events Center

6/24 Rio Rancho, Nm / Santa Ana Star Center

6/25 grand Junction, CO / Country Jam

july 7/21 Toronto, Ont Canada / Rexall Centre

7/29 gilford, NH / meadowbrook – US Cellular Pavillion

7/30 Harrington, De / Delaware State Fair

august8/10 eskilstuna, Sweden / vilsta

8/12 Skien, Norway / Stevneplassen

8/13 Stavanger, Norway / Forus Travbane

8/20 Brownsville, OR / Bi-mart Williamette Country music Festival

8/25 Temecula, CA / Pechanga Resort & Casino

8/26 murphys, CA / Ironstone vineyards Amphitheater

For the most current tour schedule, log onto www.alanjackson.com and click on Tour

* * S P e C I A L S e AT I N g F O R P L AT I N U m FA N C L U B m e m B e R S AvA I L A B L e . Please check your local listings as all dates and times are subject to change. For updates on Alan’s tour schedule, check out Alan’s website at www.alanjackson.com or send in a Self-Addressed Stamped envelope to the Fan Club. Shows are usually confirmed and announced about 4-6 prior to the actual date of the show so check back often.

Happy Springtime! Hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the beautiful flowers from the April

showers. It sure is beautiful here in Tennessee right now!

I just heard some exciting news! Alan will be going into the studio soon! I’m not sure if that means we’ll

get new music this year, but I’m sure hoping so! We are all really excited for Alan and the Capitol/emI

team to be working together.

Lots of news to report this quarter, we almost couldn’t fit it all into the newsletter. Hope you love “Alan’s

scrapbook” of Australia! Remember you can download a color copy of the newsletter in the Fan Club

section of the website. Just log in and click on Downloads, then Newsletters. Also, while you’re on the

website, be sure to check out the Fan photos in the Photo gallery online. You’ll also find a link if you’d

like to upload your favorite AJ photo! We update the gallery pretty often so check back often for new

photos.

We’ll be setting up shop in June at the Fan Fair exhibit Hall at CmA music Fest. make sure you come by

and say hi and see the new booth! And we’ll have lots of new AJ goodies! Talk to you soon,

P.S. Congratulations to the winners of the 34 #1s Word Search Puzzle:

Cathy kelly, Tennessee

Joyce Ross, New Jersey

Shirely Newell, West virginia

Laruen Badger, Australia

Darlene Hoff, missouri