Jason Aldean is getting in the holiday spirit as he released his first-ever Christmas track on Friday (Nov 4).
The multi-platinum artist shared his own spin on “Christmas in Dixie,” a song originally put out by the band Alabama.
Aldean took to Instagram to share his appreciation.
“The band Alabama has been really influential on my career, so it’s cool to get to give a nod to my musical heroes with the first Christmas song we’ve ever put out. Listen to #ChristmasInDixie at the link in bio.”
The Georgia native incorporated his own recognizable sound on the track with heavier electric guitars and his unmistakable vocal tone, truly molding the classic holiday tune into his own.
Alabama responded to the song on social media, “We are honored,” to which Aldean replied, “means the world to me, coming from the goats.”
“Christmas in Dixie / It’s snowin’ in the pines / Merry Christmas from Dixie / To everyone tonight,” the country star sings on the tune’s chorus.
The award-winning artist has paid tribute to the band before, having performed “Tennessee River” on the 2013 Alabama tribute album, Alabama & Friends, as well as a medley of their hit songs at the 2015 ACM Honors.
Aldean shared a throwback picture of him and Alabama lead singer Randy Owen.
“One of my favorite pics of all time. Getting a text and the stamp of approval today from this guy on our Christmas in Dixie cover is one of the coolest moments ever. @thealabamaband will always be the G.O.A.T’S to me. Hope we made y’all proud with it,” he posted on social media.
One of my favorite pics of all time. Getting a text and the stamp of approval today from this guy on our Christmas in Dixie cover is one of the coolest moments ever. @TheAlabamaBand will always be the G.O.A.T’S to me. Hope we made y’all proud with it. pic.twitter.com/GFdovjIN8C
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) November 5, 2022
Earlier this month, Jeff Cook, a co-founder and member of Alabama, passed away. Upon hearing the sad news, Aldean quickly took to social media to remember the late Country Music Hall of Famer.
“So sad to hear of the passing of Jeff Cook. I spent a lot of my life listening to him play guitar, what an iconic sound he had,” Aldean wrote on Instagram. “I got a chance to perform with him multiple times over the years and I will never forget it. RIP Mr. Jeff, you are a legend to many of us and your influence will be felt forever in country music.”
Kenny Chesney also covered the tune in 2003 for his holiday album, All I Want For Christmas Is A Really Good Tan, featuring Owen’s vocals, and a cappella group Home Free put out their own version on their 2020 album “Warmest Winter,” incorporating Alabama on the track as well.
The ACM artist of the decade has had a successful year to date, with two number one hits — “If I Didn’t Love You” and “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” along with his Top 15 single “That’s What Tequila Does” which is currently climbing the country charts.
He just wrapped up his ROCK N’ ROLL COWBOY TOUR at the end of October for his highly-celebrated double album MACON, GEORGIA, where he visited 34 cities across the United States and featured special guests Gabby Barrett, John Morgan and Jay Dee Silver.
He continues his milestone year with a number of awards, including ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, CMT Collaborative Video of the Year and earned nominations for both Billboard and the GRAMMYs for his chart-breaking hit single with Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You.”
