ALAN JACKSON’S FREIGHT TRAIN IS A HOT TICKET!

ALAN JACKSON’S FREIGHT TRAIN IS A HOT TICKET!

First-Week Album Sales Top 72,000 as New Tour Launches Tomorrow

A&E’s Private Sessions, GAC’s The Collection: Alan Jackson to Air This Weekend

Nashville, TN - Superstar Alan Jackson’s 18th album, FREIGHT TRAIN, makes its chart debut this week with first-week sales of more than 72,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan, earning a #2 berth on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart as the excitement surrounding the album continues with tomorrow’s launch of ALAN JACKSON’S FREIGHT TRAIN TOUR.

With first single, “It’s Just That Way,” climbing the charts, Jackson and his newest collection have been met with accolades from an array of media.  The Los Angeles Times lauds the 50-million selling country titan as “one of the most dependably rewarding artists that genre has to offer,” while the Chicago Sun-Times hails Jackson’s focus on “crafting tasteful songs that will stand the test of time.”  Taking a cue from FREIGHT TRAIN’s album closer, The Philadelphia Inquirer adds, “The final number is ‘The Best Keeps Getting Better.’  Of course Jackson’s not referring to himself, but the line aptly sums up him and this album….”

With 34 #1 singles to his credit, including three from his previous album, GOOD TIME (which became his 15th collection to hit the Platinum level or above), Jackson will be rolling out a trainload of hits and new music with the launch of his new tour, beginning with tomorrow’s sold-out date in Estero, FL.  Joining Jackson on the road will be Josh Turner and Chris Young.  A complete list of dates appears below, as well as online at www.alanjackson.com.

This weekend, fans can be watching for Jackson as he’s featured on the A&E interview and performance series Private Sessions, premiering this Sunday, April 11, at 9 AM ET.  Jackson will also be the focus of back-to-back weekend premieres of The Collection: Alan Jackson, on GAC, as Alan offers his insight on some of his favorite music videos in the two-part special, debuting at 8 PM ET on both Saturday and Sunday.

Additional upcoming television will include NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 14 and the April 16 airing of Jackson’s appearance on the syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show.

On April 16, he will also be the guest of honor as the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presents him with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Open to the public, the ceremony will take place at 11:30 AM local time, with Jackson’s star located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, adjacent to stars from such celebrities as John Travolta, The Doors, and Judy Holliday.

FREIGHT TRAIN is Jackson’s newest album since GOOD TIME, his March 2008 collection which produced three #1 singles and was released to critical acclaim.  One of the most respected and successful artists of his generation, Jackson has sold over 50 million albums and has 34 #1 singles, 24 of which he wrote himself.     


ALAN JACKSON FREIGHT TRAIN TOUR DATES

April 8 - Estero, FL/ Germain Arena – SOLD OUT
April 9 - Orlando, FL/ UCF Arena
April 10 - Alpharetta, GA/ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park
April 11 - Greenville, SC/ Bi-Lo Center
April 29 - Champaign, IL/ Assembly Hall (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
April 30 - Evansville, IN/ Roberts Stadium
May 1 - Rosemont, IL/ Allstate Arena
May 2 - Fort Wayne, IN/ War Memorial Coliseum
May 13 - Manchester, NH/ Verizon Wireless Arena
May 14 - Uncasville, CT/ Mohegan Sun Arena
May 15 - Rochester, NY/ Blue Cross Arena
May 16 - Wilkes-Barre, PA/ Wachovia Center
May 21 - University Park, PA/ Bryce Jordan Center
May 22 - Charleston, WV/ Charleston Civic Center
May 23 - Lexington, KY/ Rupp Arena