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Thursday, May 14, 2009

BMI Salutes Jason Aldean and Writers of "She's Country"

Song Is Danny Myrick and Bridgette Tatum's First No. 1
Bridgette Tatum (left), Jason Aldean and Danny Myrick
Bridgette Tatum (left), Jason Aldean and Danny Myrick
Photo Credit: Steve Lowry
Jason Aldean was on hand at BMI's Nashville headquarters Tuesday (May 12) to help songwriters Danny Myrick and Bridgette Tatum celebrate their No. 1 single, "She's Country."

Aldean's recording of "She's Country" recently held the top spot on Billboard's country songs chart for two consecutive weeks.

The song is Myrick and Tatum's first No. 1 and Aldean's second.

Speaking to reporters before the party started, Aldean confirmed that he has been bypassing the usual "meet-and-greet" sessions at his concerts as a precaution against swine flu and that he will continue to do so during four impending dates in Texas, where cases of the flu have been fatal.

"When you release an album," Aldean said, alluding to the release of his third CD, Wide Open, in April, "the last thing you want to do is get sick." Besides, he added, he has a 2-year-old daughter who might be susceptible to the illness.

Aldean said one reason he believed "She's Country" had hit potential was the popularity of his debut single, "Hicktown," which has a similar theme.

Following his June 12 appearance at Nashville's LP Field during the CMA Music Festival, Aldean will hold his fourth benefit concert for breast cancer research at the Wildhorse Saloon. He said he was prompted to support this cause by the death of friend from breast cancer.

"When you have celebrity status," he said, "it would be kind of wasteful not to take advantage of it [for a good cause]."

Aldean has followed "She's Country" with the single "Big Green Tractor." He said he also has high hopes that "On My Highway," another track on the new album, will also be released as a single.

After serving as an opening act for Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban, Aldean said he plans to headline several of his own shows this summer. He noted that he's still set to do "eight or nine" more shows with Urban.

Aldean seemed pleased when a reporter told him that "She's Country" has just been included in the Rock Band video game. He said he was an avid video game player.

During presentation ceremonies, BMI spokesman Clay Bradley pointed out that Aldean's albums have sold more than 3 million copies. He applauded producer Michael Knox for using Aldean's band in recording sessions rather than the usual session musicians.

Myrick and Tatum listened as a succession of award presenters praised their songwriting skills and persistence.

Of Tatum, Bradley said, "She is the character in her songs."

Songwriter Jeffrey Steele, who's Myrick's publisher, said he encountered Myrick in a coffee shop several years ago, just as he was about to abandon music and apply for a job at Home Depot.

Instead, Steele persuaded him to sign on as a staff writer at a publishing company he was forming. Myrick, a former member of the now-defunct group Western Flyer, had been in pursuit of a hit ever since.

"It's been an overnight 20-year ride," said Myrick.

"This is my first cut, y'all," Tatum burbled. "I'm freaked out."

Aldean thanked the people at his record label, Broken Bow, for "letting me do my thing and not messing with me too much."

View photos from the No. 1 party.

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