‘Catch of the Day’ – Jason Aldean – “They Don’t Know” [AUDIO]

Today we take a listen to an artist who gave himself a deadline to make it in Nashville; if he didn't, he was gonna buy himself a ticket back to Georgia. He made it with a little time to spare and has not only become a two-time winner of the ACM Entertainer of the Year Award, but has also been awarded the Susan G Komen Association 'More Than Pink Hero' Award for his tireless efforts assisting the fight against breast cancer.

Jason Aldean grew up in Macon, GA, raised by his mother, but spending his summers in Homestead, FL, where he would be taught to play guitar by his father, Barry Williams, a promoter and manager in the music industry. His father would map out chords on the guitar for young Jason to practice while he was working during the day, and when he got home that day, dad would get out his own guitar and they would work on what Jason had learned during the day. Before long, the younger Williams would develop the uncanny talent to play a song after hearing it just a couple of times.

Jason began playing professionally at age 14. His first gig, landed by his mother Debbie, was at the local VFW hall in Macon. After performing songs from John Anderson and Tracy Lawrence, the youngster got a roaring ovation from the crowd, all 10 of them Aldean admits, and was immediately hooked on performing. By age 15 he was hired to play in the house band at a local night club, Nashville South. It was at this point he dropped his last name to avoid confusion with other entertainers named Jason Williams, and altered the spelling of his middle name Aldine, adopting Jason Aldean as his stage name.

Aldean began touring with his own band after high school, playing venues through out the south east and midwest. After a 1998 showcase in Atlanta, he was signed by Warner-Chappell Music Publishing and at 21, he headed to Nashville. He signed with an independent label in 1999, but was almost immediately dropped by the label. In 2000 he signed with a second label, but was soon dropped for repeatedly rescheduling recording sessions. Several showcases failed to land Aldean another shot at a contract, and in what appeared to be self-destructive theme, his reputation preceded him at a Nashville showcase, when several scheduled industry scouts didn't show up.

One person that did notice him at that showcase was industry veteran Lawrence Mathis, who signed on as Aldean's manager in 2004. At this time Aldean was discouraged by the lack of progress in his career, he gave himself six months in

Nashville to either land a record deal, or he would head back home to Georgia. He didn't need the full half-year. Only five weeks later, he was signed by upstart indy label Broken Bow Records, and he had finally found his musical home.

Aldean has recorded 7 albums for Broken Bow Records, with all but his most recent being certified platinum. Starting with his 2005 self-titled debut album, Aldean has had 27 singles, all but one of them reaching the top-10. Of those singles, 13 have hit the top of the Country Music Singles chart. He was also a part of the CMA tribute single "Forever Country", which became his 14th #1 hit. He was named the 2016 and 2017 ACM Entertainer of the Year Award, but the award he says is the most important to him was bestowed upon him by the Susan G Komen Foundation. In 2016 the group awarded 'More Than Pink Hero' award for his efforts to support the foundation's fight against breast cancer. Aldean's efforts include his annual 'Concert For The Cure', which has raised more $2.3 million in its 11 years.

Today we turn the spotlight on the 4th single and title track from Aldean's latest album. Brought to you by All American Super Car Wash, Jason Aldean and "They Don't Know" is today Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.

Listen to the Catch of the Day, and then comment, like or share it, and you will be entered into our daily drawing for a $25 gift card from our sponsor, All American Super Car Wash of Lawton.