Jason Aldean: Biography, Politics, Controversy & New Album

If you’ve tuned into country radio over the past decade, you’ve heard Jason Aldean’s voice — deep, steady, and unmistakable. With 26 number-one singles and a new album on the way, he’s one of the genre’s most bankable stars. But recently, his music has sparked debate that reaches far beyond Nashville. Here’s a look at the man behind the songs, the controversies, and what’s next.

Born February 27, 1977 · Genre Country · Record label BBR Music Group · Studio albums 11 · New album Songs About Us (April 24, 2026) · Instagram followers 5 million

Eight key facts about Jason Aldean, from his birthplace to his family and career milestones.

Is Jason Aldean a Trump supporter?

The short answer: yes, but with nuance. Aldean performed at a Donald Trump rally in 2020 and has publicly voiced support for Trump’s policies. In 2024, he even dedicated “Try That in a Small Town” to Trump during a Nashville concert, as reported by Billboard. However, Rolling Stone notes that Aldean said in 2016 he preferred to avoid political discussions altogether.

Is Jason Aldean a Democrat or Republican?

Aldean has never formally registered with a party, but his actions lean conservative. Rolling Stone reported that his right-leaning public posture intensified after 2020, including support for election-fraud claims. Still, he often deflects party labels. “I’m not a politician, I’m a singer,” he told USA Today in 2023.

What did Jason Aldean say about Trump?

While Aldean hasn’t issued a formal endorsement, his actions speak loudly. He performed at a Trump rally in 2020 and in July 2024 dedicated “Try That in a Small Town” to Trump during a Nashville show, per Billboard. He’s been described by Rolling Stone as “a proud conservative and Donald Trump supporter.”

Why did Jason Aldean leave his wife?

In 2013, Aldean divorced his high school sweetheart Jessica Ussery after 12 years of marriage. The split was amicable in court documents, but it drew tabloid attention because of his subsequent relationship with former American Idol contestant Brittany Kerr.

Who is Jason Aldean married to now?

He married Brittany Kerr in 2015, as confirmed by Biography.com. Kerr was a contestant on American Idol in 2010. The couple have two children together, and Aldean also shares two daughters with his first wife.

What is the age gap between Jason Aldean and his wife?

Public records indicate Aldean is 13 years older than Brittany Kerr. (He was born in 1977; she was born in 1990.)

The pattern: Aldean’s personal life underwent a public transformation that mirrored his career shift from small-town Georgia roots to national stardom. The divorce and remarriage became a tabloid fixture, but his family life has remained stable since.

Why are people against Jason Aldean?

The most concentrated backlash came in 2023 with the release of “Try That in a Small Town.” Critics accused the song and its music video of promoting vigilante violence and using racially charged imagery. PBS NewsHour reported that the video was filmed at a Tennessee courthouse with a history of a 1946 race riot and a 1927 lynching.

What is the controversy around ‘Try That in a Small Town’?

The song’s lyrics — “Try that in a small town / See how far you make it down the road” — were interpreted by many as advocating violence against protesters. NPR reported that CMT pulled the music video after criticism that it glorified gun violence and conveyed racist ideas. Aldean countered on social media that “there is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it,” adding that it’s about “community pride and looking out for one another.”

Did Jason Aldean face backlash for political statements?

Beyond the song, Aldean’s Trump rally appearance and his wife Brittany’s outspoken conservative views have drawn criticism. PBS noted that the Aldeans see themselves as speaking in a country-music environment that feels less welcoming to openly conservative views. The divide highlights the cultural flashpoint Aldean now represents.

What has happened to Jason Aldean?

Aldean remains extremely active. He announced his 11th studio album, Songs About Us, set for release on April 24, 2026, via his official site (Jason Aldean official biography). The album follows his 2023 record Highway Desperado and signals that Aldean is not retreating from the spotlight.

What is Jason Aldean’s latest album?

Songs About Us is his upcoming album, announced in early 2025. Pre-orders are already live, and the lead singles suggest a continuation of his signature country-rock sound.

Is Jason Aldean on tour?

Yes, he launched the Songs About Us Tour in 2025, with dates scheduled through the year. No official announcement yet for a 2026 leg, but given his touring history, additional dates are likely.

The implication: Aldean is doubling down on his music career despite — or perhaps because of — the controversy. His tour and album are expected to perform well with his core fanbase.

Where did Jason Aldean grow up?

Jason Aldean was born Jason Aldine Williams in Macon, Georgia, on February 27, 1977, according to Biography.com. He was raised in the small town of Macon, and his early life was steeped in country music.

What is Jason Aldean’s real name?

His birth name is Jason Aldine Williams. He adopted “Aldean” as his stage surname, dropping the “Williams.”

How did Jason Aldean get his start in music?

He started playing guitar at age 14 and performed in local bars and clubs throughout Georgia. After years of grinding, he signed with Broken Bow Records (now BBR Music Group) in 2005, as detailed by Biography.com. His self-titled debut album was released that year, but it was his second album, Relentless (2007), that produced his first No. 1 single, “She’s Country.”

What this means: Aldean’s path from Macon bars to stadiums is a classic Nashville story — persistence, a distinctive voice, and a label that believed in him. His roots remain a central part of his identity.

Timeline

• 1998 — Starts performing in local venues
• 2005 — Signs with Broken Bow Records (BBR Music Group)
• 2008 — Releases “She’s Country,” first No. 1 hit
• 2013 — Divorces Jessica Ussery
• 2015 — Marries Brittany Kerr
• 2017 — Performs at Route 91 Harvest festival on night of Las Vegas mass shooting; Aldean and his band escape unharmed but the tragedy kills 60 people (Biography.com)
• 2020 — Performs at a Donald Trump rally
• 2023 — Controversy over “Try That in a Small Town” music video; CMT pulls it from rotation (NPR via WUSF)
• 2024 — Dedicates the song to Trump at a Nashville concert (Billboard)
• 2026 (April 24) — Release of new album Songs About Us

Quotes

“I’m not a politician, I’m a singer. I support the candidate who I think is best for the country.”

— Jason Aldean, in a 2023 interview with USA Today (USA Today)

“The song is about community pride and looking out for one another, not about violence.”

— Jason Aldean, defending “Try That in a Small Town” on social media, July 2023

“The lyrics and imagery evoke a violent, vigilante justice that is deeply troubling.”

— Critic quoted by PBS NewsHour (2023)

Summary

For country music fans and casual listeners alike, Jason Aldean’s career tells a story of how artistic identity and political alignment can become inseparable. With a new album arriving in 2026 and a dedicated fanbase that either loves or hates him, the choice for listeners is clear: embrace the music with its political baggage, or walk away. The market—and the charts—will decide which side wins.

Frequently asked questions