Arista Record's Alan Jackson

It’s official.  Alan Jackson – a staple of country music – and his longtime label Sony/Arista Records have parted ways.  The move is not a huge suprise as Alan himself had acknowledged the previous contract had ended.

According to the label’s official statement, “Sony Music Nashville wishes to thank Alan Jackson for their long association and the many hit records achieved as a result of that association. In an amicable parting, Sony confirms that Alan has delivered his final recordings to the company and wishes him well.”

The next question is – after 50 million records sold – will Alan segue to a new home elsewhere or just write off into the sunset.   Many think he’s headed to Zac Brown’s label after the success of As She’s Walking Away.

Gretchen Wilson

Here’s a shocker from Gretchen Wilson’s label (or former label) Sony Music’s Columbia Nashville:

“Gretchen Wilson and her longtime record label group, Sony Music Nashville, have mutually decided to part ways. The Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and Best Selling author, who exploded on to the country music scene and the national spotlight in 2004 with her smash hit “Redneck Woman,” released three No. 1 albums with Here For The Party, All Jacked Up, and One Of The Boys. Though Wilson will no longer record with the label as a solo artist, both parties look forward to working together on future catalogue projects.”

Wilson has been struggling to find radio hits and thus sales success since der debut CD “Here For the Party.”