NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Sony Music) - Just over 16 months ago, country music sensation
Gretchen Wilson made history when her debut album Here For The Party entered Billboard's Country Albums Chart at No 1 and the Top 200 Chart at No 2.
History did not repeat itself today, though, as Wilson's second Epic Records album All Jacked Up sold over 264,000 units in its first week and debuted at No 1 on both charts.
"I'm glad she waited until her second record to win one more accolade," said Sony Music Nashville President John Grady. "This No 1 was a goal of our entire company to start with, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and innovation provided by everyone who has worked on this project."
Gretchen co-wrote seven of the twelve songs on All Jacked Up, and she produced the disc with Sony Nashville Executive VP A&R Mark Wright and recording artist John Rich. The disc has already received numerous rave reviews, including the cover of Billboard Magazine, a full-page lead review in Entertainment Weekly, Blender (four stars), Dallas Morning News ("The redneck woman's second album is fearless, amped-up and autobiographical, showcasing traditional country, Southern rock and even a little jazz") and more.
She penned the rousing Top 5 "All Jacked Up" single with John Rich and Vicky McGehee. Kid Rock and Hank Williams, Jr. - who both made cameo appearances in her debut "Redneck Woman" video - joined Charlie Daniels, Larry the Cable Guy, Two Fred and his brother Toby Gill in the "All Jacked Up" clip. Her follow-up single is the emotional "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today," written by Matraca Berg and Jim Collins.
The critically-acclaimed Here For The Party album spent a record nine weeks atop the Country Albums Chart and has been certified quadruple platinum for sales in excess of four million units. She wrapped up 2004 as the top selling debut artist of any genre and garnered awards from The Grammys, CMA, Billboard and AMA including the trophy for Top Female Vocalist by the Academy Of Country Music.
Gretchen recently wrapped up Kenny Chesney's sold-out Somewhere In The Sun Tour and is preparing for the second annual Chevy Presents ... Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich, The American Revolution Tour. Along with special guest Cowboy Troy, the 17-city tour will begin in Houston, Texas on November 4, 2005.
