Jason Aldean’s Journey to Stardom Chronicled in PBS Documentary

Aldean has had a roller coaster journey.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Jason Aldean’s Journey to Stardom Chronicled in PBS Documentary
Jason Aldean; Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Thunder

Jason Aldean fans were given a closer look at the singer’s journey to super stardom in the documentary series Breaking Big. Presented by PBS through the PBS/OZY Media venture, the half-hour special includes exclusive interviews with those who know the singer best, as well as Aldean himself.

To begin the series, Aldean sits down to talk with host Carlos Watson as the two discuss the Georgia native’s early days. Though he grew up a fan and player of baseball, Aldean picked up a guitar at the age of 14 during a summer in Florida with his dad. Bored one day, Aldean decided to pluck away, finding himself still strumming along nearly six hours later.

Hours turned into days and days into weeks when his dad finally bought him a new guitar to encourage his newfound talent.

As Aldean grew in his skills, he began playing shows throughout his hometown and dreaming of one day making it as a singer. It was through his influences of Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, the Allman Brothers, Bob Seger, among others, that the country rocker began to develop his sound. He eventually made the move to Nashville.

Within six months of his move, Aldean was signed to a record deal. While the 21, 22 year old thought his dreams were made, things took a rocky turn when he was dropped for not complying with the look they thought he needed. He spent the next several years playing showcase after showcase trying to get the attention of another label. When they refused to show up, Aldean decided it was time to hang up his hat and move back home.

With his decision made, he called some friends and family back home to tell them he was looking for a job and would be there after his final show. It was at that show, however, that the head of Broken Row Records showed up and offered Aldean a deal on the spot. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since signing with his new label home, Aldean has gone on to become one of country’s biggest stars in modern times, having more than 15 million album sales and a slew of awards from the GRAMMYs, ACMs, CMAs, BBMAs, People’s Choice Awards and more.

It is with perseverance and hard work that led Aldean to where he is today, as well as the many other celebrities featured on this season of Breaking Big. Joining the “Drowns the Whiskey” singer for their own episodes will be Trevor Noah, Oscar-winning director Lee Daniels, chef and restaurateur Eddie Huang, amd former FOX anchor Gretchen Carlson, among others.