Aaron Tippin Stars and Stripes

It’s no coincidence that Aaron Tippin’s latest CD, Stars and Stripes, arrives in record stores one year after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Aaron cut the title track, “Where The Stars and Stripes and The Eagle Fly,” immediately following the tragedy and donated proceeds from the single, which zoomed to No. 2 on the Billboard chart, for the American Red cross to distribute to the victims.

“ The song was written two years before 9/11,” Aaron says. “It seemed very appropriate to release it at the time. Originally this song was supposed to go on the People Like Us album and it didn’t make it. I was a little disappointed at the time. Now I realize exactly why it didn’t make the album-the song had a bigger purpose. The most important thing about it is that county fans went out and bought the record to help other Americans who needed help at the time. That’s common of what real country fans are like.”

Aaron’s career was launched under a banner of patriotism when his debut single, “You’ve Go to Stand for Something,” reached the Top Ten in 1991 and became an anthem for a nation embroiled in the conflict of Desert Storm. Aaron quickly became a voice of patriotism, a badge he wears proudly and has carried with him throughout his career, a career where he sings what he knows about most-strong family ties and hard work. Aaron’s wife Thea, daughter Charla, and sons Teddy and Thomas are the focus of his life.

“ It’s important to me to concentrate on my family,” Aaron says. “When I’m at home, there’s two places you’re going to see me. At lunchtime, I’m going to be up at my little outdoor store having lunch with my wife and kids. The rest of the time, I’m going to be home with my wife and kids. It’s precious and important and life is too fragile to live any other way.”

Family has always been important to Aaron, who cites his father as his biggest hero. Aaron was raised on a farm in South Carolina; his chief influences included Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Thompson and Lefty Frizzell. He began playing guitar and performing when he was ten. By the time Aaron was 20, he was working as a commercial pilot. In 1986, he moved to Nashville, where he eventually became a staff writer at Acuff-Rose. He signed his first recording contract with RCA in 1990.

Aaron’s hard-edged twang is one of the more distinctive sounds in today’s country music. Hits like “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong With The Radio,” “Working Man’s Ph.D.,” :That’s As Close As I’ll Get To Loving You,” and “Kiss This,” have earned him a solid following and have established Aaron’s identity in an ever-changing country scene. Stars and Stripes continue that tradition.

One thing that hasn’t changed in Aaron’s life is the consistent support of his fans.
“ The fans are my mainstay,” Aaron says. “If I have hits, don’t have hits, or ain’t had a record in three years, they appreciate me anyhow. When I’m in town and they come out to see me play, I know that’s why I do it… for those folds…who have remained with me through all of it.

To visit Aaron’s website please click here.