Alan Jackson Introduces a Barrel of Goodies

Alan Jackson arrived in style in a white vintage Cadillac El Dorado convertible when he stopped by a Cracker Barrel restaurant north of Nashville today (Nov. 2), to unveil his new Alan Jackson collection and his new Cracker Barrel CD, 'Songs of Love and Heartache.' The country superstar also signed autographs for the many fans who waited in line to meet him.

A lot of time, thought and energy went into deciding on what to put in the new collection, which includes apparel, music, cookware, spices and collectibles. Alan -- whose favorite items include signature sunglasses, a little truck and the rocking chair (one of which has already been sent to his mother in Georgia) -- and wife Denise had final approval over all of the items in the line. "We kinda looked at all the stuff. They sent us a lot of samples," says the multi-platinum performer. "We made suggestions and picked colors, and I had a couple of ideas on things, like that little truck we're selling, a tractor-trailer, and the rocking chair I wanted because Cracker Barrel's always [had] the rocking chairs sitting out there. We've enjoyed doing it."

Asked whether he was a regular customer at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Alan said he doesn't eat there as much as he'd like, but he certainly has enjoyed their food over the years. His favorite Cracker Barrel meal? "I like their breakfasts -- their biscuits and hashbrown casserole, all the good fattening stuff, and I like that meatloaf sandwich for lunch."

The Alan Jackson collection also features a new CD for sale. 'Songs of Love and Heartache' features several of his hits including 'Here in the Real World,' 'Remember When' and 'Livin' on Love,' as well as two previously unreleased tracks-- 'That's What I'd Be Like Without You' and 'Nothing Sure Looked Good on You,' (a Gene Watson tune he recorded for 'Under the Influence,' which ended up not making the album).

This year, Cracker Barrel has also released albums by George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton and the Zac Brown Band.