No one would ever expect to see traditionalist Alan Jackson at the top of anything but the country singles chart – after all, he’s been to the summit 35 times. But today Alan finds the self-penned “Blacktop” – from his new release, The Bluegrass Album – debuting at #1 on a chart he’s proud to be part of. “Blacktop” enters the weekly Bluegrass Today chart (dated October 11) as the most-played bluegrass song in America based on airplay compiled from the contributing radio panel. This is only the third time a song has entered the Bluegrass Today weekly chart at #1.

“Blacktop” is one of eight songs Jackson wrote for The Bluegrass Album. Not only has it turned into a #1 radio hit – it’s prompted USA Today to note, “Country’s dirt road anthems leave your mouth dusty? Jackson paves ‘em over on The Bluegrass Album.”

The Bluegrass Album is spending its second week at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums sales chart after debuting at the top. It’s Alan’s first entry on the Bluegrass Albums chart, and he’s only the fourth country artist to top the list – the first was Merle Haggard.

Alan will perform songs from The Bluegrass Album in concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on October 28; he’ll be joined by the musicians from the album at the special show. On October 29, he’ll appear on CBS’ Late Show With David Letterman. The following week, on November 6, Alan will be featured on ABC’s telecast of The 47th Annual CMA Awards – he and and George Strait, the two top nominees in CMA Awards history, will perform together in a tribute to legendary Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones.

(Tickets for The Carnegie Hall show may be purchased via www.carnegiehall.org, CarnegieCharge at 212.247.7800, and Box Office at 57th and Seventh. The Carnegie Hall Box Office is open Monday thru Saturday 11AM-6PM and Sundays Noon-6PM.)