Introduction
Travis Tritt Opens Up About His Longtime Friendship With Jason Aldean: “I’ve Loved That Guy From The Very Beginning”
Over the past two decades, Travis Tritt and Jason Aldean have shared more than just the stage — they’ve built a genuine friendship grounded in mutual respect, southern roots, and a love for country music that refuses to fade with time.
In a recent interview with The Tennessean, Tritt couldn’t help but reflect on his bond with the Georgia native, calling Aldean “a great guy” and “a true friend” who’s always stayed humble despite his superstar status.
“I’ve loved that guy from the very beginning,” Tritt shared. “We just established a great relationship from the first time I ever met him.”
That friendship stretches back more than twenty years. As Tritt recalled with a smile, their connection started when Aldean revealed that one of Tritt’s songs played a pivotal role in his early career.
“The first time I ever met Jason, he told me about a talent contest he’d won years earlier,” Tritt said. “He sang my song ‘I’m Gonna Be Somebody.’ Hearing that was heartwarming — to know that my music had inspired somebody who’d go on to become one of the biggest artists in country music. I think that’s what really sparked our friendship.”
The two have since shared countless memories on and off stage, including a recent duet of Tritt’s iconic hit “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” during this year’s CMA Fest in Nashville. Their performance drew roaring applause and will be featured on CMA Fest Presented by SoFi, airing June 26 on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.
Jason Aldean has long been vocal about his admiration for Tritt. In a 2022 interview, he described how Tritt helped shape his own musical identity.
“I remember going to see Travis Tritt at the Omni in Atlanta when I was a teenager,” Aldean recalled. “He was one of those guys who blended country with Southern rock, and I just thought that was so cool. That sound definitely influenced me.”
That admiration came full circle when Aldean invited Tritt — along with fellow country legend Tracy Lawrence — to join his Rock N’ Roll Cowboy Tour. For Aldean, sharing the stage with two of his musical heroes felt surreal.
“I’m so excited,” Aldean said at the time. “Travis and Tracy were two of the guys I grew up listening to. Having them out on tour with me was pretty wild. I probably turned into a teenager again, standing side stage, singing along to every song.”
Today, both artists continue to champion traditional country while carving their own paths in an ever-changing industry. Their friendship, built on respect and shared history, stands as a reminder that in Nashville, the strongest bonds often start with a song.
As Tritt summed it up:
“It’s always special when the music connects you — not just with fans, but with people who end up being lifelong friends.”