Alan Jackson Song Takes Customers to 'Ford Country' at Dallas Auto Show

16 March 1999
Alan Jackson Song Takes Customers to 'Ford Country' at Dallas Auto Show
    DALLAS, March 16 -- Country music sensation Alan Jackson, who
has been singing about Ford trucks for two years, is changing his tune.  Next
month, he'll begin singing about "Ford Country" -- a tribute to the people who
live and work in their Ford trucks.
    Jackson and the "Ford Country" song are featured in a new, fully
integrated national advertising campaign for Ford trucks, which kicks off on
April 1.
    "'Ford Country' is more than just a new song, it's a powerful statement
that defines Ford trucks," explained Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president and
vice president, Ford Motor Company .  "'Ford Country' is not a place,
it's an attitude.  It's about pride, optimism and capturing the true spirit of
Ford truck owners.  And Alan Jackson is the ideal person to help us
communicate this message.  He epitomizes what Ford trucks are all about --
genuine, hardworking and fun."
    Jackson's fans will recognize the "Ford Country" theme song.  It is based
on one of his first hits, "Gone Country."  The new version begins, "He's got
pride in his heart, dirt on his hands.  There's one place to find a hard-
working man -- Ford Country."
    Since his first album was released on Arista Records in 1990, Jackson has
received over 50 industry awards and sold over 26 million albums.
    The multi-media "Ford Country" campaign features the entire Ford brand
truck line but focuses on the F-Series, Ranger and commercial trucks.
J. Walter Thompson developed the overall advertising campaign, which includes
three new television ads -- one 60-second and two 30-second spots.
    A fully integrated dealer advertising campaign starts in mid-April.
National magazine and newspaper ads begin in May and are aimed at key
audiences, including farmers and fans of country music, the NFL, and NASCAR
racing.
    "Ford's been part of my life as long as I can remember," Jackson
explained.  "My Daddy worked as a mechanic for the Ford plant in Hapeville,
Georgia, for 25 years and one of my first jobs was selling Ford trucks.  I'm
especially honored and proud to be a spokesman for Ford trucks."
    You can hear "Ford Country" and learn more about the national truck
advertising campaign on Ford's web site at http://www.fordcountry.com which goes on
line in May.