Self-described "redneck woman" Gretchen Wilson rose from poverty in western Illinois to become a country music superstar, winning critical and popular acclaim for her 2004 debut CD, Here for the Party, and for her sophomore effort, All Jacked Up, released last year. A firebrand singer and crafty balladeer, she writes songs from her personal experiences. For those who hunger for more details about her life, she has an autobiography — Redneck Woman: Stories From My Life (Warner Books) — due out in November. New Times caught up with Wilson to find out what's new in her music and life.
Gretchen Wilson: She "ain't no high-class broad."
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Scheduled to perform on Saturday, October 21, during the Arizona State Fair.
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New Times: What's new in your life?
Gretchen Wilson: My book will be out on November 1st. I can't believe it. I always said I would never write a book, but my manager came to me one day and said there's a great offer and an amazing co-writer [Allen Rucker]. Allen started coming out on the road. Things just went from there. I'm very proud of the book. And I'm in the studio working on a new album, which will be out after the new year.
NT: What do you think about the controversy surrounding your song "Skoal Ring"? I understand Tennessee Attorney General Paul Summers sent you and Epic Nashville a three-page letter expressing his concern over your "promotion of smokeless products, particularly as it related to the youth who attend your concerts and listen to your music."
Wilson: Honestly, I think it was completely blown out of proportion. Artists have been singing about smoking, chewing, drinking and sex since the beginning. The media actually misrepresented what the attorney general was concerned about. He was worried because at the end of the song, from the stage, I would hand out an empty Skoal can with my autograph on it, and that that sent the wrong message. I listened to what he said. I understood, and I stopped doing it. But, as I have explained from day one, the song is about a "type" of man, not about advocating the use of chewing tobacco.
NT: How did you deal with being a working mom and being away from your young daughter, Grace, so much of the year?
Wilson: At first it was really hard. All of a sudden, you're on the road for weeks on end. And then when you get home, there's so much to do and a huge pile of laundry! But now we have it down. Grace's father and I have worked really hard to make sure that she has as "normal" a life as possible. When she's on the road, she's the boss of the tour. She loves the band and crew, and the bus is home. All her toys and videos are there. Basically, no matter where she is, she's happy, and that's the priority.
NT: What does a redneck woman do to get all jacked up?
Wilson: Easy. A shot of Jack.
