Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 6, 1995 TAG: 9509080044
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE SAMMS RUSH KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``My mama made 'em for me. I had one yesterday for lunch,'' the country star said in a phone call from The Real World, his lakefront home near Nashville. Chips are Jackson's accompaniment of choice, and maybe some pork 'n' beans straight from the can.
The long, lanky singer-songwriter swears that he has to watch his weight just like most of us, but that doesn't stop him from indulging in such Southern palate-pleasers as corn bread, country fried steak, Southern fried okra and chocolate meringue pie.
In fact, for the past year or so, Jackson has had a catering crew of five travel with him from tour date to tour date, cooking meals prepared from recipes supplied by his wife, Denise, and his mother, Ruth. The caterers travel in a motor home that tows a kitchen trailer, he said. The Jackson entourage - all 50 or 60 of them - are fed three meals a day.
``That's all we have to look forward to out on the road,'' Jackson said. ``There's not much to do.''
Jackson appears Thursday at the Salem Civic Center with a show that includes singer Lari White as the opening act.
Many of the recipes the caterers use on the road are in a cookbook Jackson put together called ``Who Says You Can't Cook It All.'' It's available through the Alan Jackson Fan Club 1-800-893-3429. Jackson's fans also can buy copies at his concerts, then run home to test such delicacies as cheesy Rice Krispy treats, dump cake, pink gelatin salad and Alan's sauce for grilled burgers.
Jackson said his Strayhorns band members especially enjoy his mother's sweet potato souffle.
``When we go through Georgia, we stop at my folks' and Mom cooks for us. They really like the souffle. It has sugar and butter.''
His need for Mom's cooking characterizes Jackson's down-homeness. Five years ago, he and his wife were living in a basement apartment in Nashville while he struggled to get a toehold in country music.
``I think we were living there when `The Real World' hit,'' Jackson said, recalling his breakthrough single. Many awards have since come his way, and his albums sell by the millions.
``It has been like a fairy tale,'' the former forklift operator said in a quiet voice.
Alan Jackson, with opening act Lari White, plays the Salem Civic Center on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $22.50. 375-3004.
by CNB