Aaron Watson's 'The Underdog' Debuts #1 On Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart, #8 On Top 200

New York, NY -- Aaron Watson debuts #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart today with his independently released 'The Underdog.' The album -- Aaron's 12th career release, marketed and distributed by Thirty Tigers -- saw #8 on the Billboard 200 and is the week's second highest overall debut with more than 26,340 full albums sold. This is Aaron's first #1 on the Top Country Albums chart and highest debut on the 200.

"I wanted to raise the bar both musically and lyrically when making this record. Working with producer Keith Stegall took things to the next level -- 'The Underdog' is the album I always wanted to make," shares Aaron. "I can't say enough about the teams at Unrest Music, Thirty Tigers and CAA who have helped get this music to fans of country music. At the end of the day, it's about connecting with them at every show, every event and every meet and greet. This record is for them."

Hailed as a "proud country traditionalist" by the New York Times and drawing comparisons to George Strait and Chris LeDoux, Aaron is striking a chord with fans of traditional country music.

"'The Underdog' is the result of years of hard work by Aaron and his incredible team. We could literally see him gaining traction daily since we started pre-selling at iTunes. 'The Underdog' has been in the Top 10 on iTunes' Overall Albums chart and every track we've released on that site has seen #1," notes David Macias, President, Thirty Tigers. "Aaron is evidence of a desire for traditional country, and this album delivers that in spades."

Stegall concurs, "The face of country music is changing at lightening speed. Except for the fact that the banjo, fiddle and steel guitar are on the endangered list...but Aaron may very well be the artist that saves them from extinction."

"'The Underdog' has taught me a lot of lessons," says road-warrior Watson. "I'm excited about this record. To be 15 years, 12 albums, and 2,000 shows into my career and to feel like I'm just getting started. Man, that's a good feeling."

'The Underdog' (BIG Label/Thirty Tigers) is more than just the title of self-made Texas country star Aaron Watson's 12th record; it's his mission statement. Recorded with celebrated producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, George Jones, Zac Brown Band), the album's fourteen tracks tell stories of the kind of unsung heroes who defy the odds through hard work and perseverance to reach their dreams.

Watson wrote the lead single "That Look" for his wife Kimberly, and it earned him his first entrance in the Top 10 of the Country Digital Songs Chart with 19,000 tracks sold and a Top 50 debut.

Watson continues to tour the U.S. in support of 'The Underdog' through the spring and summer. For updated tour dates please visit aaronwatson.com.

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