Chris Janson notched another No. 1 hit in 2024 with “All I Need Is You.” His current song, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,” is already inside the Top 30. He’s known as one of the most dynamic performers in country music and spends much of the year on stage. But as 2024 comes to a close with Christmas about two weeks away, those accolades aren’t what he’s most excited about.
Janson recently remade Alabama‘s seminal Christmas song “Christmas in Dixie” with the remaining members of Alabama – Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. Janson’s version of “Christmas in Dixie” is out now.
Janson co-produced the song, and the men recorded “Christmas in Dixie” in Janson’s cabin.
“I called them and said, ‘Would you join me?’ And they said, ‘Yes,’” Janson told American Songwriter. “And I was a little bit blown away. It doesn’t say Chris Janson featuring Alabama — none of that nonsense. It’s Chris Janson and Alabama, ‘Christmas In Dixie,’ which I’m super stoked about.”
In recent months, Janson has released collaborations with Dolly Parton and Alabama. The knowledge renders Janson momentarily speechless. But asking the band to join him on the song wasn’t hard.
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Chris Janson: “(Randy Owen) Said Chris Janson Is Alabama”
“It was just calling a buddy,” Janson said, explaining he just reached out to Owen. “He said, ‘Oh, Chris, man. Chris Janson is Alabama. You’re our people, and we respect you, and we are really into you. We’ve respected you for a long time.’”
His word choice was meaningful to Janson, who pointed out that Owen saying he respected him was so much different than telling him he liked his songs.
Chris Janson, Alabama – Christmas In Dixie
“It’s pretty breathtaking,” Janson said. “Honestly, I don’t know a lot of people who could do that or would do that. I’m just very grateful.”
Owen and Gentry also appeared alongside Janson and his family in the Christmas in Dixie” music video alongside Janson, his wife Kelly, and their son, Jesse. Janson filmed his part of the video in his cabin, which his family had decorated for Christmas. Owen and Gentry filmed their part at the Alabama Museum in their hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama.
“They were so gracious to be in it,” Janson said. “Like, ‘However many cuts you need, no problem.’ And it’s a really eloquently done video, too. I’m really proud of it. This will always be one of my favorite records of my life.”
(Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
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