I recently had the opportunity to interview Jim Taylor, with Cracker Barrel and ask questions about how they and Alison Krauss & Union Station teamed up, tour sponsorship, expansion of their musical lines, and more.
Interview with Cracker Barrel's Jim Taylor
Question: How did you come up with the idea of selling exclusive CDs at Cracker
Barrel and not ones that were already released nation-wide and sold at
just about every music store?
Answer: We believe music contributes to the Cracker Barrel experience, just like the rocking chairs on the front porch and a fireplace in the dining room. Our guests enjoy comfort foods like Chicken N' Dumplins but they also expect to find unique and nostalgic gifts when they shop in our retail stores. The Alison Krauss and Union Station CD is a natural fit for us. It's authentic music that you would expect to find in Cracker Barrel. The Grand Ole Opry Live Classics series is another natural for us. These previously unreleased recordings remind folks of listening to the Opry on Saturday nights many years ago.
Question: Will there be tapes sold in addition to the CDs?
Answer: CD's only.
Question: Do you think Cracker Barrel will ever expand to DVDs with exclusive footage and perhaps special concerts?
Answer: We're always considering new avenues of bringing unique experiences to our guests.
Question: How did Alison Krauss + Union Station get involved in the project?
Answer: AKUS has been visiting Cracker Barrel for years during their cross-country concert tours. One day they talked about finding a corporate sponsor and Cracker Barrel was the first company they wanted to contact.
Question: Are you a fan of acoustic/bluegrass music?
Answer: Absolutely. I really enjoy the acoustic sounds of bluegrass. The acoustic sound enables the listener to enjoy and appreciate the voice. On the AKUS release, I really like "Unionhouse Branch." Each musician gets a turn and it's amazing how each instrument complements the others. We have other acoustic CD's on our label. I also like our Cephas and Wiggins release that features the piedmont blues.
Question: Do you have any other artists lined up for exclusive CDs?
Answer: We are securing more artists for this unique opportunity.
Question: Why did Cracker Barrel choose to sponsor Alison Krauss + Union Stations' 'Lonely Runs Both Ways' tour?
Answer: AKUS music and Cracker Barrel share something in common: an appreciation of tradition that's respectful of its roots. AKUS' music is unique and it's the style of music a person would expect to find in Cracker Barrel.
Question: Would Cracker Barrel ever consider having their own line of books outlining the different genres of American music? I'm sure that is something visitors would enjoy.
Answer: Our buyers consider books for sale in our retail stores. The most important thing is determining if the product "fits" with the other items we sell. Again, we look for unique items that reflect a nostalgic theme. That's what people expect to find when they shop in a Cracker Barrel retail store.