Alan Jackson teams with Cracker Barrel on album, merch deal

Alan Jackson's upcoming release, "Songs of Love and Heartache," is being released as part of The Alan Jackson Collection, a new assortment of Jackson merchandise available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, according to a press release. The disc will feature 12 songs including two previously unreleased tunes.

The Alan Jackson Collection, available beginning Nov. 2, will feature more than 40 items created in conjunction with the country star, including clothes, jewelry, food items, collectibles and the exclusive Alan Jackson Signature Rocker chair. Cracker Barrel also will offer Jackson-inspired mugs, candles, hats and decorative throws amongst its items.

The Cracker Barrel stores and restaurants, comprising 591 company-owned locations in 41 states, began a music program in 2003 that features exclusive CDs by some of country music's most popular artists including Dolly Parton, Montgomery Gentry, Bill Gaither, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss and Charlie Daniels, among others.