"Controversial Jason Aldean Song Sparks Small Town Controversy"

Des Moines native Kurt Allison, a long-time guitarist for Jason Aldean, co-wrote the controversial hit song "Try That in a Small Town." The song has faced criticism for its lyrics, which some believe contain racist undertones. The music video, featuring footage of protests and an American flag burning, was pulled from rotation by CMT. Aldean defended the song, stating that it does not reference race and that the video contains real news footage. Allison, who was present during the 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest festival, graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines.