Published: July 17, 2008 01:50 pm      

Country singer Aaron Tippin meets his fans

Signs autographs at Cracker Barrel

A line curled inside Cracker Barrel’s country store Saturday, as about 350 people waited to get a few precious minutes with country music star Aaron Tippin.

Tippin was in London’s location as part of a promotion for his new CD “He Believed,” which features six classic tracks and six new songs.

Tim and Michelle Turpin were among those getting their picture taken with Tippin.

Tim Turpin is a big fan.

“It’s good home music,” he said. “It’s music — not all that light and glitter pony show. The kind old country boys can relate to.”

The Turpins stopped at Cracker Barrel on their way back to their native Bloomington, Ind., and were thrilled to learn the star had stopped for a visit.

As were Justin and Karlyle Young.

“I was a fan of his when he first started,” Justin Young said. “When I was in seventh grade or something.”

Young appreciates Tippin’s music for much the same reason Turpin does.

“It’s honest, true,” he said. “There’s no hype to it. He’s a real person and he sings about real things.”

The Cracker Barrel staff were likewise excited to have the star in their midst. Waitress Jessica Harris eagerly got her picture taken with him.

“This is just a wonderful experience,” she said. “It’s good, down-home music. Our guests enjoy it.”

General Manager Seth Rice agreed.

“What a great atmosphere here at Cracker Barrel,” he said.

Rice is also a fan of Tippin’s.

“I love the patriotic sound,” he said. “I think we could use more music like that.”

Tippin is visiting 10 Cracker Barrels across the country this summer to promote his CD. The 12-song project was inspired by Tippin’s late father, who died suddenly in 2005.

Rice said the event was a success.

“I think it went fantastic,” he said. “Based on the results, we have already been slated to continue doing these events in this area for Cracker Barrel promotion artists.”

Staff writer Tara Kaprowy can be reached by e-mail at tkaprowy@sentinel-echo.com.