Eric Church had a couple of reasons to throw a party on Monday (July 30) at Marathon Village in Nashville. Eric was celebrating the No. 1 success of his single "Springsteen" along with the platinum status of his album Chief, recently certified for sales of 1 million copies.

"This has been an unreal year," Eric told the assembled crowd of media and industry guests. "I can tell you that I have the best team around me. The best band and crew, best support staff," he added, referring to his record label, EMI Nashville, as well as his management, publishers and publicity firm. "I'd like to think that's the case because of the music."

Eric and his co-writers received plaques from the label and Eric was also the recipient of some extra swag: a pair of sunglasses and some specially made cigars. The top gift of all was unveiled from a Jack Daniel's keg, a platinum label bottle of the distillery's finest.

"I can never express what you guys mean to me," Eric said, nodding toward his co-writers and other friends. "But I love you all, you guys. And thanks for the whiskey most of all."