Alan Jackson is among the most successful artists in the history of country music. More than that, with 50 top 10 hits and 35 No. 1 singles under his belt, he’s among the most successful singer/songwriters in the world. He has sold almost 60 million albums and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. At tonight’s (May 8) ACM Awards, he added another win to his long list of accolades. After a stunning performance, he accepted the first-ever Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Few active artists in country music are more deserving of a Lifetime Achievement Award or having one named after them. He was a major force in bringing traditional country music back to the airwaves in the 1990s. More than that, songs like “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Chattahoochee,” and “Tall, Tall Trees” were the soundtrack of a decade and the inspiration for a generation of artists.
The timing of the award is poignant. Tonight was likely the last time fans will see Jackson perform at the ACM Awards. After a long battle with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, he is retiring from touring later this month. With less than two weeks left before he plays his final show, tonight was the perfect night for the “Midnight in Montgomery” singer to get his flowers.
Alan Jackson Accepts the Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award
After a stirring performance of his hit song “Remember When,” Alan Jackson accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award named for him.
“I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream. All these years later, I’m standing here receiving such an honor like this. It’s just mind-blowing,” he said to a round of applause. “I thank God all the time for all the people who have been part of my life and career that helped me get here and maintain this all this time,” he added.
Jackson said there were too many people who helped him get to where he is today to thank before showing his gratitude to his fans. He did, however, take time to thank the most important person on his team. “I especially want to want to thank one person that’s been my best friend since I was 17 years old. That’s my wife Denise out there,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s loved me through the good, the bad, the happy, the sad. She’s influenced me, given me three beautiful daughters, and helped me keep my feet on the ground all these years,” he added. “I wouldn’t be here without her. There’s not much else I can say that’s better than that,” he concluded before thanking the ACM for honoring him with the award.
Featured Image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry
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