Recently, a radio show host shared a conspiracy theory that Zach Top is Alan Jackson’s illegitimate son. It’s a hilarious and highly unlikely and hilarious theory that many are latching onto, if only because it’s so fun. However, there’s no denying the similarities.
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The video below posted by Canadian radio station 93.7 JR Country points out some interesting connections between the artists. First, the host notes that Jackson played in Tacoma, Washington—a little more than three hours from Top’s hometown of Sunnyside—nine months before the younger singer’s birth. Then, an overlay showed how alike Jackson and Top look.
[RELATED: Bringing Back The Past: Zach Top’s Mission of Reviving ‘90s Country Music]
While it is hard to believe that Jackson fathered an illegitimate child who grew up to be the face of a new wave of traditional country music, there are some parallels between the two.
Zach Top Gives Off Alan Jackson Vibes
First, let’s look at the obvious connection between Zach Top and Alan Jackson. Later this year, Top will provide support on Jackson’s Last Call with Alan Tour. Fans in Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Orlando, Tampa, and Milwaukee will get to see just how alike the pair of performers is later this year.
Top took to social media to announce the shows last year calling Jackson one of his “musical heroes” after performing a quick mashup of “Sounds Like the Radio” and “Chattahoochee.” Interestingly, Top has posted several covers of classic country and ‘90s country songs but hasn’t shared a cover of a Jackson tune.
Similar-sounding artists tour together all the time. So, the two being on the road together isn’t a huge surprise. However, Top mirrors his musical hero in more than sonic quality. It’s not hard to draw a parallel between his position in the country music industry and the position in which the “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” singer found himself a little more than 30 years ago.
Today, Top is the face of a ‘90s country revival. He’s tapping into the throwback sound that many genre fans crave today. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Jackson was one of a handful of artists including Clint Black, Randy Travis, and a few others who were injecting traditional sounds into country when it had leaned heavily into pop production during the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Some say that Jackson and his contemporaries saved the genre, laying the groundwork for the boom of great country music in the early to mid-‘90s. Today, many are saying the same about Top.
In short, Top most likely isn’t Jackson’s long-lost son. However, he might be to this generation what Jackson was to his.
Featured Image by Steve Jennings/Getty Images
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