And they ask most artists at one time or another to reduce to your song and it's not unusual, and people say, 'Well everybody has to do that.' Back then, Jackson’s actions were viewed as a sort of “protest” against the CMA. At that time, Jackson surely would never imagine he'd be singing an emotional rendition of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" at Jones' 2013 funeral at the Grand Ole Opry.

But “The Possum” was even more to Jackson than just a role model, he was a friend.

Jackson did have several opportunities to honor Jones, like at his funeral and at the CMA Awards later that year. Sam Elliott Voices New Joe Biden Campaign Ad: 'There is Only One America'. “Rare” Two-Headed Snake Discovered In Florida, Hank Jr’s Daughter, Holly, Remembers Late Sister On…, Miranda Lambert’s Husband Stars In Her New Music…, Luke Bryan Performs “What She Wants Tonight” At…, 2020 CMT Music Awards’ Collaborative Video Of The…, Gabby Barrett Shows Off Baby Bump During “I…, Kane Brown Honors Wife Katelyn By Singing “Worship…. But Jackson also grew up idolizing Jones, so of course he had a bit of a fanboy moment.

We want to hear from you! But there was a catch. And of course, Jackson framing the letter is the perfect touch. Its success was surely boosted by its most popular track, the song “Choices,” which songwriters Billy Yates and Mike Curtis wrote with the country music legend in mind.

And Jackson, well, he kept his sturdy ascent to the top of the genre on track. Whether the answer is yes or no, you’ll want to catch the moment in the video below. Jones refused to do so, and ended up not attending the awards. The CMA informed Jones that he would only have a limited time to perform, and asked him to sing a shortened version of “Choices” rather than the full song. "I felt strongly about it," Jackson says. With its hardcore honky-tonk feel and double-meaning lyrics, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” was catchy and fun — and had the added benefit of serving as a rallying cry for fans who felt country had gotten too far from its roots. The musician his … Sign up for our newsletter. Jones refused to do so, and ended up not attending the awards. Jackson, on the other hand, was a mailroom helper at the now-defunct The Nashville Network. By the time he finished, Jackson didn’t linger to bask in the overwhelming applause being showered upon him. Jackson eventually signed to Glen Campbell's publishing company and met Keith Stegall, who was a judge on the show at the time. The song became one of his biggest hits, in part because of the message. You know, those people who influenced us so much we just wouldn't be who we are without them. He was asked to sing his hit song “Pop a Top,” which chart-wise, had performed even better than Jones’ “Choices.”. As serious Jackson fans know, Stegall went on to produce nearly every Alan Jackson record, including his 1990 debut Here In The Real World. Like many country artists, Alan Jackson has always looked up to George Jones as one of his greatest musical heroes. And then in 2000, Jackson and George Strait released "Murder On Music Row," a song using an actual murder that took place on music row as a metaphor for how traditional artists such as George Jones would never make it in the current music industry. Remember one of my fav songs being sung by Alan Jackson at the CMA awards show, "Choices" by George Jones. The vast majority of Alan's other single records have gone to number one. ", Jones actually called in to the show to thank Jackson personally for the performance. That kind of vulnerability and honesty from somebody who most consider the greatest country singer ever just goes to show how close the two really were. When Alan Jackson landed a record deal in 1989, George Jones already had well over 50 album releases and 10 No. Alan Acts Out On George’s Behalf. "I want to hear some Jones," he sings. So, the Country Music Association asked Jones to perform the tune during the telecast -- but due to time constraints, only a verse and a chorus. Why Are Men So Compelled to Defend Jacking Off on a Work Zoom? Few people realize it, but Alan Jackson kinda-sorta got his start on a singing show, too. You see, after hearing how the CMA had approached Jones about singing “Choices,” Jackson was upset. Jones’ album, Cold Hard Truth, was one of the most well-performing records of his career, as it peaked at the fifth spot on the Country Albums chart. Alan Acts Out On George’s Behalf. "You have been a true friend and I love you for that. the wry Jones says.

You see, after hearing how the CMA had approached Jones about singing “Choices,” Jackson was upset. His duet with me was his first not to crack the top 50.".

"Keep it country, George Jones.". In it, he implores fellow bar patrons to play country music on the jukebox to help ease his heartache. The chance performance did actually help Alan Jackson meet some important folks in Music City. The fresh-faced singer got the opportunity to sing the show into commercial break, and wouldn't you know it, he used what could've been his only shot to sing George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today.". Jones refused to do so, and ended up not attending the awards.