Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

JACKSON, Alan

(b 17 Oct. '58, Newnan GA) Successful neo-trad. country singer of the '90s, songwriter and guitarist. Down-to-earth performer worked in various jobs (drove fork-lift at K-Mart, waited on tables), moved to Nashville '85 and nearly starved working small clubs. Demo tape landed him first country act signing to Arista-Nashville '89; debut single 'Blue Blooded Woman' followed by chart-topping 'Here In The Real World' '90 and a long run of hit albums and singles, helping to make Arista one of the top country labels of the '90s. Notable hits incl. 'Don't Rock The Jukebox' '91, 'Midnight In Montgomery' '92 (about a visit to Hank Williams's grave), 'Chattahoochee' '93 (CMA Single of the Year), 'Livin' On Love' '94, 'I Don't Even Know Your Name' '95. The hits were mostly his own songs and his publishing deal '92 reportedly worth several million dollars. One of the most authentic- sounding country singers, Jackson's image is of a good-looking, straight-singing family man who remains modest and unassuming. Joined Grand Ole Opry '91 and won numerous awards at fan-voted TNN/Music City News Awards '90--96, but had to wait until '95 for industry acceptance at CMA Awards for 'Entertainer of the Year'. Meanwhile each album went multi-platinum: Here In The Real World '90, Don't Rock The Jukebox '91, A Lot About Livin' (And A Little About Love) '92, Honky Tonk Christmas '93, Who I Am '94, greatest-hits collection '95.