What a well-deserved honor for the incomparable Alan Jackson.
The Georgia native is set to be honored with the very well-deserved CMT Artist of a Lifetime award at the upcoming 2022 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony next month.
Alan, who released his 25th studio album Where Have You Gone last year, told Billboard that he is “very proud” to be honored with this incredible award:
“I believe I’ve made more videos than just about anybody, and I know how important they have been in bringing my songs to life for the fans, so thank you CMT for all the years and for this sweet honor.
I’m very proud.”
Of course, he’s an icon in the world of country music, and has 26 #1 Billboard country hits under his belt, including “Where I Come From,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” just to name few.
The country legend is currently out on the road for his farewell tour, Last Call: One More for the Road, as he revealed to the public last year that he had been diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which has made it more and more difficult for him to perform on stage at times.
CMT producers added that this was, obviously, a very easy decision to make, and they’re excited to celebrate his incredible and storied career on such a large platform:
“We’re honored to recognize the incomparable Alan Jackson as this year’s CMT ‘Artist of a Lifetime.’
For almost forty years, his traditional sound, iconic voice and beloved catalog of music has captivated audiences across the globe and his talent as a recording artist and songwriter are simply unmatched.
From his early beginnings in Newnan, Georgia, to selling out the world’s largest stages, Alan has led fans on a musical journey with quiet and humble determination.
As his songs continue to inspire generations of fans, we are privileged to celebrate his lifetime of accomplishments.”
He’s in great company, too, as previous artist of a lifetime honorees include Randy Travis (2021), Reba McEntire (2019), Loretta Lynn (2018), Shania Twain (2016), Kenny Rogers (2015) and Merle Haggard (2014).
Alan also was honored as a CMT Giant in 2008, and in 2014, he received the inaugural impact award at the CMT Music Awards.
The show will premiere Friday, October 14th at 9pm ET on CMT, straight from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Other artists set to receive honors during the Artists of the Year ceremony are Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Walker Hayes, Cody Johnson and Carly Pearce.
