2008 Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson was born on October 17, 1958, in Newnan, Georgia. While playing in various country bands in Georgia, Alan picked up odd jobs fixing cars, selling cars and operating a forklift in order to pay bills while writing songs. Jackson and his wife Denise picked up and moved to Nashville in 1985, but Alan seemed lost as a writer in a genre of music that wasn't going in the same direction he was. The same year they made the move, Denise met Glen Campbell, who would change their lives forever. She told Glen about her husband and Campbell suggested that Alan should call his publishing company. Not long after, Jackson was hired as a staff songwriter at Campbell's music publishing company.

Jackson was the first country artist signed to Arista Records and his first big hit was the title track from his debut album Here In The Real World. Fifteen years later the country music icon has sold over 40 million albums and has landed more than 30 number one singles.

In 1991 Jackson had three number one hits starting with 'I'd Love You All Over Again', following with 'Don't Rock The Jukebox' and 'Someday'. Jackson won a CMA Award for his video for 'Midnight In Montgomery' in 1992 and then returned with 'Love's Got a Hold on You' and 'She's Got The Rhythm'. Alan Jackson sold over six million copies of A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'Bout Love), propelled by his hit 'Chattahoochee' which spent four weeks at the top of the country charts.

'Chattahoochee' won Single Of The Year in 1993 and Song Of The Year in 1994. Alan seemed to be on a roll and in 1995, he took home his first entertainer trophy from the CMA.

Jackson had quickly become one of the industry's most respected and sought after songwriters. He stepped it up another notch at the 2001 CMA Awards show when he debuted his song about the 9/11 tragedy. 'Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)', which stunned the audience and proved to be the most touching, heartfelt song written about the terrorist attacks.

Surprisingly, it wasn't until 2002 that he finally won his first Grammy for best country song. 'Where Were You' was also awarded with Single Of The Year and Song Of The Year. His album Drive sold more than four million copies that same year with a title track that spent several weeks in the number one spot. Drive was awarded the CMA's album of the year, while Jackson gathered up awards for male vocalist and entertainer of the year.

Alan Jackson has gotten used to playing sold out concerts at huge venues throughout the United States. By 2003, Jackson had gathered up enough successful singles to release another greatest hits collection. The first single released was a duet with Jimmy Buffett. 'Five O'Clock Somewhere' hit number one and was named 2003's vocal event of the year at the CMA Awards. The single also gave Buffett his first music award and chart topping single. For Jackson, 2003 also brought with it another CMA for best male vocalist, his third CMA entertainer trophy, and an excuse to hit the road again and bring his music to his fans.