Alan Jackson’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame was a momentous occasion for the singer, who has spent decades crafting one of the most celebrated careers in country music. He recently shared his heartfelt reaction to being inducted into the prestigious institution, describing it as the realization of his “last dream.”
For Jackson, the idea of entering the Hall of Fame was something he never dared to entertain. Despite his legendary status in country music, he humbly felt that the honor might be too lofty for him. He explained, “I never say the Country Music Hall of Fame because I just felt like that was kind of pretentious, you know, to think that I deserve to be in there.”
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However, when the Country Music Association (CMA) announced that Jackson would be part of the 2017 class of Hall of Fame inductees, his feelings of disbelief turned into immense pride. Alongside him were other honorees, including Jerry Reed, who was inducted as a “veterans-era artist,” and Don Schlitz, the iconic songwriter behind classics like “The Gambler.” Jackson himself was inducted as a “modern-era artist.”
During the ceremony, Jackson couldn’t help but chuckle at the designation of “modern-era artist,” as he reflected on his long-standing career. He said, “I heard them say I was ‘modern era,’” with a laugh, “That’s the biggest honor I’ve ever heard in a long time. I’m still in the modern era. I love that! Very cool.”
The country music icon shared a deeply personal moment during his acceptance speech when he recalled the profound influence of his late father. Jackson vividly remembered the day he received his first radio as a young boy, a moment that marked the beginning of his love for country music. He noted, “When Daddy won a radio” – an experience that would later become immortalized in his 1990 hit “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.”
Jackson also reflected on the moments spent watching Hee Haw with his father, which played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue a career in music. His father’s subtle encouragement—“You oughta do something like that”—had a lasting impact on him, planting the seeds for what would become a groundbreaking career in country music.
From the late 1980s onwards, Jackson quickly became a household name, known for his blend of traditional country music with contemporary influences. He amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, including nine multi-platinum albums, 30 No. 1 hits, and three CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.
Despite all of these achievements, Jackson admitted that he was still shocked when he found out about his induction. His manager had created a ruse to set up the big reveal, telling Jackson that his label wanted to meet with him. Jackson, ever the joker, was initially convinced they were about to drop him from the label.
When the CMA’s CEO, Sarah Trahern, entered the room and broke the news, Jackson was left speechless. “Everybody’s been telling me for years, ‘You’ll be in the Hall of Fame,’” he said. “I don’t care what you do, you don’t ever feel like you’re worthy enough. … I didn’t know what to say. I just kind of stumbled around and said, ‘Man, that’s so cool.’”
Later, Jackson took the time to reflect on the weight of the achievement. “Most of them are heroes of mine,” he shared. “And you feel like your name’s in there … That’s crazy. It was pretty wild.”
For Jackson, this recognition was particularly meaningful because of the permanence of the Hall of Fame. Unlike other awards that come and go, the Hall of Fame is a lasting honor. “To be in here, it’s just amazing,” he said. “My grandbabies can come in here and see this.”Jackson, Reed, and Schlitz were formally inducted in October 2017 in a private ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, cementing their legacies as icons in the world of country music.