Just 25 years ago, country music's Alan Jackson made history when he signed to Arista Records' Nashville office as their first artist. While new at the time, it turned out to be the right move because fast-forwarding a quarter century proves the artist has one of the most prominent country careers in the industry.
Jackson's catalogue holds 50 Top 10 singles, 60 million albums sold, 18 ACM awards, 16 CMA awards, a couple of Grammys and even a membership in the Grand Ole Opry.
Jackson revealed via a press conference this past Thursday that in order to celebrate his milestone he is going out on tour next year and will fittingly hit 25 cities along the way. The crooner made the announcement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Rolling Stone reports he was met with a standing ovation and had to assure the crowd it was not a farewell tour. He told the audience, "I don't know what I'd retire from. I don't work much now." Having said that, Jackson did deliver the vocals to the title track of Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane's new film A Million Ways to Die in the West – in theaters now.
On August 29, the Hall of Fame plans to open an exhibit that pays tribute to Jackson, holding both collectables from the stage as well as his personal life. He will also be the next "Artist in Residence" for the Hall of Fame.
Apparently, folks were rather surprised to see Jackson in such an agile manner, considering he was reported to have been up rather late the night before, where he received the Impact Award at the CMT Music Awards and offered up a surprise concert at downtown Nashville's the Stage.
Stay tuned for more information on Jackon's upcoming 2015 tour.
