Auburn Mayor Declares ‘Alan Jackson Day’

By Gayle Thompson/The Boot April 16, 2014 10:00 AM
 

Alan Jackson has earned dozens of awards and trophies in a career that has spanned more than 20 years, and now he has earned yet another accolade.

Prior to his recent performance on April 12 at the 50th Annual Alpha Psi Rodeo and Concert in Auburn, Ala., the city’s mayor, Bill Ham, Jr., declared the entire day Alan Jackson Day in honor of the Georgia native’s numerous accomplishments.

Jackson, who was given a plaque in honor of the occasion, is also nominated for a Billboard Music Award next month for Top Christian Album for his 2013 record, ‘Precious Memories: Vol. II.’

The 55-year-old has already had a memorable year. His latest album, ‘The Bluegrass Album,’ logged an impressive four months in the No. 1 spot, but the singer, who wrote eight of the 11 tracks on the record, remains humble about his success.

“I’m just a fan of the music,” he tells The Boot. “I didn’t want to do something that disappointed the bluegrass world. I didn’t want ‘em to think I’m just another country act wanting to make a bluegrass album. I really wanted to try to write some songs that were a decent approach from a bluegrass perspective, and same way with the production and everything.”

Jackson will undoubtedly perform songs from both ‘Precious Memories, Vol. II’ and ‘The Bluegrass Album’ as he crosses the country performing over the next few months, including a performance at MerleFest next week. See a list of all of his upcoming shows here.