Alan Jackson Always Admired George Jones
In 1999, Alan Jackson interrupted his own performance at the CMA Awards to honor George Jones. But this was no ordinary tribute. Instead, the circumstances surrounding the performance helped it go down in the country music history books.
Like many country artists, Jackson always admired Jones as one of his musical heroes. However, “The Possum” was even more to Jackson than just a role model; he was a friend.
The two maintained a friendship for many years. Jones and his wife, Nancy, even appeared in Jackson’s music video for “Good Time.”
After Jones passed away in 2013, Jackson took to the Opry stage at his funeral and performed Jones’ iconic track, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
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Years prior, Jackson showed his respect for Jones with another performance of one of his emotional songs. In doing so, he created what is now known as one of the greatest moments in country music history.
The Story Behind Jones’ “Choices” & His Decision Not To Sing At The CMA Awards
The year was 1999. Both Jones and Jackson were experiencing immense career success at the time. Jones’ album, Cold Hard Truth, was one of the best-performing records of his career. It peaked at the fifth spot on the Top Country Albums chart.
Its success was boosted by its most popular track, “Choices. Songwriters Billy Yates and Mike Curtis wrote it with Jones in mind.
“Choices” was an instant hit, and radio stations received endless calls to play it. It was also a hit within the music industry. Jones earned the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for bringing the song to life.
“Choices” was also nominated for Single of the Year at the 1999 CMA Awards (it lost to The Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces”). Since Jones was a nominee, the CMA asked him to perform “Choices” during the ceremony.
But there was a catch. The CMA allegedly told Jones he would have limited time to perform, so they asked him to sing a shortened version of “Choices.”
Jones refused. Furthermore, he ended up not attending the awards ceremony.
Alan Jackson Interrupts His Own Song To Sing George Jones’ Choices At The CMA Awards
This is where Jackson came in.
Jackson was also invited to perform on the show. He was asked to sing his hit song “Pop a Top,” which, chart-wise, performed even better than Jones’ “Choices.”
The lively and fun-loving tune seemed like the perfect fit for the awards ceremony. Jackson received a full performance slot to showcase it.
He started the song normally, seeming bubbly and cheerful as he sang. However, only his band knew that underneath his grin and white cowboy hat, Jackson was less than happy.
After hearing how the CMA approached Jones about singing “Choices,” Jackson was upset. He decided if the CMA wasn’t going to let Jones sing the way he wanted to, he would make certain he was still recognized during the ceremony.
Suddenly, during an instrumental break in “Pop a Top,” Jackson stopped singing his own song. Instead, he broke into an emotional performance of “Choices,” prompting the entire crowd to cheer and rise to its feet.
Remember one of my fav songs being sung by Alan Jackson at the CMA awards show, "Choices" by George Jones. Classic moment
— Sandra Kay Jeffrey (@racinrocks) April 26, 2013
Jackson didn’t linger to bask in the applause showered upon him. He simply turned around and walked offstage, guitar in hand.
It’s often been reported that Jones watched the show from home and was moved to tears by Jackson’s gesture.
Back then, Jackson’s actions were viewed as a sort of “protest” against the CMA. While many still view the moment in the same way today, it is more often regarded as a showcase of respect from one country icon to another.
Do you remember when Jackson stopped singing his own song to recognize Jones instead? No matter the answer, you’ll want to watch the moment in the video below.