Alan Jackson Once Took a Stand for Another Country Legend

Watch the video at the end of this article.

Introduction

Country music legend Alan Jackson has retired from touring, but he’s leaving fans with decades’ worth of incredible memories. One such memory is from the 1999 CMAs, when Jackson showed the world that he wasn’t going to stand for another country legend being disrespected. In a throwback video from the event, Jackson starts singing “Pop a Top” during the CMAs live broadcast. However, he shocked audiences by stopping mid-song to switch to a different hit: “Choices” by George Jones.

This may seem like a strange choice, but there was a method behind Jackson’s madness. Jones sat out the CMAs that year due to being asked to perform a truncated version of “Choices,” which he felt wasn’t worth his time. Jackson’s musical protest sent a subtle but powerful message that the event organizers’ treatment of the legendary crooner just wasn’t right.

It can’t have been easy for Jackson to stick it to the CMAs in such a public way, and Jones appreciated his friend’s actions. As Whiskey Riff shared, he later made a statement in support of Jackson’s performance. “What he did meant more to me than I could ever say,” Jones said. He also shared that both he and his wife, Nancy, had to fight back tears when Jackson started singing his song.

Jones also believed that Jackson’s bold move wasn’t just about standing up for him, but for the genre they both loved. “He made a huge statement on my behalf, and on behalf of traditional country music.” Lastly, Jones praised Jackson’s courage. “[He] didn’t worry about what the consequences might be.”

Jackson left it all on the stage after performing “Choices.” Instead of explaining his actions, or even returning to his seat, the “Little Bitty” singer simply left the event in protest.

The Singer Later Addressed the Incident in an Interview