HomeEF CountryAlan Jackson enters Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Alan Jackson enters Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Country music legend Alan Jackson has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.

The induction gala took place on Thursday 15th June in New York City, where Jackson was inducted by his longtime producer, songwriter and friend Keith Stegall. Jackson also performed his hit song, Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning), which he wrote in response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, Jackson said, “It’s such an honour to be included with all these people.” He added, “Most people I know are just working, trying to make a living, raise children, have a good time and enjoy life. Sometimes their lives are already hard… and they just want something that makes ’em feel good or helps them get through a hard time – music is a relief from some of that sometimes. Keith said I’m just a singer of simple songs. And I am.”

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Jackson was inducted alongside John Mellencamp, Robert ‘Kool’ Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown and James ‘JT’ Taylor of Kool and the Gang, Jermaine Dupri, Allee Willis, Steve Dorff and Bill Anderson. They join just 400 other fellow inductees.

The induction places Jackson alongside many of the greatest songwriters of all time such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Other members from the country music world include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn.

Originally from Newnan, Georgia, Alan Jackson initially rose to fame in 1990 with his debut hit, Here In The Real World. Since then he’s released more than 60 singles, including 50 top 10 hits and 35 number ones – 24 of which he wrote or co-wrote – and has sold almost 60 million albums around the world. Additionally, he has won 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards (including three Entertainer of the Year Awards), two Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders, Golden Notes and Heritage Awards.

Jackson was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2017. He’s also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame and has been a Grand Ole Opry member for over 25 years. In 2016, Jackson was named as one of the Top 10 Country Artists Of All Time by Billboard.

The Songwriters Hall Of Fame was established in 1969 and recognises, celebrates and honours popular music composers and lyricists. To qualify for induction, a songwriter must have been a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalogue of hit songs. The Songwriters Hall Of Fame also develops new writing talent through workshops, showcases, scholarships and digital initiatives.

Laura Cooney
Laura Cooney
Laura has been writing for Entertainment Focus since 2016, mainly covering music (particularly country and pop) and television, and is based in South West London.

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