The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will unveil an exhibit highlighting Alan Jackson’s 25-year career on August 29, 2014. Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ It Country is slated to run through March 2015. Additionally, Jackson will be the museum’s next Artist-in-Residence, delivering unique, intimate performances later this year—making him the first artist to be the subject of a museum exhibit while serving as Artist-in-Residence.
“This exhibit will be a rare treat for museum visitors,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “Fans will recognize artifacts from milestone moments in Alan’s career, as well as items from his life away from the stage that are as personal as many of the songs he has penned over the years. This exhibit and his Artist-in-Residence shows this fall are not to be missed.”
The exhibit will give fans a deep look into Jackson’s career and personal life, showcasing awards, instruments, clothes, personal mementos, albums and music videos. Among the artifacts on display will be:
- The guitar he played on the CMA Awards when he debuted “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” just two months after the September 11th terrorist attacks and the nation’s response that inspired the song.
- The front of an old, red Ford pickup truck that served as Jackson’s first Fan Fair booth, before his sister and brother-in-law had it made into a desk.
- Items from Jackson’s collection of “Mayberry” memorabilia—a jacket, jersey and autographed picture from Don Knotts—from one of his favorite television shows, The Andy Griffith Show.
- Jackson’s first tricycle, childhood bike and scooter, evidence that his love of vehicles started early.
- Harley-Davidson motorcycle from the cover of the seminal album A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love).
- The water ski Jackson rode, while wearing his trademark white cowboy hat, in the “Chattahoochee” music video.
- A collection of belt buckles from the Houston Rodeo—which Jackson has played more than 20 times.
- Handwritten manuscripts of classics like “Drive,” “First Love” (about his ’55 T-bird), “Livin’ on Love” and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
- Numerous music awards, a sailfish caught by Jackson and much more.
In his 25-year career, Jackson has been steadfast in his love for traditional music while enjoying major chart success. Since signing his record deal in June 1989, he has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling country artists of all-time. He has released more than 60 singles—registering 50 Top 10 hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard #1s). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards—including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards. He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
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