Alan Jackson

by Frank M. Roberts

August 2015

During my 50-plus years of reviewing concerts, music releases, and plays, I very seldom penned anything mean. If something was not right, I said so, but without vengeance in my heart; Conversely, I hardly ever raved on about something that really excited me. I wanted to burst with joy, but I managed to control myself - didn't rave on, but made sure the readers know that I had a helluva good time.

What this is leading to is the newest release from one of only two country singers who are singing - well - country, not a noisy, crowded hybrid.

I'm talking, of course, about Alan Jackson and George Strait. The latter is not doing much, but the tall drink of water from Georgia keeps going and, if possible, is better than ever. His new CD, which will probably top Billboard's top album chart shortly (if it hasn't already) is called - great title - "Angels and Alcohol" and, before you go 'ugh' listen to it. The title? Good news - it sides with the angels as it strongly suggests imbibing non-alcoholic beverages. Pay attention to the lyrics. In a sense, it is biographical because, for awhile, Jackson had his strong drink-related problems.

Also in the CD is sort-of a companion piece. "Jim and Jack and Hank" refers to Beam, Daniels, and Williams (senior and junior). It lets you know the Beam and Daniels are not necessities of life. He sings, "I got -- then he mentions the names of some of country music's greatest performers.

Another fave of mine in the release is titled, "Flaws." (I thought that was something you walked on). Anyway, it reminds us that "we all got 'em. AJ lets us know that nobody's perfect (present company excepted). It almost sounds like Ann Landers set to music. If you want something beautiful - musically and lyrically - listen to this cut.

Jackson very proudly points out, "I kept it country." Amen and thank heavens. No mix of other genres, no loud for loud's sake - no gimmicks, no tricks. The release reminds us that he is not only a great singer, but also a great songwriter. He wrote seven of the 10 songs. (Only complaint, the CD is too short). Proof of his talent as a writer might floor you. He is in the elite company of John and Paul. All three have written more than 20 songs that have hit number one. And, some more impressive stuff: He has sold more than 60 million albums - released more than 60 singles, with 50 of them going top-10, and 35 hitting the top spot.

I think it's safe to say that a big reason for his popularity is that there are so many country fans, and he is the only country singer that sings and sounds country. He seems to have the field to himself. Oh, and let us not forget that beautiful voice.

I mentioned 'the other guy', Strait. About 15 years ago the two of them paired in a song that tells it all. "Murder On Music Row" rightly complained that 'traditional' country music is more dead than alive. It was never released as a single, but was taken out of the album for airplay by deejays who knew what it was all about. They even opened the 2000 Academy of Country Music Awards Show that year.

Alan Jackson is not the family's only writer. Wife, Denise, wrote about their marital problems (long since, solved) in a book that topped the New York Times best-seller list. "It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life," covers their love life, his infidelity, and goes into their commitment to Christianity. The "Him" in the title is not AJ.

The couple have three lovely daughters. The family had something else to worry and pray about - Denise, his wife of 33 years, developed cancer. Through song and publication, they made it public, and that was followed by a big bunch of prayers from fans. I was going to devote a part of this column to the 'facts and figures' about the Jackson career but, just take my word for it: They are multitudinous.

Jackson is a native of Newnan, GA. and has been a star since '83. His closest friend in the business - no surprise - was another pure, pure country guy - George Jones. Oh, his dad is Joseph Eugene Jackson. His mother might have foretold her son's career choice: Ruth Musick (well, with a 'k') Jackson and, there are four older sisters.

They lived in a small home built around his grandpa's toolshed. Mom is still there. He had a series of small jobs until he and his wife moved to Nashville and, after the usual struggle, stardom banged him in the head. He deserves his star status and, as the old dandruff remover used to advertise, it (i.e. him)"is head and shoulders above anything else on the market."

I had one afternoon, interviewing Lynn Anderson. Sad to say, she passed away this month. I said it before, and I will say it again: Of all the female singers I have encountered, she was my favorite - wide open, a pure joy - a wonderful lady with a bright, sweet smile.

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Walt Disney, of course, is known for his animated friends, and some live ones who made our lives more enjoyable. The U. S. Navy appreciates him for another reason: He developed scuba diving so that a stunt man could breathe through an oxygen tent strapped to his back for a film stunt while swimming in deep water during a special effect in a film. In the '60s he was still developing war techniques for the government, doing all of that right smack dab in the middle of Hollywood. Uncle Walt was helping Uncle Sam.

And, speaking of inventions, a perfumer could make a fortune. All he has to do is come up with a scent that can hold its own against a football double header.