Alan Jackson Covers 5 Country Classics

“It’s who you are, it’s not what you do or what you have.”  Those are the sentiments of country music superstar Alan Jackson, and they sum him up pretty well. His incredible achievements do not dictate his self-worth. And those achievements are indeed incredible. Without question, Jackson has been one of the most successful music artists of the last four decades. His career record sales surpass 60 million, he is a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and has over 30 #1 hits to his name.

In addition to A.J. being an incredible vocalist and musician, he is also an exceptional songwriter. In fact, Jackson’s prowess with the pen is so great that in 2018, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His relatable tales of daily struggles strike a chord with fans of all genres, not just of country music. But Jackson is also careful to pay homage to those that paved the way for him. He loves to cover the tunes that impact his neotraditional style and delivery. This is Alan Jackson covering 6 country classics.

“Summertime Blues”

A rockabilly staple, this Eddie Cochran tune was originally released in the summer of 1958. It was produced by Cochran and co-written by him and his manager Jerry Capehar. This song expressed the perfect teenage angst for a rapidly changing American music scene. Flanked by artists such as Buddy Holly and Elvis, Cochran’s original reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jackson covered the song in 1994, releasing it as his lead single from his album Who I Am. However, Alan has stated that it was Buck Owens’ 1988 version as the primary motivation to cover the song. Jackson’s version of “Summertime Blues” is the most successful of any iteration, topping the charts in both the United States and Canada.

“Who’s Cheatin’ Who”

Nothing says country music like a good ole cheatin’ song. In this case, abandoned are all attempts at nuance and innuendo. The tune was penned by Jerry Hayes, a member of the Memphis Songwriters Hall of Fame. It was first recorded by Tennessee songbird Charly McClain in 1980. In 1981, the song became McClain’s first #1 hit. Alan Jackson included “Who’s Cheatin’ Who” on his chart-topping album Everything I Love. Released in late 1996, Alan’s cover reached #2 in both Canada and the United States. Perhaps the true legacy of Jackson’s version however is the music video. It features several NASCAR legends such as Dale Jarrett and Rusty Wallace as well as A.J. at the helm of some intimidating machinery.

“Pop a Top”

Lone Star state native Nat Stuckey penned numerous hits for himself and other artists from the mid-60s to the late 80s. Among these are “Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line” by Buck Owens and “Diggin’ Up Bones” by Randy Travis. But without a doubt, one of his most enduring tunes is “Pop a Top.” Stuckey initially recorded the number in 1966, but it was Jim Ed Brown who put the song on the map. Brown’s version peaked at #3 on the country charts in 1967. Alan Jackson released the tune as the lead single from his 1999 covers album Under the Influence. AJ’s version peaked at #6 and introduced an entire generation to the concept of a pop top.

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'”

This country music staple was released by country music Hall of Famer Charley Pride in 1971. Pride had 29 career #1 singles; however, this song became his signature tune. It was written by Ben Peters and produced by Jack Clement, both members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Pride’s version was a huge crossover hit, not only topping the country tally, but making it to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” was a natural fit for Jackson’s Under the Influence album. The 1999 collection features cover versions from artists that A.J. most admired. Charley Pride was certainly one of those. Jackson later stated, “I loved Charley Pride. He was one of my heroes.”

“He Stopped Loving Her Today”

It is no secret that Alan Jackson draws upon the influence of his idols. His idol George Jones may just be his biggest influence. But by 1980, Jones was hovering in burnout territory. That’s when producer Billy Sherrill convinced George to record a melancholic ballad written by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock. Needless to say, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” became a career defining hit for George. Alan Jackson calls it, “as near a perfect country song as you could ever imagine.” The arc of Alan’s career can be measured by this iconic tune. In 1985, A.J. sang the song on his first television appearance on the show You Can Be A Star. In May of 2013, Jackson performed the tune at George Jones’ funeral. There could be no bigger honor.