Alan Jackson
The singer/songwriter Alan Jackson continues his streak of charting hits with “That’s What I Love About You”, The track spent another week atop Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, making it Jackson’s ninth number one hit. Jackson has now earned eight consecutive Hot Country Songs number ones since “When She Says Baby,” featuring Kacey Musgraves, topped out at the end of 2016.
Jackson became the third artist in history to score nine straight Hot Country Songs number ones when he reached the milestone earlier today (Jan. 9). He joins George Strait, whose 11 career Hot Country Songs number ones are tied for most among active artists, and Kenny Chesney, who has 10 Hot Country Songs number ones.
Jackson also logged a sixth career Top 5 single on the Adult Contemporary chart with “I Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl,” which debuted at No. 3 on this list dated Jan. 8.
Early life
Jackson was born on August 28, 1963, in Atlanta, Georgia. His father, Joe, worked as a mechanic for Southern Railway Company. In addition to being a musician, he was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing chess.
His parents divorced when he was three years old. After the divorce, he moved with his mother and siblings to Newnan, Georgia, where he attended Newnan High School.
After graduating high school, he enrolled at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, majoring in journalism and minoring in psychology. While attending college, he played guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and piano. He wrote songs while working at a local radio station.
In 1984, he formed the band the Jacksons, which included brothers Michael and Jermaine, along with Marlon, Randy, Jackie, Tito, La Toya, and Janet. They performed at venues across the United States, including the 1986 World Series in Chicago, Illinois, and the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
The group achieved success with their self-titled debut album, released in 1987. Their second album, Destiny, followed in 1989 and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Both albums produced five singles, including “Who’s Loving You,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Man in the Mirror,” “I’ll Be There,” and “Another Chance.” The latter song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals in 1990.
By the end of the 1980s, the Jacksons had become one of the most successful musical acts of all time. At the height of their popularity, the group earned $100 million per year. They became known for their elaborate stage show, choreography, costumes, and dance routines.
While performing, Jackson often wore a glove on his left hand, which he claimed helped him keep his hands warm during concerts. During rehearsals, however, he removed it because he preferred to play without gloves.
Career
Jackson began his career in radio at WZNN in Knoxville, TN. He later moved to Atlanta where he worked at WGCL. After moving to Los Angeles, he landed a position at KABC-TV as a reporter. In 1982, he joined TNN as a producer/writer. He eventually became a news director. In 1986, he left TNN to join NBC News as a correspondent. In 1987, he returned to TNN as a host.
In 1989, Jackson was hired by CBS News as a correspondent based out of New York City. He was promoted to executive producer in 1991. From 1992 to 1994, he served as co-executive producer of 48 Hours. During this period, he won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Investigative Journalism.
From 1995 to 1998, he hosted 60 Minutes Sunday night edition. In 1997, he received another Emmy Award for Best Hosting.
In 1999, Jackson returned to TNN as anchor and managing editor of Access Hollywood. In 2000, he left Access Hollywood to become chief news officer for CNN.
In 2002, Jackson was named president of CNN International. In 2004, Jackson returned to TBN as host of Inside Edition. In 2006, he was appointed president of programming for TBN. In 2008, he was named CEO of TBN.
In 2012, Jackson announced that he would retire from TBN in 2013. However, he continued to work for TBN until 2016.
