Georgia native and country giant Jackson will be honored as part of the network's Artists of the Year special October 14.
If you’re a fan of traditional country music that stands the test of time, you might want to set your alarm (or your DVR) for Friday, Oct. 14, at 8 Central. That’s when CMT will air its star-studded Artists of the Year special, bringing well-deserved honors and tributes to music luminaries including Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, and Walker Hayes. All have had a tremendous year on the charts, on the radio, and on live stages.
But we mentioned standing the test of time, didn’t we? While all of this year’s aforementioned Artist of the Year honorees certainly have the “stuff” to last, they could probably ask for a few pointers from the man who will receive the CMT event’s ultimate Artist of a Lifetime honor — Alan Jackson.
Country music’s Georgia-born giant began his career in the late ’80s and has stayed in the upper echelon ever since. Jackson still commands the attention of the entire country music stratosphere when he puts out new tunes, and his shows are consistently satisfying and moving (he’s currently on what he dubs his “Last Call Tour”).
Past Artists of a Lifetime include Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, and Merle Haggard. Jackson will join the elite bunch as his colleagues in country music take the opportunity to toast his career and his decades of stellar recordings.
Listen: Alan Jackson Through The Years
About those recordings, have you looked through Jackson’s discography lately? We pulled together memorable hits from every album in a special Spotify playlist above, but it only scratches the surface of his body of work. You’ll be amazed at the scope – there are songs to get you through every trial of life, from Sunday morning all the way to Saturday night.
Set Your DVR
CMT Artists of the Year is set to air as a 90-minute special Friday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m. Central. Featuring honorees Alan Jackson, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, and Walker Hayes, among others.
UPDATE, OCT. 14: CMT has released the list of performers, including an added Loretta Lynn tribute.
From its release: "The 90-minute ceremony will also feature never-before-seen performances and collaborations, with special guests, performers and presenters, in addition to a heartfelt tribute to late country legend Loretta Lynn from sisters Crystal Gayle and Peggy Sue Wright, presented by Tanya Tucker and Martina McBride. The full lineup includes:
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HONOREES
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Alan Jackson
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Carly Pearce
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Cody Johnson
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Kane Brown
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Lainey Wilson
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Luke Combs
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Walker Hayes
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PERFORMERS
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Alan Jackson
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Carly Pearce
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Cody Johnson
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Crystal Gayle + Peggy Sue Wright
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Kane Brown
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Lainey Wilson
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Riley Green
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Walker Hayes + Ciara
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PRESENTERS/SPECIAL GUESTS
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Chris Stapleton
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Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
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Dan + Shay
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Dustin Lynch
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Kelsea Ballerini
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Kelsey Asbille
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Gary LeVox
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Martina McBride
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Shane McAnally
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Tanya Tucker
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WHEN: Premieres Friday, October 14h at 9p/8c on CMT; immediate encore at 11p/10c and Sunday, October 16 at 8p/7c."