Alan Jackson performs "Good Time" at "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. Photographer: Donn Jones / Provided by Country Music Association.
Dec. 30, 2008 — Alan Jackson came to prominence at the same time that Garth Brooks started selling out arenas with big-production shows and a lot of glitz.
Alan even won a few Entertainer of the Year awards over the last two decades, though his concerts are comparatively underplayed. When it comes down to making decisions, he tends to ask himself a simple question: What would Merle do?
"We have a nice video and lights, but I don't jump out of the floor or come out of the ceiling," he told The Detroit Free Press. "We don't have exotic dancers."
Merle Haggard once walked off the set at "The Ed Sullivan Show" when he was asked to do a number with dancers celebrating a Broadway show. George Strait has fashioned a very successful career while limiting his TV appearances to the barest of minimums. Alan follows their lead when he makes decisions about how to conduct his career — particularly in the live arena.
"That's who I model myself after," he said. "We have a good band, and we play live music, and that's it."
Alan already has several major concerts on his schedule for 2009. They include the BamaJam in Enterprise, Ala., and RodeoHouston.
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