March 20, 2006 — When you're a superstar like Alan Jackson it's difficult to do things on the down low. Very few secrets that remain secrets for long. So it should have been no surprise when the word got out that Jackson had stepped into a recording studio to make a Christmas gift for his mother.

Precious Memories, a 15-track collection of classic hymns, was something his mother had been wanting Jackson to record for years. "We just went in there with a piano and acoustic guitar and just laid it down, real loose, making an album for my mama," the media-shy Jackson said. "We got a little company to press a few covers and stuff and I gave some to my family and a few other people for Christmas."

And that was to be the end of it.

But one of those 'other people' was Jackson's label head, RCA chief Joe Galante, who loved the record and wanted to release it on a major scale. "Precious Memories" debuted in the No. 1 slot on the country sales chart after its first week of commercial release.

Now fans will be treated to a television performance of classics from the album — "Old Rugged Cross," "Softly and Tenderly," "I'll Fly Away" and "Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus." Among others — on Jackson's Great American Country special, Alan Jackson's Precious Memories Concert, on Thursday, March 23, at 8 p.m. (ET). The special was taped on the stage of the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., the "mother church" of country music.

"I love those songs and they mean a lot to me," Jackson said. "I grew up singing just about every one of those. Mama made me go to church and we'd have to stand up and sing those songs on Sunday morning with a big ol' pipe organ."

The Noonan, Ga.-born singer has sold more 44 million albums and charted 31 No. 1 hits during his 15-year career. But this particular project was a family affair with wife Denise and two of Jackson's three daughters contributing backing vocals.

The making of this special record brought Jackson the realization that the church music of his youth impacted him more than he'd thought: "That music really stuck with me and, I'm sure, affected how I hear songs now and write songs, 'cause a lot of those old songs are really pretty, simple melodies that stick with you."

This week's GACTV.com Country Q & A comes from Mary Lou in Lancaster, Pa.:

Q: I'm happy for the announcement of Kelsi Osborn's pregnancy, but I was wondering if she will come back to SHeDAISY?

A: You don't have to worry about Kelsi leaving SHeDAISY after her twins are born. In fact, Kelsi says, "I'll stay on tour right up until the time the doctor tells me I can't go out any more. I'll be out there until I drop a baby and give birth on stage!" Kelsi was kidding, of course, but added seriously, "I'll work as long as the doctor says I can, but I will miss performing, because it's my favorite thing." When Kelsi departs, the group's little sister, Karli, will step in temporarily to finish out the tour. And SHeDAISY assures their fans that Karli is a great singer, too.

(Ronna Rubin, a 21-year veteran of the music industry, can be contacted at ronna@gacmusicbeat.com.)

Click below for Alan Jacson touring dates...