What a welcome home for Alan Jackson. On Valentine’s Day, the 61-years-young Jackson gave it his all and then some to a sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena.
His love for everything Georgia was apparent that night as he performed hit after hit as the large video screen displayed original footage of music videos and highlighting his 40 plus years in the industry. The concert also featured a tribute to his wife Denise as he dedicated, “I’d Love You All Over Again” during his 100 plus minutes on stage.
State Farm Arena swayed in unison to a bounty of country hits from Jackson. Everything from “I Don’t Even Know Your Name” and “If Love Was A River” to “Small Town Southern Man”, Jackson had the crowd eating out of the palms of his hands.
The Newnan, Georgia, native was born on October 17, 1958. His father, Joseph Eugene “Daddy Gene” Jackson, worked as a mechanic at a Ford Motor Company assembly plant. His mother, Ruth “Mama Ruth” Musick Jackson, was a dietitian and school cafeteria manager. As Jackson paid tribute in his song “Home,” his father built the family’s residence around a one-room toolshed, expanding the home through the years to accommodate the births of Alan and his four older sisters.
Award-winning Canadian country star Tenille Townes opened the show and she is currently promoting her new EP, Road to the Lemonade Stand.
The crowd and State Farm Arena workers left that night with nothing but happiness and love as Jackson’s love for them covered downtown Atlanta. Everyone left dancing and high-fiving one another, no matter age, race, color or size. I had the pleasure of meeting Instagram Video Blogger @Lexthevisualblogger who was capturing people do his catchphrase, “You Shine, I Shine, We Shine!” What a beautiful way to end Valentine’s Day 2020.
For more information about Alan Jackson or to see his tour schedule in full, visit his website www.alanjackson.com
-Desmond McLennon