Country music legend Alan Jackson is celebrating his birthday on Oct. 17. The “Chattahoochie” singer is turning 62.
While millions of his fans know Jackson for his dozens of No. 1 songs, many likely don’t know about his humble beginnings and road to success in the country music industry. Here’s all you need to know about Alan Jackson…
Jackson is the youngest of five children born to Joseph Eugen and Ruth Musick. Of his siblings, Jackson is the only boy. He grew up in a small home in Newnan, GA built around his grandfather’s tool shed on their nine-acre farm.
In addition to living near his grandparents, Jackson also lived within walking distance to several other family members including an aunt and a grandmother who lived directly behind him.
“We weren’t way out in the country, but we were rural,” he once told American Profile. “I didn’t know how unusual it was to grow up surrounded by that much family until I got older. It was different. I realize now that a big part of who I am comes from growing up the way I did.”
While Jackson did not grow up with “much money,” he credits his parents with giving him and his siblings a special upbringing.
“I think I had really good parents who were very caring people, very honest and humble people,” Jackson said. “When you’re raised that way, it stays with you most of your life. Of course, you don’t realize how special that is until you’re older. We didn’t have much money, but we were always happy. I’ve always had an easy, comfortable life.”
