on-this-day-alan-jackson-wins-acm-award-for-male-artist-of-year-1995

On This Day: Alan Jackson Wins ACM Award for Male Artist of the Year in 1995

A major milestone in Alan Jackson’s career came 26 years ago today. That milestone was his win as the Top Male Vocalist of the Year at the 30th annual ACM Awards.

The event took place on May 10, 1995. And, according to TheBoot.com, Jackson bested some of the biggest names in country music to take home the trophy. The artists were Garth Brooks, Joe Diffie, Vince Gill, and George Strait.

It turns out that 1995 was a big year for Alan Jackson. In addition to winning Top Male Vocalist at the ACM Awards, he was chosen as Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards, according to his website.

He also released his first Greatest Hits album that year. And, had received multiple honors from TNN/Music City News. These included awards as Entertainer and Male Artist of the Year, vocal event, album of the year for “Who I Am,” and single of the year for “Livin’ On Love.” He also went on a tour that included 100 different cities in the United States and Canada.

Alan Jackson stayed at the top of the country music world the following year. In 1996, he also won the award for Top Male Vocalist at the ACM Awards. That year he bested John Berry, Vince Gill, Tim McGraw, and George Strait.

Alan Jackson Reflects On Status of Country Music in ACM Award Acceptance Speech

The significance of winning Top Male Vocalist at the 1995 ACM Awards was not lost on Alan Jackson. And, he said one thing that made the win so sweet was that country music as a genre was so very successful at the time.

“I’ve been out here to the ACMs for I guess four or five years now and I’ve been lucky to be nominated several times,” Jackson said during his acceptance speech. “Country music is doing so well and there are so many great artists in the business. I’m just proud to be a part of it.”

A very special member of his family also made winning the award special for Alan Jackson.

“Thank you all so much – the Academy and everybody for honoring me with this. I can’t think of a better time to receive it than when my momma introduced me,” he said. “God bless all y’all. I’ve had a great time. Thank you!”

You can watch Alan Jackson accept his 1995 ACM Award for Top Male Vocalist below. The duo announcing his victory at the start of the video are Buck Owens and Dyan Cannon.