Alan Jackson, whose career kicked off in the 1980s and exploded during the '90s country wave with heartfelt songs for the working man who'd rather be drinking, or fishing, or both, wrapped up his touring career with one last concert on Saturday night in Nashville. But before he sang a list of his best-known hits, some of the biggest names in contemporary country gave fans at Nissan Stadium their takes on Alan Jackson songs over the evening's first two hours, the AP reports. The concert was billed as "Last Call: One More for the Road—The Finale."
Performers in the first half of the concert included Jake Owen, Little Big Town, Riley Green, Lee Ann Womack, Jon Pardi, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, and Lainey Wilson, per American Songwriter. They sprinkled personal stories about Jackson between songs. George Strait later joined Jackson onstage for songs including their 2002 hit "Designated Drinker," per USA Today. "It's almost impossible to pick a favorite Alan Jackson song ... but I had to try," said Combs before launching into "Hard Hat and a Hammer." Underwood said the first concert she attended was one of Jackson's.
After an hourlong storm delay, it was Jackson's turn. The Country Music Hall of Famer, who's sold 60 million records, appeared stiff as he walked out, per the AP, but returned to form—including his smoky baritone—once he began "Gone Country." Jackson, 67, is retiring from touring because of a chronic inherited neurological condition, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. "If anyone has lived the American dream," he said at one point, "it's me." The concert is scheduled to air on NBC later in the year.
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