Country Music Hall of Fame member Alan Jackson is one of country music’s most iconic artists, thanks to his sturdy catalog of hits. But Jackson is also known as a songwriter and artist in equal measure, having been a writer on the bulk of his 26 No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart hits.
He’s the sole writer on many of those hits, such as 1996’s “Home,” 2002’s “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and 1994’s “Livin’ on Love.” He’s also the sole writer of the post-9/11 anthem “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” which earned single and song of the year honors at the Country Music Association Awards. “Where Were You” also earned Jackson a Grammy for best country song.
During an appearance on his daughter Mattie’s In Joy Life podcast last year, Jackson said that songwriting is what fulfills him the most, creatively.
“It’s like, you can be a singer and go out and tour — but it’s kind of like you’re just doing the same thing over and over,” he said. “When you make an album, or especially when you write a lot of the songs, that’s creating something. It’s a challenge, so it keeps you interested a little more. If I didn’t write, I think I would’ve gotten bored just singing a long time ago.”
Over the years, Jackson has not only primarily built his arsenal of hits through his own songwriting, but he’s also used his potent songwriter’s pen to craft songs recorded by other artists, as well.
Here, we look at some of the songs Jackson has written that were recorded by other artists.
