Alan Jackson Receives the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards
On a magical night at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Alan Jackson took center stage—not to perform one of his legendary hits, but to accept one of the highest honors in country music. The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) presented Jackson with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, an accolade that has only been bestowed six times in the organization’s history. For Jackson, the recognition felt as personal as the songs that have defined his storied career.
Alan Jackson receives 2024 NSAI ‘Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement’ Award with wife Denise Jackson by his side. Photo Credit: Jason Davis for NSAI
In typical Alan Jackson fashion, the country music icon humbly acknowledged the honor, sharing the simple yet profound truth he’s learned through decades of songwriting: “The best songs are pieces of your life you’ve lived.”
Known for his authentic country sound, Jackson's heartfelt acceptance speech highlighted the very essence of his music. "When I walk out onstage every night to sing, I tell people I’m going to sing real country music – songs about life and love and heartache and drinkin’ and dancin’ and cryin’ and Mama and having a good time," he told the audience, sparking a wave of applause that reverberated through the historic venue.
According to the press release, The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes not only a lifetime of songwriting excellence but also an artist's significant contributions to the American songbook and the careers they've inspired. And, as Jackson noted, he's just as much a fan of the award’s namesake, Kris Kristofferson, as the fans who revere him. "Everybody’s a fan and an admirer of his," Jackson said, with admiration evident in his voice.
While Jackson has graced countless stages and accepted numerous accolades—including membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame—this moment clearly struck a chord. “I’m a little overwhelmed,” Jackson admitted. “I’ve been very fortunate. I didn’t know anything about the music business or songwriting. I just came to town… learned a lot… had a lot of help.” He went on to express gratitude to those who’ve shaped his journey, from industry mentors to his biggest supporter, his wife Denise. As Jackson said, borrowing wisdom from his mother, “I’ve been so blessed – every day.”
The evening featured musical tributes from artists who have both shared the stage with Jackson and carried the torch of his musical legacy. Hailey Whitters, who co-wrote “The Older I Get” with Jackson in 2021, performed a rendition of “Livin’ On Love,” a song Jackson said remains “one of my favorites, dear to my heart.”
Lee Ann Womack, Jackson's frequent collaborator and duet partner, delivered a stunning rendition of “Here in the Real World,” with Jackson quipping, “I wish I could sing any of my songs like she does.” Womack was joined by Jackson’s nephew Adam Wright and his wife, Shannon, adding a personal touch to the performance.
Rounding out the tributes, Josh Turner offered up “Midnight in Montgomery,” Jackson’s ode to Hank Williams, choosing a song Jackson himself said is now too high for him to sing. Turner’s deep, rich voice gave the haunting ballad new life, to which Jackson lightheartedly remarked, “He picked a hard one.”
As the night concluded, Jackson’s legacy as both a songwriter and a storyteller was cemented even further. With a career spanning 35 years, nearly 40 ACM and CMA Awards, and 50 Top 10 hits—including 35 that reached Number-One—Jackson’s impact on country music is undeniable. As his “Last Call: One More for the Road” tour continues, fans in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Kansas City, Missouri, and Salt Lake City, Utah, will have the chance to experience Jackson’s songwriting genius live.
Jackson may have been overwhelmed by the honor, but his songs, rich with authenticity and heart, continue to resonate with audiences everywhere. For Jackson, his life is an open book, written in the verses and choruses that have defined country music for decades.