Jackson To Recieve ASCAP Founders Award

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) will honor Alan Jackson with its prestigious Founders Award at the ASCAP Country Music Awards on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. The invitation-only gala will be held at the War Memorial Auditorium in downtown Nashville.

With album sales totaling more than 50 million, Jackson is a fitting recipient for the Founders Award, which is bestowed on songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music. During his 20-year career, Jackson has scored 34 No. 1 hits and won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Song for “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” 16 CMA Awards, and 16 ACM Awards. He is a seven-time ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year and a reciepeint of the ASCAP Golden Note Award. Among his biggest hits are “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” “Chattahoochee,” “Gone Country,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” and “Small Town Southern Man.”

He ranks among other renowned Founders Award recipients, including musical innovators such as Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Emmylou Harris, James Taylor and Jackson Browne.

“Alan is one of the most prolific and influential artists in country music,” said ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. “He has consistently topped the charts without compromising his artistry, style and love of tradition, captivating millions with songs that are honest, heartfelt and entertaining. He’s a genuine superstar, and we are very proud to honor him with ASCAP’s Founders Award.”

“Alan upholds the songwriting legacy of country music’s greatest icons,” said Tim DuBois, Vice President and Managing Executive, ASCAP Nashville. “The fact that he’s been celebrating chart-topping hits for 20 years is a testament to his ability to speak directly to his audience. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for more than two decades and am proud of his remarkable career achievements.”

The ASCAP Country Awards will also salute the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs from April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. Honors will be presented for Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter/Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. The evening will feature performances by several award-winning songwriters and artists.