Alan Jackson paid tribute to Hank Williams Jr. on Sunday (Nov. 21) during a star-studded Medallion Ceremony, which celebrated the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The country superstar and “Where Have You Gone” singer honored the country icon with a cover of “The Blues Man,” a track from Williams Jr’s album, Habits Old and New. Jackson later released a cover of the song on his October 1999 album, Under The Influence.
Joined by a full backing band, Jackson, wearing his signature cowboy hat, took center stage as he performed the popular tune while playing acoustic guitar. The country icon sang the song as Williams Jr watched from the front of the audience in CMA Theater.
Watch Jackson’s performance below.
@musicmayhemmagazine @Alan Jackson honored @officialhankwilliamsjr with a special performance. #AlanJackson #HankWilliamsJr
In addition to Jackson’s tribute, country superstar Eric Church also honored the country legend with a performance of “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
Hank Williams Jr. became the 142nd member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was inducted alongside Dean Dillon and Marty Stuart, who became the 140th and 141st members of the coveted institution.
The legendary artists and songwriters received country music’s highest honor during a star-studded Medallion Ceremony held inside the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s CMA Theater.
Special guest artists, including Eric Church, George Strait, Emmylou Harris, Charlie Worsham, Ashley McBryde, Kenny Chesney, Brittney Spencer, Alan Jackson, Shooter Jennings, Brenda Lee and Pastor Evelyn Hubbard and Connie Smith, appeared to share heartfelt tributes to the newly minted Country Music Hall of Famers. The tributes were a surprise to both the audience and inductees.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Connie Smith closed out the ceremony with a performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
The class of 2021 Country Music Hall of Fame members-elect Eddie Bayers, Ray Charles, Pete Drake and the Judds will be inducted next year.
