Alan Jackson Named ‘Greatest Man’ in Country Music by CMT

When it comes to men in country music, Alan Jackson is tops. The 20-year veteran was recently ranked No. 1 on CMT's '20 Greatest Men' special. It's difficult to argue with his resume, which includes 50 Top 10 hits since 1990.

During the special, several of Jackson's colleagues rave about the humble, Georgia-born singer. "Just as far as the modern era goes, I don't think there's a more perfect traditional country singer or writer," Joe Nichols says. "I think he's a great country singer in that he doesn't do too much. He does enough to deliver a song and does it with a very good, honest traditional country twang. He writes them, too, so you can't beat that."

Only two artists on the Top 20 are not active today, although several have slowed down. George Stait comes in just behind Jackson, followed by Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban. Trace Adkins made the list at No. 12, and also had nothing but kind words for the 'Long Way to Go' singer.

"What I've always known about Alan is he is able to focus like a laser on his audience," Adkins says. "He knows exactly what Alan Jackson fans want to hear and he has kept the crosshairs on that his entire career."

The 20 Greatest Men in Country Music, According to CMT:

1. Alan Jackson
2. George Strait
3. Tim McGraw
4. Kenny Chesney
5. Keith Urban
6. Toby Keith
7. Brad Paisley
8. Blake Shelton
9. Jason Aldean
10. Garth Brooks
11. Rascal Flatts
12. Trace Adkins
13. Johnny Cash
14. Vince Gill
15. Brooks and Dunn
16. Willie Nelson
17. Hank Williams Jr.
18. Dierks Bentley
19. Randy Travis
20. Zac Brown Band