Alan Jackson Signed His First Record Deal Almost Exactly 37 Years Before His Final Show

June 26, 1989, might have seemed like any other day in Nashville, but it was actually one of those watershed moments that only reveals itself in retrospect.

A struggling young country singer named Alan Jackson signed his first recording contract that day, launching one of the most celebrated country music careers of all time.

What Were Alan Jackson's Early Career Years Like?

For someone who would go on to such an auspicious career, Jackson got off to a slow start with his first single, "Blue Blooded Woman," which failed to crack the Top 40.

But his next single, "Here in the Real World" -- the title track of his debut album -- reached the Top 5 and was followed by a rapid succession of hits including "Wanted," "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow" and "I'd Love You All Over Again."

From there, the singer-songwriter has amassed an astonishing 50 Top 10 hits, with 26 of them reaching No. 1.

Jackson has also won numerous Grammy Awards, CMA Awards and ACM Awards. He is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Jackson in 2017.

Is Alan Jackson Retiring?

Yes.

The Country Music Hall of Famer has been dealing with a chronic health issue for more than ten years, and it's getting worse.

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Jackson revealed in 2021 that he had been living with a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for a decade at that time. It causes nerve damage, primarily in the arms and legs.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease causes muscle contractions and a loss of sensation, making walking challenging.

Jackson's three daughters are all now adults, and he and his wife, Denise, have two grandchildren, which also impacted his decision to retire from the road.

“... I’m enjoying spending more time at home," he said. "But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can for this Last Call."

When Is Alan Jackson's Final Concert?

The final full-length concert performance of Jackson's career is set for June 27, 2026, at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.

Billed as Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale, the show will put a bow on Jackson's music career.

READ MORE: Alan Jackson's Nashville Finale Show - Everything We Know

Who Will Perform at Alan Jackson's Farewell Concert?

Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lee Ann Womack and more are set to honor the Country Music Hall of Famer.

Will Alan Jackon's Final Concert Be Televised?

Yes, eventually.

Jackson's final concert is set to air on NBC and then stream on Peacock.

The premiere date has yet to be announced.

Is Alan Jackson Dying?

No.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is not fatal, and it will not cut Jackson's life short.

However, there is no known cure for the inherited illness.

Jackson's grandmother, father and one of his sisters all lived with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Will Alan Jackson Release More New Music?

Jackson said he was optimistic about releasing more new music in an interview with his daughter, Maddie, on her In-Joy Life podcast in 2023.

"Well, yes. I would hope so," he told her (quote via People).

"I mean, I may not have toured much, but like I said, the creative part jumps out every now and then. I'm always scribbling down ideas and thinking about melodies, and I feel like there'll be some more music to come, yes."