Alan Jackson was part of a star-studded lineup for the National Memorial Day Concert, which aired on Sunday, May 30. The Country Music Hall of Fame member performed “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” inspired by and written after the tragic 9/11 attack.
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” was originally included on Jackson’s 2002 album, Drive.
“I did a radio interview, and the guy was talking about being at the [CMA] Awards the night I sang ‘Where Were You,'” Jackson previously recalled to The Boot, speaking of the poignant song. “Even though that was a hard performance for me and an emotional time, I still get so many comments about that. Of all the awards, and all that kind of stuff, the music is still what I like. To be able to create a song that really affects people and makes a mark in the music industry, I would have to say that would be a highlight.”
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” was a multi-week No. 1 hit for Jackson. Although his recent album, Where Have You Gone, also landed at the top of the charts, the 62-year-old says he has no aspirations of having another radio hit.
“I probably won’t be on radio,” Jackson admitted to Apple Music’s Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen. “My songs probably won’t get played on radio, and I’m not bitter about it at all. It’s just what it is. I’m too old for today’s hot new country. I’m not bitter about it. I don’t care. But it just takes pressure off of you. Don’t have to worry about, do I need to try to record something for radio? Try to get on radio or singles.
“I’ve won every award multiple times, most of them,” he continues. “And I’m proud of that, but I don’t care if I get nominated for anything. I don’t care if it’s on the radio. And it’s not sounding mean, it’s just the truth. I just wanted to make the kind of music I love and I know most of my fans love.”
Other artists who performed for the National Memorial Day Concert included Mickey Guyton, Vince Gill, Sara Bareilles, Gladys Knight and more. The entire concert is able to viewed in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlSj6PwmYA8