Alan Jackson Pays Emotional Tribute to John Anderson, the Country Legend Who Inspired His Move to Nashville

Alan Jackson has paid tribute to John Anderson, whose songs and distinctive voice helped inspire Jackson to move to Nashville. Anderson died in his sleep on 21 October, aged 71, and his death prompted tributes from fellow country artists.

Jackson recalled Anderson as “one of the most distinctive singer songwriters” and a “real country man”, and had recorded Anderson’s “She Just Started Liking Cheatin’ Songs” for his 1999 covers album. Tim McGraw called Anderson a defining voice in country music, while Blake Shelton said Anderson had been his hero and friend; his family said his music touched many lives and remembered his love for them.