Governor Perdue and the Southern Governors' Association Congratulate Alan Jackson for CMA Nominations

Governor Perdue to Attend Country Music Awards in Nashville Tonight

ATLANTA, GA – Governor Sonny Perdue and the Southern Governors’ Association would like to extend their congratulations to Alan Jackson for his Country Music Association (CMA) Award nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Song of the Year. Recognized worldwide as “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” the CMA Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement for country music artists, musicians, producers, publishers, songwriters, video directors, and industry executives who work in one of America’s most popular music genres. Governor Perdue will attend the awards ceremony tonight at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee beginning at 8:00 p.m.

A Georgia native, Jackson is already one of country’s most respected songwriters and recording artists. By using his onstage experience to establish himself as a crowd favorite with hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),” Alan Jackson continues to captivate audiences with his combination of sincerity and energy. His stellar career includes a Grammy and multiple CMA Awards for Single of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year.

As SGA Chairman, Governor Perdue has chosen to spotlight tourism in the South through his initiative Soul of the South: Our Heritage, Our Hospitality, Our Hometowns. Music is a central theme as artists of all genres have contributed to the cultural fiber of the region.

“Over the course of this next year, I, along with fellow governors from the region, intend to showcase our music heritage,” said Governor Perdue. “We invite visitors to experience our music venues, sample our award winning talent, and learn more about how music has played such a vital role bridging audiences across the South.”

In Georgia, music is a part of life. Atlanta has one of the fastest-growing music scenes in the country and is home to world-famous recording artists like Usher and OutKast. With its bohemian charm and bustling downtown district filled with enough clubs to earn the title of “Live Music Central” from the New York Times, it’s no wonder more than 400 bands call Athens home. Also, Macon, home of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, launched the careers of Little Richard, Otis Redding, and James Brown. In the 1970s, Capricorn Records set up shop and the Allman Brothers Band took up residence. Finally, jazz has been a Savannah music tradition dating back to the Reconstruction Era brass band; the city’s native son, Johnny Mercer, won four Academy Awards for such favorites as “Moon River” and “Jeepers Creepers.”

Governor Perdue understands the important role that tourism plays in economic development. Therefore he is proud to congratulate Alan Jackson on his CMA nominations and to thank him for his contribution to Southern music heritage.