Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Before Alan Jackson became a household name and one of country music’s most celebrated artists, he was just a young songwriter chasing a dream in Nashville. In a resurfaced clip, Jackson fondly recalls one of his earliest breaks: making $100 a week while writing songs for country legend Glen Campbell.
Speaking with his signature down-to-earth charm, Jackson described the arrangement as “real generous” at the time. “I thought I was rich,” he laughed, explaining how that modest paycheck gave him the freedom to stay in Music City and focus on honing his craft.
Glen Campbell, already an icon with hits like Wichita Lineman and Rhinestone Cowboy, opened doors for the aspiring Georgia native. “Just having my name attached to Glen’s publishing company gave me credibility,” Jackson reflected. “It meant I could tell people I was a real songwriter.”
That early opportunity would eventually help launch Jackson’s career, leading to chart-topping hits like Chattahoochee, Remember When, and Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning). But Jackson insists he never forgot those humble beginnings.
“It wasn’t about the money,” he said. “It was about believing I had a place here. That $100 a week felt like someone saying, ‘You belong in Nashville.’”
The story serves as a reminder of how small opportunities — even ones that seem modest — can become the foundation for legendary careers. Today, Alan Jackson is a Country Music Hall of Fame member, but in his heart, he’s still grateful for that first chance to prove himself.