Alan Jackson hits CMA jackpot

Alan Jackson is looking for a change of pace after winning a record-tying five Country Music Assn. awards, including single and song of the year for his Sept. 11-themed song “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”

“I’m ready to get back to them drinking songs,” he said with a grin after Wednesday night’s show at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. “I’ve always looked at music as more as entertainment. I’ve tried not to be too preachy in my songs, because for the most part people want music that’s happy.”

Jackson wrote “Where Were You” shortly after the terrorist attacks, and he performed it days later at the 2001 CMA Awards. Although he didn’t want it released as a single for fear of capitalizing on the tragedy, the song took on a life of its own as radio stations started broadcasting his performance.

“I’m still humbled by this whole experience that came with this song. It’s uplifting and hard to swallow at the same time,” he said.

Jackson was nominated a record 10 times, and tied a record for most awards won in a single year with five. Johnny Cash had that many in 1969, as did Vince Gill in 1993.