Some moments in country music aren’t just performances—they’re history in the making. That was exactly the case when George Strait and Alan Jackson shared the stage at the 50th CMA Awards in 2016. Performing Jackson’s “Remember When” and Strait’s “Troubadour,” the two legends created a performance that felt like a celebration of everything country music stands for: storytelling, heart, and timeless emotion.
Two Songs That Feel Like Home
Alan Jackson’s Remember When is a classic reflection on life, love, and the passage of time. Released in 2003 on his Greatest Hits Volume II, it became a chart-topping hit and a song that resonates with anyone who has ever looked back on their journey. Its tenderness and nostalgia set the perfect tone for a night honoring country’s legacy.
George Strait’s Troubadour, released in 2008 as the title track of his 25th studio album, is a reflective, heartfelt anthem celebrating a life well-lived. Written by Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes, the song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Strait a Grammy nomination. Together, these songs don’t just tell stories—they feel like home, reminding fans of where they’ve been, where they’re going, and the memories they carry.
A Performance That Stopped the Room
The 50th CMA Awards celebrated the genre’s history, but when Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley introduced Jackson and Strait, the night reached a new level of reverence. Carrie’s words set the tone:
“Tonight, to celebrate 50 years of CMA history, we have two three-time CMA Entertainers of the Year together on one stage.”
Brad added: “Here are two of the best we’ve got… Alan Jackson and George Strait.”
As Jackson strummed the opening chords of Remember When, the audience fell silent, hanging on every word. Then came Strait with Troubadour, his iconic voice steady and evocative, filling the room with pure country soul. The simplicity of the moment—just two guitars, two voices, and two unforgettable songs—made it all the more powerful. No flashy lights or elaborate production were needed; the music spoke for itself.
The Kind of Moment Country Fans Live For
What made this performance truly unforgettable wasn’t just star power—it was authenticity. In an era of constant change in country music, Strait and Jackson delivered a moment rooted in the genre’s core values: storytelling, simplicity, and heart. Watching them felt like sitting around a campfire, listening to two friends share the stories of their lives—intimate, timeless, and unshakably real.
If you haven’t seen it—or it’s been a while—revisit this historic CMA performance. George Strait and Alan Jackson together is pure country music magic, the kind of moment you’ll want to experience again and again.