Alan Jackson Reveals the Truth: “I’ve Been Hiding This for 10 Years.” He was once a symbol of quiet strength — a tall, gentle cowboy who stepped onto the stage in his white hat and guitar, singing love songs that made all of America fall silent. But after more than 30 years of life on the road, Alan Jackson was forced to face something no artist ever wants to admit: his own body was beginning to fail him. In 2021, Alan publicly revealed he had been living with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) — a hereditary nerve disorder that slowly weakens the muscles, making it harder to move and stay balanced. “I don’t feel steady walking anymore,” he said quietly. “And that hurts… especially when I still have so many songs left to sing.” 💔 And so, for the first time, this cowboy had to step back — not because the music was gone, but because his legs could no longer carry him under the stage lights. 💛 Don’t hesitate to leave a message for Alan below. Sometimes, a simple kind word is all it takes to remind an artist that they are still deeply loved.

Introduction

“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” released in September 1990, is a heartfelt single from Alan Jackson’s debut album Here in the Real World. Co-written by Jackson and Jim McBride, the song draws on Jackson’s modest upbringing in Georgia and his early nights playing honky-tonks, blending nostalgic storytelling with a vibrant, hopeful melody .

Jackson and McBride crafted the song from personal memories—Jackson pictured his father winning a radio, his mother singing lullabies, and his youthful passion for country music despite concern from his family about performing in bars . That emotional core resonates through lyrics like “Daddy won a radio… Mama used to sing to me,” capturing a rustic family life with honesty and warmth .

Musically, the song is an uptempo celebration of ambition, with a traditional country production that highlights steel guitar and a bright, catchy hook. Critics praised its fusion of exuberant energy and autobiographical depth—Country Universe gave it an A grade, calling it “very memorable… sang with a humble innocence”.

Commercially, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” was a breakthrough. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart (behind George Strait), and reached No. 5 in Canada . On the Radio & Records chart, it even hit No. 1 for a week in November 1990 , making it the third chart-topping single from the album.

The music video, directed by Jack Cole and premiered in September, cleverly opens with the next single, “I’d Love You All Over Again,” playing in the background—symbolic of Jackson’s journey from hoping to succeed to achieving it .

In under three and a half minutes, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” introduces the themes that would define Jackson’s career: storytelling rooted in small-town life, personal dreams, and genuine country sound. Its success marked the beginning of a remarkable trajectory for one of the most respected voices in traditional country music.

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