Alan Jackson is among the three country artists to receive one of the biggest honors in the industry.
The 58-year-old was selected as this year's Modern Era Artist inductee for his accomplishments over his length career. From his beginnings in the late 1980s to today, he's sold over 80 million records and earned 35 No. 1 hits.
The impact of the award was obvious as Jackson looked back to where it all began, citing his late father as a driving influence.
"This is the last dream on the list right here," Jackson said with a smile during his acceptance speech.
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The 2017 Songwriter inductee is Don Schlitz, who penned Kenny Rogers' classic "The Gambler." He also wrote Keith Whitley's hit "When You Say Nothing at All," and Randy Travis' "On the Other Hand" and "Forever and Ever, Amen."
The Veterans Era artist was Jerry Reed, celebrated guitarist, singer-songwriter and actor. He's best known for his tracks "When You're Hot, You're Hot" and "East Bound and Down," the theme of the 1977 hit film Smokey and the Bandit.
Jackson, Schlitz and Reed (represented by his family) will officially their medallions on Oct. 22.
