The Moment When Alan Jackson Debuted “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning”
The moment when Alan Jackson debuted “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning” at the 35th Annual CMA awards show in Nashville, just weeks after the tragedy of 9/11/01, I was there. I was in the audience, sitting in the balcony, and I got to experience it in person.
I had the opportunity to be present because, in 2001, QYK was awarded “Major Market Radio Station of the Year.” I was hosting the night show at the time, and I was invited to join the staff to celebrate our milestone in Nashville. I felt so grateful for having been invited, but the trip would turn out to be the second greatest gift.
It was a mere few weeks after 9/11 happened. Americans were still feeling wounded and vulnerable. We were trying our best to continue to live life and the CMA Awards felt good to attend, but still a little nerve wracking. Then, Vince Gill walked onstage to introduce a song Alan Jackson was about to perform. He explained that it was a project that had been consuming Alan leading up to the CMAs.
Social media wasn’t as prevalent as it is today. There were no song leaks, no spoilers. What was about to take place on that stage would be a surprise to all of us.
Even as I write these words, the emotions from that moment flood back to me. It’s overwhelming and difficult to choke back tears, and my main thought is… How in the hell did Alan Jackson not completely break down on stage?!
For the first time, Alan Jackson performed this song in front of people. The lyrics are quite simple… it asks the question, “How did you feel? What did you do?” In a quick five minutes, he gave us an anthem that helped comfort all the thoughts that were scrambling in our minds.
I sat in my seat, unable to move. I’m not even sure I was breathing during his performance. Hearing him sing those words for the first time made my chest tight and my heart swell. I didn’t even look around to see the reactions of my friends sitting adjacent to me. I was deadlocked on Alan and his words, completely captivated.
When Alan Jackson finished singing, all I remember is trying to have enough strength to stand up to applaud. He certainly deserved a standing ovation. Several people cheered, but I couldn’t squeak out a sound. He literally took my breath away. If you watch the video below, you’ll see Toby Keith at the end looking completely stoic. I think that was the feeling many of us sitting there shared. We were just emotionally blown away.
-Veronica
