Introduction
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Alan Jackson found himself overwhelmed with emotion—so much so that he couldn’t find the words to speak. Like many artists in moments of heartbreak and confusion, Jackson turned to music to process the tragedy that had shaken the world.
“I didn’t want to write a patriotic song,” Jackson once explained. “I didn’t want it to sound angry either. But I knew I needed to capture how I felt—and how I believed so many others felt that day.”
The result was the powerful and deeply reflective ballad “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning.” Written just weeks after the attacks, the song doesn’t aim to give answers. Instead, it asks heartfelt questions, capturing the raw confusion, sorrow, and unity Americans felt during that difficult time.
Despite his sincere intentions, Jackson was hesitant about releasing the song. He worried it might seem like he was taking advantage of a national tragedy. But his longtime producer, Keith Stegall, encouraged him to move forward. And when the song was finally shared with the public, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Listeners connected immediately—because they had all felt the same way.
The song quickly gained recognition and would go on to receive numerous accolades, including the ACM Award for Song of the Year. But it was Jackson’s emotional acceptance speech at the 2002 ceremony that truly left a lasting impression.
As Clint Black prepared to announce the winner, a fan in the crowd shouted “Alan!”—and they were right. Jackson stepped onto the stage visibly emotional, already holding back tears. His voice trembled as he spoke:
“I’ve always felt a little uncomfortable with the attention this song has brought me. And to be honest, I’ve always been uneasy about what inspired it. I’m still angry, I’m still heartbroken, and I know I’ve been forever changed by what happened that day.
I truly believe that God sent those words and that melody down to me—that I was just the vessel. And I can’t accept this award without dedicating it to the thousands of men, women, and children who lost their lives, those who suffered, and those who continue to suffer because of that cruel, heartless attack on America and on humanity.
This is for all of them.”
Jackson had to pause several times during the speech to compose himself. His voice cracked, his eyes welled with tears—and you could feel every ounce of the emotion he poured into both the song and his words. Watching that moment now, it’s still nearly impossible not to be moved.