Can’t disrespect a legend like that. it’s always nice to see these awards shows honor the legends while they’re still around. But back in 1999, the CMA Awards disrespected one of the greatest country singers of all time – and got called out for it on their own stage. That year, country legend George Jones had released “Choices” as the lead single from his Cold Hard Truth record. The Billy Yates and Mike Curtis-penned song was a massive hit, winning a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance thought it failed to crack the top 25 on the country charts. The song was also nominated for Single of the Year at the CMA Awards later that year, and Jones was invited to perform it during the show – sort of. For some reason, organizers were only going to give Jones one minute to sing an abridged version of the song. One minute, during “country music’s biggest night,” for a legend like George Jones. And they wonder why nobody takes these awards shows seriously. Well Jones didn’t think it was worth it (and was probably more than a little insulted, rightfully so), so he refused to show up to the awards at all. But he wasn’t the only one who was upset by the snub. Alan Jackson, who was up for Male Vocalist of the Year, was scheduled to perform his then-current single “Pop a Top.” And he did perform his own song – before abruptly stopping after the first chorus and breaking into “Choices.” Jackson received a standing ovation for his middle finger to the very show he was performing on. And after his protest performance, he simply turned and walked offstage and out of the building, not even returning to his seat for the night. It was a gesture that Jones would later say meant a lot to him: “What he did meant more to me than I could ever say. I was watching the show, and when he began singing ‘Choices,’ it moved my wife Nancy and me both to tears. He made a huge statement on my behalf, and on behalf of traditional country music, and didn’t worry about what the consequences might be.” And Alan later explained his reasoning for making a statement: “I was glad to do it. I felt strongly about it, and I know I’ve been on awards shows for 10 years, and they’ve been real good to me. And I’ve had to fight to try to do my whole song. They ask most artists at one time or another to reduce your song, and it’s not unusual. And people say, ‘Well everybody has to do that.’ But George Jones isn’t everybody. That’s why I felt strongly about it, that he deserved a little more than everybody else… It deserved a little more respect.” Exactly. He’s George Jones. Put some damn respect on his name.The post CMA Awards 1999: Alan Jackson Performs George Jones’ “Choices” In Protest After The Show Cut George’s Performance Time first appeared on Whiskey Riff.