Alan Jackson appeared on PBS’ A Capitol Fourth with a special performance of “Drive (For Daddy Gene).”
The iconic country singer dedicated the touching performance, straight from the stage of Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, to his late father.
“I lost my daddy and I wanted to write a song for him, and I didn’t want to write some old sad cryin’, dyin’ thing, so I started thinkin’ about growing up and all I ever wanted to do is drive something, he taught me all about that and that’s what this song’s about,” Jackson said.
“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” was written by the Country Music Hall of Famer and released in early 2002 as the second single from his album, Drive. The song reached the top spot on the country radio charts and even climbed to No.28 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written for his father, Eugene.
Re-live Jackson’s performance of “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” below.
Alan Jackson (@officialjackson) performs, “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” on A Capitol Fourth 2021. #July4thPBS pic.twitter.com/K2zIK1Nbrs
— A Capitol Fourth (@July4thPBS) July 5, 2021
Later in the show, Jackson returned to the stage with a moving rendition of “America the Beautiful.” That performance can be viewed by clicking below.
Alan Jackson (@officialjackson) sings, “America the Beautiful” on A Capitol Fourth 2021. #July4thPBS pic.twitter.com/iEfqdfpiOs
— A Capitol Fourth (@July4thPBS) July 5, 2021
A Capitol Fourth brought together with themes of love, hope, and patriotism and also featured performances from Cynthia Erivo, Jimmy Buffett, Pentatonix, Gladys Knight, Train, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmie Allen, Mickey Guyton, Ali Stroker, Auli’i Cravalho and more.
Additionally, Renée Fleming kicked off the celebratory event with a stunning rendition of The National Anthem.
Co-hosted by Vanessa Williams, the 41st annual A Capitol Fourth, America’s Independence Day celebration aired on Sunday, July 4 (8:00-9:30 p.m. EST) on PBS, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.
