Released on October 4, 1999 as the lead single from his covers album Under the Influence, Alan Jackson’s rendition of “Pop A Top” marked a revival of a classic country standard . The song was originally written by Nat Stuckey in 1966 and then popularized by Jim Ed Brown, whose version hit No. 3 on the Billboard country chart in late 1967.
Jackson’s upbeat, honky‑tonk interpretation climbed to No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 2 in Canada . His version stayed true to the song’s storytelling roots: a heartbroken man drowning his sorrows at the bar, each “pop‑top” click serving as a bittersweet punctuation to his grief and nostalgia.
The official music video, directed by Steven Goldmann, stars country parody artist Cledus T. Judd. It begins with Judd opening a beer in his kitchen, then cutting to a surreal black‑tie party where Jackson performs. As glasses pass, the guests reveal their working‑class, down‑home selves, blending humor and country charm before Judd snaps back to reality, beer in hand .
Beyond its chart performance, Jackson’s choice of song connected him with tradition. At the 1999 CMA Awards, he famously cut short “Pop A Top” to begin singing George Jones’s “Choices” in a show of solidarity and respect—an act widely praised by fans and critics as a bold defense of classic country values.
By re‑introducing “Pop A Top” to a new generation, Alan Jackson succeeded in bridging vintage storytelling and modern country flair—cementing the song’s place among his most beloved performances while honoring the legacy of its original creators and champions.
