It’s been 25 years since a young Alan Jackson landed on the country scene with the release of his debut album Here in the Real World, and he’s been a star ever since.

The following year, the singer would achieve his first notable breakthrough when “I’d Love You All Over Again” reached No. 1. Additionally, Here in the Real World produced three more Top 5 singles and earned the singer his first platinum milestone for selling more than 1 million copies.

“I hope it’s just one of many,” said Jackson at his first ever platinum party all those years ago. “But if I never sold another record, I’d be tickled to death. The last year’s been so great in so many ways for me, it’s gonna be hard to top it.”

Unbeknownst to him at the time, this early success would launch Jackson to a level of stardom that would make him legendary two decades later.

“I could sit here and thank people all night long that have propped up my career all these years,” he remarked during his CMT Giants special in 2008. “But I couldn’t remember them all, and it would take forever to thank them.”

Through the years, Jackson’s name has become synonymous with a traditional country sound. With more than 30 No. 1’s and countless accolades, including CMA awards, Grammys and membership in the Grand Ole Opry, the Georgia native is still doing what he loves.

Jackson’s Keepin’ It Country tour is currently making its way across the U.S., and his popular Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit has been extended for viewers through the summer of 2015.

For more, tune in to an all-new episode of CMT Hot 20 Countdown Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 28-March 1) at 9 a.m. ET/PT.