Eric Church pays tribute to Alan Jackson during the ACM Honors: Watch

Eric Church recently paid tribute to Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson as only “The Chief” could do during the 17th annual ACM Honors, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in August and airing Tuesday (September 24) on Merit Street Media.

During the event, Jackson – who earned 26 points billboard Country Airplay No. 1 hits and is co-writer or sole author on most of them – won the ACM Poet's Award for his songwriting.

“Alan Jackson is an institution and an American treasure. “It’s an honor to be here and play for him,” Church said before offering a soulful performance of Jackson’s 1990 hit “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.”

Before beginning the performance, Church also shared a story about a trip with another country music luminary.

“I was on tour with Hank (Williams) Jr. and every night he played 'Family Tradition,'” Church said, recalling that after Hank tried to put his own spin on the song, he gave me a shout-out for about 30 seconds tolerated and he He took down his glasses and said, “Brother, don't paint on the Mona Lisa.” So tonight I will try to paint around the Mona Lisa, okay?”

Church's stark rendition was passionate and clearly conveyed the two artists' shared experiences pursuing their dreams – and overcoming rejection – in Music City. Church received a standing ovation and some of the crowd's loudest applause, along with praise from Jackson himself.

This year, the annual ACM Honors recognizes honorees such as Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton and Luke Bryan, as well as producer/former label boss Tony Brown, music executive Shannon Sanders, songwriter Walt Aldridge, various music venues and several top professional events -Musicians who play on so many Nashville country albums.

Other artists and hosts for the evening include ACM Honors co-hosts Carly Pearce and Jordan Davis, as well as Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Terri Clark and Keith Urban.

Watch a sneak peek of Church's performance below: