George Strait’s Standout “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” Performance
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” a standout hit by Brooks & Dunn, resonates as one of the most iconic songs in country music history. This was clearly evident during the “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo” event, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas a decade ago. This celebratory event saw sixteen of country music’s most prominent stars come together to perform a selection of Brooks & Dunn’s greatest hits. A highlight of the evening was the anticipation for a performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” a song so integral to the duo’s legacy. In a twist that thrilled the audience, it was George Strait, the King of Country himself, who delivered this memorable rendition.
George Strait’s performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” was a moment of pure exhilaration. As soon as he took to the stage, the energy in the room was palpable, with the star-studded audience rising to their feet in anticipation. Adding to the uniqueness of the performance, Kix Brooks, one half of the Brooks & Dunn duo, joined in with his harmonica, infusing the rendition with an authentic and personal touch. This collaboration on stage turned the performance into an unforgettable highlight, deeply resonating with both the artists and the audience.
Despite the underlying tone of melancholy due to Brooks & Dunn’s announcement of retirement, the night was anything but somber. The crowd engaged enthusiastically, contributing to the high-spirited atmosphere. While George Strait’s performance was a standout, he wasn’t the only artist paying homage to the duo. The event also featured other country music luminaries such as Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood. Each artist brought their unique style to some of Brooks & Dunn’s most beloved songs, creating a mosaic of performances that celebrated the duo’s significant impact on country music.
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Penned by Ronnie Dunn, the track pays homage to Texas-style honky-tonk and line dancing. Originally released by Asleep At The Wheel in 1990, Brooks & Dunn’s cover version catapulted the song to new heights, making it a staple in their debut album “Brand New Man.” The song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even crossed over to mainstream popularity, peaking at No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Its success played a pivotal role in reigniting the trend of line dancing across the United States, marking Brooks & Dunn as influential figures in the early ’90s New Country scene. George Strait’s rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” at the ACM tribute not only honored Brooks & Dunn’s illustrious career but also paid tribute to a song that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of country music.
