A “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” Spectacle by George Strait
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” stands out as one of Brooks & Dunn’s most iconic and memorable hits, a true anthem in the world of country music. Its lasting impact was vividly demonstrated during the “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo” event, held a decade ago at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This special occasion brought together sixteen of country music’s biggest stars, all united to celebrate the duo’s greatest hits. The event would have been incomplete without a rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and to the delight of everyone, the performance was delivered by none other than George Strait, the revered King of Country.
Strait’s appearance on stage was nothing short of electrifying. The moment he stepped into the spotlight for his rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” the star-studded audience was captivated, rising to their feet in anticipation even before he began singing. Adding a special touch to this memorable performance, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn joined in, playing the harmonica from the sidelines. This collaboration made the performance not just memorable, but one of the best moments of the night, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of country music fans.
The night was bittersweet, marked by the sad undertone of Brooks & Dunn’s retirement announcement. Despite this, the energy in the crowd was palpable, with fans actively participating and adding to the night’s vibrant atmosphere. George Strait’s performance was a standout, but he wasn’t the only artist paying tribute to the iconic duo. Stars like Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood also graced the stage, each performing their renditions of Brooks & Dunn’s hits, making the event a fitting homage to the duo’s influential career.
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” penned by Ronnie Dunn, one half of the Brooks & Dunn duo, is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of line dancing culture in a Texas-style honky-tonk. The lyrics vividly paint a picture of a lively joint where the fun begins at sundown, with whiskey, women, music, and smoke setting the scene for a night of dancing. Originally released by Asleep At The Wheel on their 1990 album “Keepin’ Me Up Nights,” Brooks & Dunn covered the song soon after, featuring it on their debut album “Brand New Man.” Their version soared to the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even broke into the mainstream, reaching No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song’s immense popularity is credited with reigniting the line dancing craze across the United States and solidifying Brooks & Dunn’s significant influence on the early ’90s New Country scene. George Strait’s exceptional performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” at the MGM Grand serves as a fitting tribute to this legacy and the illustrious career of Brooks & Dunn.
