George Strait Rocks the Stage with “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” a track that has become synonymous with the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn, holds a special place in the annals of country music. This song gained an extraordinary moment of tribute during the “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo” event, hosted at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas a decade ago. The event was a star-studded homage to Brooks & Dunn, featuring sixteen of country music’s most celebrated artists. One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” a song integral to the duo’s legacy. The audience was in for a surprise when none other than George Strait, the revered King of Country, took the stage to perform this classic hit.
George Strait’s rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment he appeared on stage, the energy in the room soared, with the audience rising to their feet in anticipation. Adding a unique twist to the performance, Kix Brooks, one half of the celebrated duo, joined in with his harmonica, infusing the song with an even more authentic country vibe. This collaboration resulted in a memorable performance that stood out as a highlight of the evening, celebrated by a crowd that was visibly moved and engaged.
Despite the underlying somber tone of the event, marking Brooks & Dunn’s retirement announcement, the atmosphere was anything but subdued. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation only amplified the energy, turning the night into a celebration of the duo’s monumental contributions to country music. George Strait’s performance, while a standout, was part of a larger tribute that included performances by other country music luminaries such as Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood. Each artist brought their unique style and reverence to the songs of Brooks & Dunn, paying fitting homage to the duo’s influence on the country music scene.
The legacy of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” extends beyond this memorable night. The song, penned by Ronnie Dunn, is a vibrant ode to the joy of line dancing in a classic Texas honky-tonk setting. Originally released by Asleep At The Wheel in 1990, it was Brooks & Dunn’s version that catapulted the song to new heights. Their rendition not only topped the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart but also marked their first foray into the crossover market, reaching No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song’s immense popularity played a pivotal role in rekindling interest in line dancing across the United States, thereby cementing Brooks & Dunn’s influence in the early ’90s New Country movement. George Strait’s tribute performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” as seen in the video, is a testament to the enduring impact of this country music classic and its creators, Brooks & Dunn.
