Brooks & Dunn formed in 1990 and released their debut single “Brand New Man” in 1991. It kicked off a string of No. 1 hits including “Neon Moon” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Then, in 2010, after twenty years of great country music, the duo announced that they were calling it quits with their Last Rodeo Tour. That year, the Academy of Country Music Hosted a TV special titled The Last Rodeo to honor the duo. George Strait, Faith Hill, and many other stars took the stage to perform their favorite B&D hits.
Strait performed “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” during the event. “People ask me all the time who I listen to. I answer with three short words: ‘Brooks and Dunn.’ Honest,” he said before playing the song. “On one hand it was easy to choose a song to perform tonight because I know most of your hits by heart,” he told the duo who were seated on the stage during the event. “On the other hand, it’s very difficult because there’s so many to pick from. But I had to decide, and I think I’m pretty lucky because I ended up with one of the most memorable Brooks & Dunn songs,” he added. “I’m gonna do a little ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie,’” he concluded before kicking off the song.
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A full band backed Strait during the song and Kix Brooks joined in on harmonica.
George Strait Picked the Perfect Brooks & Dunn Song
Today, many people think of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” as Brooks & Dunns’ song. After all, it was their fourth single and fourth consecutive No. 1. At the same time, their cut of the song was all over country radio in the early ‘90s. However, they weren’t the first to record the song. Western Swing titans, Asleep at the Wheel first recorded the Ronnie Dunn-penned track for their 1990 album Keepin’ Me Up at Night.
George Strait said he was a fan of the duo. He’s also deeply influenced by Western Swing acts like Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and Asleep at the Wheel. So, he was the perfect artist to cover the swinging “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
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