“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is perhaps Brooks & Dunn’s most memorable hit.
It was proven during the “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas ten years ago. Sixteen of the country’s biggest stars came together to perform some of the duo’s biggest hits, and the night would have never been complete without anyone performing the song. Interestingly, the performance came from none other than the King of Country himself, George Strait.
Strait took the stage for an upbeat performance, and the star-studded crowd was on their feet even before he started singing. Not only that, but Kix Brooks personally took the tunes away from the sidelines with his harmonica, giving this unforgettable performance one of the best!
Though it was a heartbreaking night for country music following the duo’s retirement announcement, the crowd relentlessly participated in building the energy. While Strait was not the only artist who paid his respects to the duo, Strait’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the night. Stars like Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood also graced the event to cover some of their favorite Brooks & Dunn hits.
The Song That Brought Back Line Dancing To Life
Written by Ronnie Dun, the other half of Brooks & Dunn, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is a tribute to the line dancing in a Texas-style honky-tonk.
“Out in the country, past the city limits sign. Well, there’s a honky tonk near the county line. The joint starts jumpin’ every night. When the sun goes down, they got whiskey, women, music, and smoke. It’s where all the cowboy folk. Go to boot scootin’ boogie,” the song goes.
The song was originally released by country music group Asleep At The Wheel off their 1990 album Keepin’ Me Up Nights. A few months later, it was covered by Brooks & Dunn and included it in their debut album Brand New Man. The duo’s version of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” reached the top spot of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became their first crossover hit, reaching No. 50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The song was so successful that it is being credited for having sparked a renewed interest in line dancing all over the United States. It has definitely helped the duo make a huge impact on the New Country scene of the early ’90s.
Check out the video below as George Strait nailed the toe-tapping “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” in honor of Brooks & Dunn’s illustrious career.
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George Strait