A Legendary Show: George Strait’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” Rendition
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” a track synonymous with the iconic country duo Brooks & Dunn, stands as one of their most celebrated hits. Its enduring popularity was vividly highlighted during the “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo” event, held a decade ago at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This grand celebration brought together sixteen of country music’s most prominent stars to pay homage to Brooks & Dunn by performing a selection of their greatest hits. The night would not have been complete without a rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and to the audience’s delight, this task was undertaken by none other than George Strait, affectionately known as the King of Country.
George Strait’s performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” was a standout moment of the evening. His dynamic stage presence had the star-studded audience on their feet even before he began singing. Adding to the magic of the performance, Kix Brooks, one half of the duo, joined in with his harmonica, lending a unique touch to this unforgettable rendition. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation, coupled with Strait’s magnetic charisma, transformed the performance into a highlight of the evening.
While the event was tinged with a sense of nostalgia due to Brooks & Dunn’s retirement announcement, the atmosphere remained electric. The audience’s energy never waned as they celebrated the duo’s illustrious career. George Strait’s tribute was undoubtedly a high point of the night, but he was not the only star paying homage. Artists like Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood also graced the stage, each performing their renditions of Brooks & Dunn’s classics, adding to the tribute’s grandeur.
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” penned by Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, holds a special place in country music history. Released initially by Asleep At The Wheel on their 1990 album “Keepin’ Me Up Nights,” Brooks & Dunn later covered the song for 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 U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 50. The song’s widespread success played a pivotal role in reigniting interest in line dancing across the United States and solidified Brooks & Dunn’s impact on the early ’90s New Country scene. The video of George Strait’s spirited rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” in honor of Brooks & Dunn, remains a testament to their enduring influence on country music.