Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
The notion that George Strait “accidentally outshined” Brooks & Dunn on their own hit, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” stems from his memorable performance of the song at the 2010 ACM special “The Last Rodeo,” honoring Brooks & Dunn.
While “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is undeniably one of Brooks & Dunn’s signature songs and a massive hit that helped spark a line-dancing craze, George Strait’s cover at the tribute event was met with immense enthusiasm from the audience and has been widely praised by fans. Many commenters online and viewers of the performance felt that Strait’s smooth, classic country delivery gave the song a fresh, yet equally authentic, feel.
Brooks & Dunn themselves were present at the event and were clearly enjoying Strait’s rendition, seen smiling and reacting positively from the stage. Strait even prefaced his performance by expressing his admiration for the duo, stating, “People ask me all the time who I listen to. I answer with three short words: ‘Brooks and Dunn.’ Honest.”
The idea of him “outshining” them isn’t meant to diminish Brooks & Dunn’s original, but rather highlights George Strait’s undeniable charisma and skill, reaffirming his status as “The King of Country” by showcasing his ability to take a well-known song and make it distinctly his own, even if just for a special performance. His version is often lauded for its laid-back, traditional country swing, which some argue resonated deeply with his fanbase and showcased his unique musicality.
Video