Introduction:
George Strait Delivers a Surprise Performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
The evening began with thunderous applause as the announcer welcomed a true legend: “Please welcome the reigning Artist of the Decade, 20-time ACM Award winner, George Strait.”
Strait, gracious as ever, stepped onto the stage and smiled warmly at the crowd. “That’s really nice of you all. I appreciate it very much. What an honor it is for me to be here,” he said. Then he let the audience in on a little secret. “People ask me all the time who I listen to, and my answer is three short words: Brooks and Dunn.”
It was both an easy and difficult choice for Strait that night. Easy, because he knew nearly every Brooks & Dunn hit by heart. Difficult, because there were so many iconic songs to choose from. After some thought, he made his decision. “I think I got pretty lucky,” he told the audience, “because I ended up with one of the most memorable Brooks & Dunn songs.” And with that, Strait launched into a lively rendition of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
From the first verse — “Out in the country, past the city limit sign…” — the crowd erupted with excitement. Backed by a full band, Strait leaned into the playful energy of the song, singing about smoky bars, hard-earned weekends, and the joy of hitting the dance floor after a long week. His deep, steady voice gave the Brooks & Dunn classic a new texture, blending his trademark smoothness with the song’s honky-tonk spirit.
As the chorus rolled in — “Come on baby, let’s go boot scootin’…” — the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. Fans clapped, cheered, and sang along as Strait kept the rhythm moving, tossing in lines about blackjack tables, red-headed women at the bar, and dancers heating up the floor like the Fourth of July.
By the time he closed with the rollicking refrain — “Get down, turn around, go to town, boot scootin’ boogie!” — the entire audience was on its feet, swept up in the spirit of celebration.
It was a moment that reminded everyone in attendance why George Strait remains the King of Country: he not only honors the music that inspired him but makes it his own, delivering performances that feel timeless, effortless, and unforgettable.
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