Introduction
In 2010, the Academy of Country Music staged a fitting tribute titled “The Last Rodeo” to mark Brooks & Dunn’s initial farewell tour—a celebration steeped in gratitude, nostalgia, and musical reverence. Among the all‑star lineup, George Strait took center stage to perform “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” delivering a thrilling, high‑energy rendition that captured both the honky‑tonk spirit of the original and Strait’s signature Texas country flair.
The song itself has a rich pedigree. Written by Ronnie Dunn, it was initially recorded by Asleep at the Wheel in 1990 before being embraced and revitalized by Brooks & Dunn on their debut album, Brand New Man (1991) . Initially released as a B‑side to My Next Broken Heart, it became their fourth straight No. 1 single, reigning atop the Billboard Hot Country chart for four weeks in mid‑1992 . The song’s irresistible beat and dance‑hall vibe spawned a nationwide line‑dancing phenomenon—over a dozen choreographed routines bear the song’s name—and it also crossed over to peak at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 .
Strait’s performance delivered more than nostalgia—it was a heartfelt salute from one legend to another. Dressed in his signature cowboy attire, he commanded the stage with understated charisma, voices blending with audience applause and even a harmonica cameo from Kix Brooks himself . Critics and fans alike hailed it as a career-defining moment: “a moment”; “perfectly covered Boot Scootin’ Boogie in front of Brooks & Dunn” .
This rendition immortalized a pivotal moment in country music history: the passing of the torch, the unity of its icons, and a genre that continues to respect its roots even as it evolves.