Introduction
When Brooks & Dunn released “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” in December 1993, it quickly became one of the duo’s signature upbeat hits. Written by Bill LaBounty and Steve O’Brien, and featured on their Hard Workin’ Man album, it reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and marked only their second single with Kix Brooks on lead vocals instead of Ronnie Dunn .
Fast forward to 2024, as part of their creative revisit of the past, Brooks & Dunn released Reboot II, a collaborative album that invited contemporary artists to bring fresh interpretation to their classics. Marcus King, the acclaimed Southern rocker, was enlisted to reimagine “Rock My World,” performing it with his own band for a version rich in soulful guitar and blues‑tinged vocal grit .
Then came CMA Fest 2025, held June 5–8 in Nashville and broadcast as a prime‑time concert special airing June 26 on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu . In a highlight of their opening‑night set at Nissan Stadium, Brooks & Dunn invited Marcus King back to the stage for a fiery rendition of “Rock My World (Little Country Girl).” The performance retained the kinetic energy of the original while elevated by Marcus King’s guitar prowess and blues-laced delivery. It emerged as one of the most-talked‑about collaborations of the evening, earning raves as a standout moment in a night packed with high‑profile duets and surprises .
This live reunion perfectly captured the spirit of Reboot II—bridging country tradition and modern edge—and served as a thrilling reminder of Brooks & Dunn’s enduring legacy and willingness to innovate alongside rising stars.