Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde Prove ‘Cowboy Boots’ Are More Than Just An Accessory In New Duet
Bentley says McBryde is “the real deal.”
Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde; Photo Provided
Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde’s new duet is an ode to “Cowboy Boots.”
The longtime friends and former tourmates teamed up on the traditional country anthem, which features expertly crafted lyrics that paint a picture in the mind of the listener.
While cowboy boots are known as a staple in country music fashion, Bentley and McBryde remind listeners that they are more than just an accessory.
“They were made to ride and ramble / They were made for desert stars / They ain’t broke in ’til they’ve broken / A few horses and some hearts / Kickin’ dust up instead of habits / Got some bad ones they should lose / That’s why they call ’em cowboy boots / They were made to count a band off / Two-step across the floor / Push down on a throttle / Hide a bottle, kick down doors / They’ll make you feel ten feet tall / And cool like Chris LeDoux / That’s why thеy call ’em cowboy boots,” Bentley sings on the tune, which tips its hat to the country music fan’s favorite shoe.
“When I first really fell in love with Country music, Jim Beam and cowboy boots came along for the ride,” Bentley said. “I’ve had a few pair of boots over the years, many requiring duct tape at times. But, they’ve been my consistent and steady companion through this crazy ride.”
He went on to explain that choosing McBryde as his duet partner for “Cowboy Boots” was a no-brainer for him as he is a big fan of her vocals and her authenticity.
“Not only does Ashley have one of the best voices in Country music, she also always rocked a pair of boots when we were on tour together last year,” Bentley added. ”I wanted someone that I could authentically sing this song with, and I didn’t have to look any further than stage left. She’s the real deal.”
To accompany the track, Bentley and McBryde shared a live performance video, which was filmed in late January at Lower Broadway’s iconic Robert’s Western World in Music City.
In the clip, Bentley and McBryde strum their acoustic guitars as they serenade a couple, who are seen “two-stepping across the floor” in the empty Downtown honky tonk. The video concludes as Bentley and McBryde share a shot at the bar before exiting the venue.
Co-written by Bentley alongside Casey Brown, Hunter Phelps, and Jordan Minton, “Cowboy Boots” will appear on Dierks Bentley’s long-awaited tenth studio album, GRAVEL & GOLD.
Arriving on February 24, the GRAVEL & GOLD will feature 14 tracks, including duets with Ashley McBryde and Billy Strings. The diverse project will be a celebration of Bentley’s 20-year career and will find the country hitmaker singing about perspective and self-awareness at many levels from personal to professional.
The record will include his previously released single “Gold,” “Same Ol’ Me,” as well as “Cowboy Boots” and “High Note,” which feature Ashley McBryde and Billy Strings, respectively.
Serving as the follow-up to 2018’s The Mountain, Bentley’s GRAVEL & GOLD takes its name from his latest chart-climbing single, “Gold.” Since the release of The Mountain, the Arizona native created and subsequently scrapped two albums because he felt they weren’t up to par with what fans have come to expect from him.
“It’s been four years since I put out an album, and part of the reason for that is that I wrote and recorded two records that I didn’t feel were good enough and had to start over…twice,” explains Bentley. “I’m going to be able look back on it for the rest of my life and be like, yeah, that was harder than I thought it would be, but zero regrets. I had to get it right. That’s the Gravel & Gold of it all.”
GRAVEL & GOLD will showcase Bentley’s diverse musical styling, from his love of bluegrass to his authentic modern country sound.
“Selfishly I’ve always wanted to have my cake and eat it too,” says Bentley. “I’m in the bluegrass space. I’m in the traditional country space. It’s always been important to me to have the love and support of this community in Nashville, particularly the older establishment and the Opry – and to know that I’m able to do that but also get out on the road and play the big venues too? It doesn’t get any better than that for me.”
Stepping outside his comfort zone, Bentley will serve as a producer for the first time alongside a mix of his longtime collaborators.
Dierks Bentley has yet to unveil a tour in support of the project, however, he already has several dates on the books throughout 2023. The superstar will take the stage at a number of high profile country music festivals, including Country Thunder Arizona, Country Concert, Country Jam USA, and more.
Bentley is also slated to perform at the sold-out George Jones tribute, Still Playin Possum, in Huntsville, Alabama. The event, which will take place on April 25, will also feature Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, and more.
GRAVEL & GOLD Track List
1. “Same Ol’ Me”
2. “Sun Sets In Colorado”
3. “Heartbreak Drinking Tour”
4. “Something Real”
5. “Still”
6. “Beer At My Funeral”
7. “Cowboy Boots” (Featuring Ashley McBryde)
8. “Gold”
9. “Walking Each Other Home”
10. “Roll On”
11. “All The Right Places”
12. “Ain’t All Bad”
13. “Old Pickup”
14. “High Note” (Featuring Billy Strings)
GRAVEL & GOLD is available for preorder/pre-save now HERE.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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