Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osbourne and Ashley McBryde joined forces to tribute the late Charlie Daniels at the 54th annual CMA Awards.
On Wednesday (Nov. 11), the star-studded group of artists came together to pay homage to “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” singer.
“So looking forward to this Charlie Daniels special here at the CMAs,” said Bentley ahead of the all-star performance. “I don’t know there’s anybody that hasn’t been influenced by Charlie Daniels music.”
“It’s going to be really special,” McBryde said in advance of the performance. “I’ve been listening to his music since I was a kiddo…. and when you’ve been listening to country music your whole life and you’re my age, there’s zero percent chance of you not being influenced by Charlie Daniels, especially from a rock ‘n’ roll standpoint.”
The show kicked off with Bentley solo on acoustic guitar playing “Long Haired Country Boy,” Brothers Osborne then performed “Trudy,” Ashley McBryde then joined the group to perform “Texas,” Jason Aldean then brought the heat with an amazing performance of “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.”
https://twitter.com/CountryMusic/status/1326701838817767426?s=20
Jenee Fleenor was originally scheduled to perform with Aldean and friends, however she unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of her performance was forced to quarantine, making her unable to perform.
The late Charlie Daniels was a country music icon, who was also known for his contributions to Southern rock and bluegrass. He was best known for his chart-topping hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Daniels’ died of a hemorrhagic stroke earlier this year on July 6.
The 54th Annual CMA Awards also featured performances from Chris Stapleton, Rascal Flatts, Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban, Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion and Kelsea Ballerini.
Additionally, the show included star-studded collaborations by Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, Reba McEntire featuring Darius Rucker, Gabby Barrett and Charlie Puth, Carly Pearce with Charles Kelley as well as Thomas Rhett together with McEntire and Chris Tomlin.
Hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, “Country Music’s Biggest Night” aired on Wednesday, November 11 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET) on ABC.
