Little Big Town Joins Country Music Hall Of Fame Member Tanya Tucker For Stirring Rendition Of ‘Delta Dawn’ At 2023 CMA Awards

One of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tanya Tucker, was joined by Vocal Group of the Year nominee Little Big Town for a special performance of Tucker’s iconic “Delta Dawn” during the 2023 CMA Awards.

The band performed the opening verse of the song a capella, showcasing their signature harmonies before introducing Tucker to the stage.

Dressed in a stunning black sequined jumpsuit, Tucker effortlessly sang the iconic tune with Little Big Town joining in for the stirring rendition of “Delta Dawn.” On the big screen behind them, snapshots from throughout Tucker’s legendary career were on display, exhibiting why she was named a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. At the end of their performance, Tucker’s daughters Presley and Layla stood by their mom’s side after serving as her background singers. 

Tanya Tucker To Drop Re-Recorded Version Of Her Classic Tune

“I haven’t been here for a while, so it’s even more exciting for me now,” Tucker shared during rehearsals for the 57th Annual CMA Awards. She also shares that she has re-recorded the classic tune, originally recorded in 1972, to be released sometime next year. 

“I just re-recorded ‘Delta Dawn’ and it was very difficult. It was, how do you rerecord something that’s such an iconic record? I mean, just the record and the sound that Billy Sherrill got was so significant, and so it was powerful. And to try to re-record something like that, I’m straddling the fence. What was good about it is I had the last three existing living members of musicians that played on it, Billy Sanford, Charlie McCoy, and Pig Robbins, who we just recently lost. But that was a thrill.”

She continued, “Having my two daughters, Presley and Layla singing backgrounds, and my other half, Craig Dillingham singing the bass, taking Hurshel’s place who was on the original, Hurshel Wiginton…it was just really special to have them play on it and have my kids singing on it. And I think this is going to set us up. This performance on the CMAs is going to set us up for that record release at some point. I don’t know when, probably next year sometime, but that’s what makes it even more special.”

The Country Icon Says She Feels “Grateful” For Her Musical Journey

Tucker was inducted as one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 22, alongside Patty Loveless and Bob McDill. The Texas native began her musical journey at an early age. She became a hit recording artist by age 13, graced the cover of Rolling Stone by age 15, and accumulated six No. 1 records before the age of 18. The singer-songwriter dipped into the pop-rock world for a while before making her resurgence in country music. This earned her 24 Top 10 country hits between 1986 and 1997. In 2019, she made yet another comeback with the GRAMMY-winning and critically acclaimed album While I’m Livin’.

“It’s a great feeling to know that I’ve been in so many lives and my music and the song has been there, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” says Tucker.

57th Annual CMA Awards

Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the 57th Annual CMA Awards aired live on Wednesday, November 8 on ABC (8:00-11:00 PM/EST). The star-studded show featured performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Chris Stapleton, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson, and more. 

Always known for epic collaborations, the 2023 CMA Awards also featured a Jimmy Buffett tribute from Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, and Zac Brown Band, a not-to-be-missed performance of country classics from Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and HARDY, a performance honoring The Judds from Jelly Roll and K. Michelle, plus special duets from Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, and Little Big Town with Tanya Tucker.  

Paula Abdul, Bill Anderson, Nate Bargatze, Kevin Cahoon, Jordan Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Sara Evans, Brian Kelley, Lady A, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Corey Seager, Gerry Turner, Keith Urban, Hailey Whitters and Chris Young appeared to present during “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” 

Those who are unable to watch the show in real-time can watch the CMA Awards the following day on Hulu.