The annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. recently celebrated a new class of cultural icons, including the “King of Country” himself, George Strait. While the night was filled with star-studded moments, one performance stood out as the highlight of the evening: Brooks & Dunn taking the stage to cover Strait’s timeless classic, “Amarillo By Morning.”
The country duo, consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, delivered a flawless rendition of the 1982 hit. Ronnie Dunn’s powerhouse vocals were on full display, honoring the song that Strait has previously cited as his absolute favorite recording. Despite being one of his most recognizable tracks, “Amarillo By Morning” famously only peaked at #4 on the charts—a fact that often shocks fans given Strait’s record of 60 Number One hits.
From the honoree’s box, George Strait was seen watching intently, smiling throughout every note of the performance. The broadcast captured the genuine appreciation on his face as the duo navigated the song that became a dance hall staple decades ago.
The tribute didn’t stop there. Fellow country star Miranda Lambert also graced the stage, delivering a rendition of Strait’s song “Run.” The performances underscored Strait’s massive influence on the genre, with Brooks & Dunn proving exactly why they were the perfect choice to honor a living legend. The full ceremony, which also recognized artists like KISS and Gloria Gaynor, is set to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
