Hosts Darius Rucker and Reba McEntire are planning a very special tribute to late singer Mac Davis at the CMA Awards. The two will take the stage together to perform a rendition of Davis’ “In the Ghetto.”
Davis wrote the iconic song in the 1960s, which was picked up by Elvis Presley. The song became one of the Rock and Roll legend’s signature hits. Over the years, the two collaborated on a few more songs and even developed a tentative friendship. Davis passed away in September after becoming critically ill during open-heart surgery.
Country music fans and singers alike mourned his passing with a string of tributes following his death. Previously, musician Vince Gill honored Davis’ legacy with a moving rendition of “In the Ghetto” at the Grand Ole Opry.
In addition to performing at the CMA Awards, Rucker and McEntire also recorded a studio version of the song in October. They plan to release the song at midnight ET on Nov. 11, following the awards ceremony. Rucker previously teased the collaboration between the two. He said they had something special planned, but he had refused to divulge the song choice at that time.
The CMA Awards Will Feature Several Tributes
Alongside Davis’ tribute, the CMA Awards will also honor several late country singers who passed away this year.
Little Big Town will honor Kenny Rogers with a cover of one of his songs. Rogers passed away in March of this year. Meanwhile, Jon Pardi will sing in tribute to the late Joe Diffie, who died from COVID-19 complications. Pardi is a huge fan of Diffie’s work and is excited to honor the musician.
To open the awards ceremony, several musicians will honor the late Charlie Daniels by singing his iconic song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne, and fiddle player Jenee Fleenor will be among those playing the song.
The 2020 CMA Awards will air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
[H/T: Taste of Country]
