Country and Rodeo Unite: A Weekend of Tribute and Triumph at The American Rodeo

The American Rodeo was this past weekend.  The event features a night full of performance horses of the cutting, reining, and working cow horse events.  The following evening features a rodeo where contestants have a chance to win $1 million.

On Friday evening Alli Walker, Ghost Hounds, and Luke Bryan took the stage to entertain the crowd following the performance horses.  Saturday evening the headline stars were GRAMMY award nominee, Aaron Watson and multi-genre star, Post Malone.

Malone has been dabbling in Country music for a while now and he did so again when performing in Arlington, Texas for the crowd at the American.  

It seems Postie was a Toby Keith guy.  The genre swapping star performed a tribute to Keith with his acoustic version of "As Good As I Once Was" from Toby Keith's Honkytonk University.

Along the same lines, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is also going on right now.  Houston hosts many top artists including Whiskey Myers, Nickelback, Zac Brown Band, and Blake Shelton just to name a few.

On Wednesday, March 6 Jelly Roll took the stage.  The "Need A Favor" unconventional artist also played tribute to the late Toby Keith.  "Should've Been A Cowboy" was Jelly Roll's chosen piece to pay his respects.

In 2022, Keith revealed that he was suffering from stomach cancer and put up a valiant battle.  Unfortunately, at just 62-years-old, the Country music star died on February 5, 2024.

Toby Keith's impact will live on as a symbol of resilience.  He was a legend  who displayed unapologetic patriotism, uncanny storytelling abilities, and an enduring spirit for Country music.   His contribution to the industry will serve as influence for generations to come. His commitment to the military and veterans is respected both inside and outside the Country music industry.

The tributes are certainly due for a man who can no longer grace the stage, but will forever live on in the beat of the music and the hearts of so many who loved him.