George Strait metaphorically tipped his hat to Alan Jackson by performing during the “Drive” singer’s final concert on Saturday evening (June 27th).
Following his diagnosis with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Alan announced his retirement from touring. His Last Call tour ended in 2025, but he had one more show on the books.
That show was scheduled for June 27th at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. In addition to Alan’s farewell performance, an all-star lineup of performers was assembled to honor him throughout the evening. Some of those performers were Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, and Cody Johnson.
“The King of Country,” George Strait, was one of the last artists to join the lineup. But it came as no surprise when he did, considering the fact that he and Alan have been friends for years.
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Strait and Jackson took the stage together during the emotional farewell concert, delivering the signature song they have performed side by side many times over the years…”Murder On Music Row.”
Since Strait has basically retired as well, it was quite significant that he made this rare public appearance for Jackson. It shows just how much their friendship means to him.
You can watch a clip of their final performance together below.
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The History Behind The George Strait And Alan Jackson Duet, “Murder On Music Row”
Beyond being friends for decades, Alan Jackson and George Strait have performed together many times. Their most iconic collaboration came in 2000 when they released a cover of “Murder on Music Row.” They previously performed the song live at the 1999 CMA Awards.
Written by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell, “Murder on Music Row” has Jackson and Strait mourning the loss of traditional country music as more pop-leaning songs take over.
The song received the CMA’s Vocal Event of the Year award in 2000. Songwriters Cordle and Shell received the CMA’s Song of the Year award for the track in 2001.
Years later, Jackson and Strait reunited to sing “Murder on Music Row” during Strait’s last concert on his 2014 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. That show was filmed for a CMT TV special. (Strait retired from full-scale touring afterward, but still performs at a few concerts each year.)
On top of recording “Murder on Music Row,” Jackson and Strait were both featured in the 2016 mega-mashup “Forever Country.” Before that, they joined Clint Black, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and Jimmy Buffett for a fun-lovin’ remake of Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Lookin’,” which was released in 2004.
Head below to revisit the unforgettable moment when Jackson and Strait sang “Murder on Music Row” on The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. Now, Strait has since returned the favor by singing at Jackson’s last concert.
