Kelly Clarkson transforms any song into a memorable experience. Her rendition of "The Dance," which Garth Brooks calls his "favorite song," left the country star visibly touched.
Throughout his career, Garth Brooks has given many memorable shows. However, at the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors, he watched from the audience as others celebrated him.
The 63-year-old country star was deeply affected as musicians including Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor, Jimmie Allen, and Gladys Knight honored his impressive career.
Actor Bradley Cooper introduced the tribute by saying: "There's country music, rock, gospel, honky-tonk...and then there's Garth Brooks. Garth is a power hitter who swung for the fences and broke down barriers between music genres, expanding country music's reach and changing American culture."
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His Beloved Song
Garth Brooks & Kelly Clarkson sing "Ain't Going Down Til The Sun Comes Up" Live Concert Performance (Source: www.youtube.com)
Clarkson, 42, was first to perform, delivering a powerful version of "The Dance," Brooks' hit 1990 ballad that he has named as his favorite composition.
"There's a song that you look forward to all night, like 'The Dance.' I could play it four or five times a night, and I'd still be OK with it," Brooks stated in a 1994 interview.
"'The Dance' will be the greatest success as a song we will ever do. I'll go to my grave with 'The Dance.' It'll probably always be my favorite song," he said about the ballad that explores love, loss, and life's fleeting beauty.
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A Sign of Respect
When the American Idol winner performed her version on stage, Brooks seemed to cherish the song even more.
Clarkson, known for her strong vocal range and ability to refresh classic songs, gave a performance both personal and powerful. As soon as the Grammy-winner began singing, the crowd grew quiet, drawn in by her heartfelt delivery.
With just piano backing, Clarkson's voice filled the venue with genuine emotion. While she sang each word with feeling, the audience watched in awe – but no one was more affected than Brooks himself.
The country star, seated next to his wife Trisha Yearwood, held the medallion he received that evening and wiped tears from his eyes.
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As Clarkson's voice reached its highest point, Brooks stood up and, in a show of deep appreciation, took off his hat – a traditional gesture of respect in country music – and placed his hand over his mouth, clearly moved by her sincere performance.
High Praise
Garth Brooks Calls Kelly Clarkson 'A Freak Of Nature' (Source: www.youtube.com)
Social media quickly filled with compliments for Clarkson's powerful yet intimate performance.
"Absolutely flawless performance. Garth looks so proud. Kelly you are an amazing artist," wrote one person in the comments of the clip shared by the Kennedy Center Honors on Facebook.
"Fantastic job singing that song. You can see Garth was filled with emotion. [You're] amazing!" comments another viewer.
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A third person notes, "Garth's reaction made me cry," while someone else believes, "I liked Kelly's version much better."
Kelly Clarkson's interpretation of "The Dance" went beyond a simple cover - it created a truly special musical moment.
‘He’ll Have to Go’ took over country & pop charts in 1960
The song "He'll Have to Go" by Jim Reeves, released in 1960, revolutionized both country and pop music scenes.
The track's rich orchestration and mellow vocals created a crossover success, blending genres seamlessly. Reeves's silky voice and refined approach turned the song into a widespread success, establishing him as a Nashville music pioneer.
The origin of a classic
Jim Reeves - Singer, Songwriter (Source: www.tvinsider.com)
Jim Reeves stood out in country music circles. His nickname, "Gentleman Jim," reflected his elegant style mixed with authentic country emotions.
His career path started in Texas as a radio broadcaster before becoming a musician. The release of "He'll Have to Go" elevated his already successful country career to new heights. His musical identity went beyond just the songs.
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Joe and Audrey Allison wrote the song after Joe witnessed a touching scene in a bar. A customer made a phone call to his romantic partner, asking her to speak closer to the receiver, trying to save their relationship.
This scene inspired the famous opening words: "Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone." The simple line captured deep emotions of love and desperation that connected with audiences.
A defining musical achievement
Jim Reeves - The Essential Jim Reeves - Amazon.com Music (Source: www.amazon.com)
Reeves brought deep feeling to his recording. Producer Chet Atkins created a simple arrangement that highlighted Reeves's vocals. The final product was an honest, moving performance that captured listeners' hearts.
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The song achieved massive success, reaching number one on Billboard's Country Chart and the second spot on the Pop Chart. This achievement showed country music could reach mainstream audiences while keeping its authenticity.
"He'll Have to Go" became more than just a hit song. It spoke to people across all walks of life. The themes of lost love and desperate pleas resonated widely. Reeves sang with perfect balance between strength and tenderness, creating a natural, compelling performance.
The song transformed Reeves into an international celebrity. His worldwide tours spread country music to new listeners. He became more than a singer; he represented country music globally.
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His refined musical approach helped reshape country music, showing it could be elegant, deep, and popular at once.
The Nashville Sound Revolution
Jim Reeves: The Most Popular Western Singer In The Indian ... (Source: www.therevolverclub.com)
"He'll Have to Go" transformed country music completely. The song introduced the Nashville Sound, featuring refined orchestral arrangements that appealed to wider audiences. This new style created a template for artists wanting to blend country with different musical genres.
Many performers, including Elvis Presley and Ry Cooder, recorded their versions of the song. However, Reeves's original recording remained unmatched and definitive.
A life cut short
In 1964, fate struck cruelly when Reeves died in an airplane accident at age 40. Though his death created an irreplaceable gap, his musical legacy, particularly "He'll Have to Go," continued to thrive.
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The song remained popular on jukeboxes and radio stations, preserving his distinctive baritone voice for future listeners. The Country Music Hall of Fame later honored Reeves with membership, recognizing his lasting impact on the genre.
"He'll Have to Go" maintains its position as a beloved country music classic. Modern media frequently features the song in films, television programs, and advertisements, reaching new audiences. Its enduring appeal comes from combining honest emotions with unforgettable melodies.
Reeves's successful fusion of country and pop music influences modern artists. Performers like Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban follow his example of creating crossover hits while maintaining country roots. "He'll Have to Go" stands as a pivotal musical achievement that shaped future generations.
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The song demonstrated how country music could express deep feelings while reaching diverse listeners worldwide. Its impact continues to prove music's ability to unite people and create lasting connections.
Help others discover Jim Reeves's remarkable talent by sharing this timeless masterpiece.
Dolly Parton's rarely-seen but frequently discussed husband of six decades, Carl Dean, has died, the country music icon revealed Monday through social media. He was 82 years old.
"Carl and I enjoyed many fantastic years together," Parton stated in her Instagram announcement. "No words can fully express the love we shared across 60 years. I appreciate your prayers and sympathy."
An additional statement noted, "He will be buried in a private service with only immediate family present. His siblings Sandra and Donnie survive him... The family requests privacy during this hard time."
Dean has fascinated fans since Parton's career began, as he never joined the superstar at public events and seldom appeared in photos. Parton consistently explained that their mutual agreement about his absence from publicity helped sustain their relationship.
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Carl Dean: Dolly Parton's Husband of Six Decades Was 82 (Source: variety.com)
During an E! interview last spring, Parton explained, "Having someone in your corner who loves you for who you are is essential. There's great comfort knowing someone loves you exactly as you are—because he fell in love with me before I became famous."
The couple married on May 30, 1966, in Ringhold, Georgia, with Parton's mother present, two years after they started dating when she was 18. Even early in their marriage, before she became a country-pop and entertainment sensation, Dean rarely appeared with her.
Their first meeting occurred at a laundromat shortly after her arrival in Nashville. As the story goes, the 6'2" Dean drove by and called to the 5-foot Parton, "You're gonna get sunburnt out here, little lady." Parton later said, "I was happy and surprised that while talking to me, he looked at my face (something uncommon for me). He seemed truly interested in discovering who I was and what I valued."
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"Many people claim Carl Dean doesn't exist, that I invented him to keep others away," she acknowledged in a 1984 Associated Press interview, adding she wished she could convince him to participate in a photo shoot. Though Dean avoided photographs, he does appear in the background of her 1969 album cover "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy."
What Dolly Parton Said About Carl Dean Marriage Before His Death (Source: www.eonline.com)
In 2015, she told Parade, "I married a truly good man, someone completely different from me... He enjoys hearing about my activities. I enjoy hearing about his activities. We appreciate each other's company."
We get along well," Parton shared. In 2016, celebrating their golden anniversary, Parton's website dedicated a section to the pair (featuring a rare snapshot of them together, with Dean kissing her cheek in what seems to be from the '70s or '80s), noting they had "celebrated 50 years of marital happiness despite confronting many typical marriage challenges and numerous distinctive difficulties of their own."
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The webpage continued, "Dolly and Carl have lived in marital bliss for five decades. They've cherished and backed each other while honoring each other's autonomy... Though one might assume Dolly would be the more entertaining partner, she frequently mentions that Carl's distinctive humor keeps her amused. Considering Dolly's grand perspective on everything, it's perfectly logical that her one true love would be equally exceptional in every aspect."
In a 2012 conversation with Tennessee's TV station WRCB, Parton elaborated on the circumstances of her wedding to Dean. "I encountered him my first day in Nashville, and we courted for two years," she explained about her spouse, who was employed at his father's asphalt company when they met. "At that time, I was collaborating with Fred Foster, owner of Monument Records and Combine Music. He planned to financially support my path to stardom."
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When they became engaged, she revealed Foster "requested I not marry. He said it would create more difficulties if I were married during all this promotion. My mother-in-law had already distributed invitations. It crushed her when I said we needed to cancel the wedding."
Dolly Parton Musical 'Hello, I'm Dolly' Coming to Broadway (Source: www.rollingstone.com)
"But we left the following weekend, slipping away because we wanted to avoid nearby locations, like Bryson City, North Carolina. So we chose Ringgold because we knew you could obtain your license and marry on the same day. They informed us, 'You must marry in the courthouse.' I responded, 'I will not marry in the courthouse. I will marry in the church'."
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"I stated, 'I must have momma present'," she continued. "So I had purchased a small dress, momma had bought me a Bible with flowers on it. We took momma and returned, marrying on a Monday, in a church. We located a pastor, (and although) neither of us were Baptist, my dad's relatives were, so I had attended many Baptist churches. So we married in the Baptist church there... We transported momma back to the bus station in Chattanooga so she could return to Knoxville, ensuring she wouldn't join our so-called honeymoon, which lasted just a few hours, (since) we both needed to return to work the next morning."
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Parton told the station that she and her husband regularly revisited Ringgold, where they exchanged vows, on their May 30 anniversary.
"We attempt to visit there annually if possible," Dolly explains. "We go at least once every three years. We journey there and bring a picnic... Chattanooga is wonderful, we adore Lookout Mountain, we enjoy doing all those activities. When we visit Ringgold, we typically make it a complete weekend excursion."
15 Best Dolly Parton Movies - Movies With Dolly Parton (Source: www.thepioneerwoman.com)
Fans were intrigued by how Parton and her spouse could take driving trips in rural areas without being recognized. But she maintained, "People never realize we're there. We travel in a small RV camper. I stop and don't wear my typical rhinestones. I apply slight makeup for my husband, I usually have my natural hair, just secured with a small scrunchy or similar item. But you wouldn't think twice; you simply don't notice me. However, if you hear my voice and see me up close, you recognize it's me."
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She confirmed this remained true in an E! interview last year, telling the network, "We simply appreciate each other. One thing we like to do—not necessarily a date night; we have numerous date days—we own our small RV and enjoy traveling around. Going somewhere to get food, or I'll prepare a picnic and we go to the river."
A stage musical Parton has composed about her life journey is scheduled for Broadway in 2026, with an initial test run set to debut in Nashville this August. Parton hasn't discussed in detail which aspects of her life the musical will include, so fans have been curious about whether the relationship with Dean will be depicted.
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Parton's website stated that she composed the song "From Here to the Moon and Back" with Dean in mind, highlighting these lyrics: "From here to the moon and back / Who else in this world will love you like that? / Love everlasting, I promise you that / From here to the moon and back."
Gabriella Laberge stuns ‘AGT’ judges with violin and angelic voice
A notable Eurovision contestant has graced the stage of America's Got Talent. Gabriella Laberge, who previously competed in France's "Destination Eurovision", gave a stunning performance that impressed both the audience and judges.
The French-Canadian musician expressed her aspirations in her introduction video. "I want to pursue music as my lifelong career. This chance means everything to me," she revealed.
The performer from Quebec started her act with a gentle violin solo on stage.
Gabriella Laberge performs James Blunt's 'Goodbye My Lover' on AGT 2021 (Source: www.youtube.com)
While judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel watched intently, Simon Cowell showed initial disinterest. He positioned his hand near the red buzzer, ready to stop the performance. Yet, Laberge had something unexpected planned.
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She shifted from violin to vocals, performing James Blunt's "Goodbye My Lover." Her magnificent voice quickly changed Cowell's reaction, making him move away from the buzzer.
Her performance received a standing ovation from everyone, including Cowell. The judges unanimously agreed to advance her in the competition.
The path ahead remains uncertain for Laberge. Her audition appeared in episode eight, the final audition show of the season.
The competition has approved more than 150 acts, but only 36 can proceed to live shows. Viewers must wait three weeks to discover if Laberge secures a finalist position.
In 2019, Laberge first appeared on television in France's "Destination Eurovision" season two. Her entry "On cherche encore (Never Get Enough)" gained significant fan support.
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Despite audience appreciation, she didn't advance beyond the semi-finals. Bilal Hassani won that season with "Roi."
This AGT appearance represents a fresh start for Laberge, displaying her abilities to worldwide viewers and exciting her Eurovision fanbase.
Her moving performance has created a memorable impact, regardless of future competition results.
