Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, a few standout artists helped steer country music back toward its traditional roots. At a time when pop influences were taking over, the sounds of Randy Travis, George Strait, and Alan Jackson felt like a breath of fresh air. Their influence shaped the country scene of the ’90s—and their legacy continues to inspire today’s artists. That’s why fans still consider them true country legends.
For many, getting the chance to see one of these icons live is a dream come true. On June 7, 2014, over 100,000 fans packed AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for George Strait’s record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour. That night, they witnessed something unforgettable: Strait teaming up with fellow legend Alan Jackson for two incredible duets—“Amarillo by Morning” and “Murder on Music Row.”
While the two stars are often seen as equals in the country world, Jackson took a moment between songs to pay tribute to Strait. “George, I’ve just got to say, this is the coolest country music concert there’s ever been,” he said, raising a toast to Strait’s long and storied career. Jackson also shared how much Strait meant to him coming up: “I’ve been a fan since Unwound, man. You’re one of the reasons I came to Nashville.” It was a touching moment between two of country’s finest.
A Song with a Message: “Murder on Music Row”
Murder on Music Row isn’t just a duet—it’s a bold statement about the direction of country music. Written by Larry Cordle and Larry Shell in 1999, the song takes aim at the growing pop influence in the genre and mourns the fading of traditional country sounds. With the hard-hitting line, “Someone killed country music, cut out its heart and soul,” it struck a chord with fans who felt the same way.
Originally recorded by Cordle’s bluegrass group, the song got a second life when Strait and Jackson recorded it together. Though never officially released as a single, it still made waves, reaching No. 38 on the Billboard country chart. Before performing it live at AT&T Stadium, Jackson remarked, “It’s still appropriate today,” nodding to the song’s ongoing relevance.
A Powerful Performance
When Strait and Jackson took the stage for Murder on Music Row, it wasn’t just a performance—it was a heartfelt stand for the roots of country music. Their voices blended perfectly, full of respect and conviction, delivering a message that resonated with longtime fans. It was one of those rare musical moments that felt both nostalgic and powerful, reminding everyone in the crowd why these two are still among the greats.
