During a standout moment on SiriusXM’s The Highway during CMA Week, Scotty McCreery took on a country classic—and made it completely his own. His version of Garth Brooks’ “Papa Loved Mama” wasn’t just a tribute, it was a full-on performance that showed off his deep love for the genre and his knack for storytelling.
As part of a special series where artists tip their hats to their musical heroes, Scotty didn’t hold back. Before launching into the song, he shared his admiration for Garth Brooks, even joking that he’d jump at the chance to open for him one day. Then, in true showman style, he slid his barstool aside and dove into the high-energy track.
“Papa Loved Mama,” originally released in 1992 on Garth’s Ropin’ the Wind album, is known for its wild, vivid tale of a truck-driving husband and a tragic twist. It’s the kind of song that needs both grit and charisma—and Scotty delivered both. His deep, smooth vocals gave the story a fresh edge, while still honoring the raw energy of the original.
What made Scotty’s version shine was how naturally he made the song his own. You could tell he wasn’t just singing—he was living the story, line by line. It was a performance that felt both familiar and brand new, pulling in longtime Garth fans and introducing the song to a new generation.
With this cover, McCreery reminded everyone why he’s one of today’s standout voices in country music—and just how strong the bridge is between the legends and the rising stars. If you’re a fan of either artist, this is one performance you don’t want to miss.
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