During last week’s Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, host Reba McEntire and featured performer Post Malone took a few minutes to mark the recent passing of Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts with a brief duet on one of Betts’ most notable tunes, country-rock classic “Ramblin’ Man”.
Following Malone’s performances of his recent country smash, “I Had Some Help”, and showed off another unreleased tune, “Never Love You Again”, McEntire, who served as the host of the country music awards show, strode onstage at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX to meet the multi-genre hitmaker.
“Posty, Posty, Posty,” she cooed before giving him a hug. “Great job!”
“Thanks,” Malone replied. “I’m so nervous.”
“Are you nervous?” McEntire pressed. “Yes, ma’am,” a genuinely nervous-looking Posty confirmed.
“Well, everyone loves you,” she assured him. “I love you, too, and I was wondering if you’d mind singing a song with me.” As a smiling Malone responded, fumbling his words slightly in the presence of the country icon, “There’s nothing more in this world that I would love than to sing a song with you.”
“We recently lost Dickey Betts from the Allman Brothers Band. And if you would, let’s sing a little bit of ‘Ramblin’ Man’, okay?” Reba asked. “I don’t see why not,” Posty responded.
While the ensuing a cappella homage was a quick one—each of the singers took a line of the first verse before harmonizing on the chorus—its tone of reverence and celebration was nonetheless powerful. Plus, there’s something about the mix of the “Queen of Country’s” assertive vocal timbre and Posty’s withering vibrato that just works, in some strange way. Here’s hoping they explore this strange but sweet combination further.
Watch Reba McEntire and Post Malone pay tribute to the Allman Brothers Band’s late Dickey Betts with a bit of “Ramblin’ Man” at the 2024 ACM Awards below. Malone also played his recently released country hit, “I Had Some Help”, and showed off another unreleased tune, “Never Love You Again”. Watch his full performance here.
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Speaking of surprising collaborations at the ACM Awards, Chris Stapleton also created a stir by welcoming pop superstar Dua Lipa to join him for a soulful rendition of “Think I’m In Love With You”. Stapleton was among the night’s big winners, taking home honors for Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (for Higher), and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Watch Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa collaborate at the ACM Awards below.
Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa – “Think I’m In Love With You” – ACM Awards 2024