Laying down a classic in Las Vegas.
The National Finals Rodeo (The NFR) is more than just the Super Bowl of rodeos. It’s also a mecca for country music. Throughout the ten rounds of the Wrangler NFR, there are countless bands and musicians that make their way to Las Vegas, Nevada, to perform for the attendees.
Because what goes hand in hand with rodeoing…besides beer. Yes… Country music.
Some of this year’s entertainment included Zach Top, Riley Green, Cody Jinks, Ian Munsick, Aaron Watson, Tyler Halverson, Colter Wall, and many more. And, of course, the artists also hang around to watch some of the rodeos and pop on stage with some of their friends when they can. Zach Top made a surprise appearance during one of Riley Green’s sets, and they laid down a solid gold medley of ’90s anthems like “Time Marches One,” “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” and more.
Now it’s the Red Clay Strays‘ turn to bring up one of their friends to the stage.
During their show, they brought up the viral artist Gabriella Rose, who dominated the internet with her newly released single “Doublewide.” Rose was also just announced as the supporting act on J.R. Carroll’s Hometown Hero Tour, so she’s on a roll now, stepping on stage with the Mobile, Alabama band.
Instead of having Rose join them for one of their songs, the group decided to cover an all-time country classic: Johnny Cash‘s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Frontman Brandon Coleman takes the first verse, bringing the high-energy lyrics to life before handing it over to Rose for the second verse.
The Red Clays Strays and Gabriella Rose’s sound has an old soul that transports listeners back in time. Their vocals, which sound well beyond their years, would garner Johnny Cash’s stamp of approval. During the bridge, Coleman steps back from the microphone to focus on his guitar part, giving off an Elvis-like vibe as he bops to the rhythm.
This performance is screaming Viva Las Vegas; we are here for it. I’d love to hear more from this duo in the future; their vocals and vibe complement each other so well.
“I hear the train a-comin’, it’s rolling ’round the bend
And I ain’t seen the sunshine since I don’t know when
I’m stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin’ on
But that train keeps a-rollin’ on down to San Antone”
We are not the only ones left speechless after this performance; check out a few of our favorite comments.
“Johnny Cash would approve of this band and this cover.”
“Yes! More Red Clay Strays and Gabriella Rose, please.”
“I don’t think there’s a song they can’t sing!!”
“Brandon Coleman is the songbird of our generation.”
“Please record this.”
While you’re here, fire up the original from The Man in Black.
