A few years ago, no one would have ever thought to label Kid Rock as a country artist. Although there really isn’t any sort of a label that can be attached to the 47-year-old singer, he’s been more associated with country music in recent years.
Rock’s dive into the country music world started in 2002 with his single “Picture.” Released as a duet with Sheryl Crow, the track reached the Top 25 0n the country charts and peaked at the second position on the Billboard Hot 100.
Six years later, Rock came firing back with his biggest country hit today. Called “All Summer Long,” the Southern rock-infused tune featured bits from Lynyrd Skynyrd‘s “Sweet Home Alabama.” It didn’t take long at all for the song to burn up the radio airwaves, and it claimed the fourth spot on the country chart.
Now, Rock is back yet again with what may be his most country song to date. Titled “Tennessee Mountaintop,” the reflective piece has the potential to become Rock’s first chart-topping country hit.
Rock first exposed the public to “Tennessee Mountaintop” during his set at Charlie Daniels‘ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam in November 2016. Following the crowd’s warm response, Rock decided to feature the song during his episode of Dan Rather’s The Big Interview, which aired on February 14, 2017.
Seated on the couch in his living room, Rock introduced the song to Rather before breaking out into a spontaneous performance of it. The result has to be one of the most amazing showcases that we’ve ever seen or heard from Rock.
The song carries a great deal of emotional weight, as Rock sings about always wanting to escape to California. But after seeing how it isn’t the paradise he built it up to be, Rock starts longing for a different place. That place is Tennessee.
Originally from Michigan, Rock has made a home for himself in Nashville. He now has a home in the city, and has come to develop a deep appreciation for it and the state of Tennessee as a whole. His true feelings for the state have never been made more clear than he made them in his performance of “Tennessee Mountaintop.”
Rock delivered an acoustic performance of the song, lending a more intimate touch to his delivery. As you listen to him sing about Tennessee’s wonders, you’ll feel as though you’re sitting right across from him in the room. His performance is just that personal.
Tune in below to catch Rock singing his extraordinary new song. You’ll be glad you did.