Keith Urban Pays Tribute to Marty Robbins with a Medley

In 2009, the ACM (Academy of Country Music) paid tribute to the trailblazing artists of previous decades whose influence had shaped the contemporary country music landscape we all cherish today. This special event brought together a new generation of musicians to perform renditions of classic songs from the past, paying homage to these legends who paved the way. The pinnacle of the evening’s festivities was the proclamation of George Strait as the Artist of the Decade, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the genre.

Among the esteemed performers enlisted for the ACM Artist of the Decade All-star Concert, Keith Urban was entrusted with the task of delivering a medley of Marty Robbins’ iconic tunes. Taking the stage with his guitar in hand, Urban commenced his performance with a brief introduction to Robbins, recounting his personal admiration for the legendary singer and recalling how he regarded Robbins as the epitome of cool.

Keith Urban’s Medley of Marty Robbins’ Songs showcased his versatility and musical prowess. He began by interpreting Robbins’ timeless classic, “Singing the Blues,” injecting his own yodeling skills into the performance and earning a hearty round of applause from the audience. Transitioning seamlessly, Urban skillfully transitioned to “El Paso,” arguably Robbins’ most significant hit, dazzling the crowd with his guitar riffs. The grand finale of his medley was the catchy “A White Sport Coat and A Pink Carnation,” leaving no doubt that Robbins would have been immensely proud of Urban’s rendition.

Marty Robbins’ enduring legacy was highlighted by the three songs chosen for Urban’s performance, all of which had climbed the country music charts. “Singing the Blues,” originally penned by Melvin Endsley and recorded by Robbins in 1956, reached the pinnacle of the chart, marking Robbins’ second number one hit. “El Paso,” released in 1959, proved to be his magnum opus, topping both the country and pop charts. Following closely, “A White Sport Coat and A Pink Carnation,” released a year after “Singing the Blues,” clinched the third number one country single for Robbins.

These chart-topping melodies performed at the ACM concert serve as invaluable treasures within the rich tapestry of country music history. For those who missed the electrifying performance by Keith Urban, it’s a testament to the enduring power of classic country tunes, and it’s a must-watch to witness Urban’s yodeling skills and heartfelt homage to a country legend.