A Michael Jackson Tribute, Country-Style
I'd been waiting for this -- a day when someone would take the beloved song titles from Michael Jackson's vast catalog of hits and set them to music. And now that the day is here, I'm thrilled that it is a country song. It's called "My Cowboy Hat's Off to You."
It reminds me of the days after Chris LeDoux's death when Garth Brooks released "Good Ride, Cowboy." Or, even though he's still very much alive, the song Tim McGraw recorded years ago about so many of the George Strait hits ("Give It to Me Strait.") This one isn't traditional country, which makes sense. It might be a little too far-fetched to be singing about "Off the Wall" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" backed by a steel guitar.
The songwriters said the idea came to them when they were thinking of a way to best salute an iconic entertainer. "The 'tip of the hat' reference came to me and, shortly thereafter, I had the creative piece I wanted for the hook," said songwriter Dan Robinson. "Through high school and college, many of Michael Jackson songs were imprinted on my mind. There is an infectious energy to his upbeat tunes and a soulful sincerity to the slower tempo songs."
Other than calling out a dozen or so of Jackson's songs, from "Got to Be There" to "Man in the Mirror," the chorus brings it all together when the singer says that "Country is my roots, but I still like to rock with you." And that "my cowboy hat's off to you, even though I'm country/Because in music, we're all family." That is so true.
I don't know that country radio would ever embrace a song like this. But it's a nice rocker that brings you back to a time when Michael Jackson was king.
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luckyoldsun says:
One thing I was glad for was that Michael Jackson had nothing to do with country music.
No, I won’t say anything BAD about Michael Jackson–I just don’t care a lick about him or whatever plans there are to capitalize on him.
I’d rather hear a country tribute to Luciano Pavoratti or Ella Fitzgerald.
elizabeth- cawobeth says:
This is a high compliment to Michael & I think he would tip his hat, then toss it as a wow to fans; bring his hands together into grateful paryer position & bow his head. Michael learned from all kinds of music & appreciated music of all kinds. When I think of all he’s written, he is in a class by himself; like Stevie Wonder. There is blues & gospal & rock and R & B and soul & classical & . . . Songs of romantic longing & love of nature; values & human emotion- so are many country songs.
You sense Michael’s sincere dedication to humanity and passion for creative expression. More people are really listening to Michael now; rather than just hearing. The people more that do,a better world it shall be.
This is wonderful- I thank you & will be listening out for the song.
Glenda says:
That is very sweet for this country song writer to pay tribute to Michael Jackson with this song. And you know, his mom, Katherine Jackson, would appreciate that because she is a big fan of country music. Well done!
Off The Wall – Michael Jackson « Off The Wall – Michael Jackson says:
[...] A Michael Jackson Tribute, Country-Style | CMT Blog It might be a little too far-fetched to be singing about “Off the Wall” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” backed by a steel guitar. The songwriters said the idea came to them when they were thinking of a way to best salute an iconic [...]
Nikki says:
This is an amazing idea, well done, he so deserves it and as was mentioned his mother Katherine loves country music so she sure will be proud. I am so happy you all are doing this, its great and he so deserves it. So many mean things have been said about him it sure would be awesome to see country music folks coming through just the way we always do with class and tons of dignity! Well done and congratulations to Michael, so sorry it has to be for this reason, but in my heart I trully do believe that he will be looking down with a huge smile on his face! R.I.P Michael, you left us way too soon!
squid says:
thanks for this interesting read, nice one.
squiddy says:
thanks for this interesting read, nice one, excellent.