LEGENDARY DUET! Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker team up for a breathtaking performance of “In The Ghetto” at the CMA Awards, celebrating Mac Davis’s lasting impact on country music

Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker Deliver a Powerful Tribute to Mac Davis with “In The Ghetto” at the CMA Awards

At the 54th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in November 2020, the stage was set for a moment that would resonate far beyond the walls of Nashville’s Music City Center. Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, two titans of American music, came together to honor the late, great songwriter Mac Davis with a soul-stirring performance of “In the Ghetto.” Their duet was more than just a musical number—it was an emotional journey that left the audience breathless and reflective.

A Song with Enduring Power

Originally written by Mac Davis and immortalized by Elvis Presley in 1969, “In the Ghetto” is a haunting ballad about poverty, violence, and the endless cycles of hardship in America’s urban landscape. On this night, Reba and Darius didn’t simply cover the song—they infused it with raw emotion and contemporary relevance, reminding everyone of the timelessness of Davis’s message.

Bridging Generations Through Song

With little more than a spotlight and a microphone, Reba and Darius commanded the stage. Their voices—seasoned, soulful, and sincere—wove together in perfect harmony, bringing new depth to the song’s poignant lyrics. The stripped-back arrangement let every word and note shine, creating an atmosphere thick with emotion and empathy.

Reba McEntire, often hailed as the “Queen of Country,” has spent over four decades at the pinnacle of the genre. Born in Oklahoma in 1955, she rose from humble beginnings with her family’s singing group to become a chart-topping legend, a TV star, and a businesswoman with her own clothing line and restaurants.

Her duet partner, Darius Rucker, is a musical chameleon. First known as the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish—the band behind one of the best-selling albums of all time—Rucker reinvented himself as a country star in 2008. Since then, he’s notched multiple No. 1 hits and earned a reputation for bridging genres with grace and authenticity.

Music as a Mirror to Society

Choosing “In the Ghetto” in 2020 was no accident. Amid a year marked by social unrest and calls for justice, the song’s themes of inequality and generational struggle felt more urgent than ever. Through their heartfelt performance, McEntire and Rucker paid tribute not only to Mac Davis, but also to the millions whose stories echo the song’s somber narrative.

Their duet was a call for empathy—a reminder that music can shine a light on society’s deepest wounds and inspire change.

From the CMA Stage to the World

The performance’s impact didn’t end that night. A studio version of “In the Ghetto” was released on all major streaming platforms, allowing fans everywhere to relive the magic and share its powerful message with new generations. In doing so, Reba and Darius ensured that Mac Davis’s legacy would continue to inspire and provoke thought for years to come.

A Lasting Legacy

Since that unforgettable night, both artists have continued to evolve. Reba McEntire has expanded her entrepreneurial empire, while Darius Rucker explores new musical horizons, blending his rock and country roots with fresh creativity.

Their collaboration at the CMA Awards stands as a testament to country music’s ability to honor its roots while pushing important conversations forward. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a moment that moved hearts, changed perspectives, and reminded us all of the power of song.