Too long. That’s how long it’s been. And there is no concrete answer as to why. Unquestionably, country music is one of the most successful and popular genres of music. And yet it gets no NFL love. Country Music and the Super Bowl: It’s been HOW long since the last all Country Halftime Show? Read on and find out.
The last time country music was invited to take the field at halftime was on this day, January 30 of 1994. Happy anniversary, I guess. Why is country not invited to the party? I don’t have that answer but I can voice my frustration. Feel free to join me!
30 years ago today, Super Bowl XXVII was played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. So who played in the biggest of games? Troy Aikman and the Dallas Cowboys vs. Jim Kelly (left with sprained knee) and the Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys took the win and their 4th Super Bowl, as a franchise.
The Stars And The Songs
The Halftime show was pure country. Some of the biggest names in country music at the time took the big stage. Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, and Wynona Judd electrified the audience with high energy performance. Later, Naomi Judd appeared to sing with Wynonna, for “Love Can Build A Bridge.”
I remember watching and being so proud that country music was featured at such an iconic event, and on the worldwide stage. I had to enlist the help of Wide Open Country when researching what songs were performed. Clint Black kicked things off with his clever “Tuckered Out.” Tanya Tucker took the stage next with her smash hit, “It’s a Little Too Late.” Then it was Travis Tritt’s turn and he rocked out his dynamic cover of “T-R-O-U-B-L-E.” Finally, Wynonna wowed with powerhouse vocals on “No One Else On Earth.” That led into a Judds reunion with Naomi joining the party for a emotional performance of “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Then, a galaxy of stars appeared on stage, from Charlie Daniels, to Stevie Wonder, the Georgia Satellites and, randomly, Joe Namath and Elijah Wood.
Big Game Big Name Appearances
There have been a spattering of country artists performing the National Anthem or “America the Beautiful” over the years, or pop leaning country acts performing at the halftime shows. But honestly, the pregame nods feel like…always the bridesmaids, never the brides. I’ll dive into some of those, here.
