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Russell Dickerson put an unexpected spin on an iconic 90s hit by Garth Brooks when he joined brother duo Dan and Reid Isbell on a recent episode of God’s Country.
Dickerson, who also nodded to a legendary 80s anthem in his latest infectious single, delivered a nearly unrecognizable version of “Calling’ Baton Rouge,” widely known for Brooks' early 90s rendition (and The Oak Ridge Boys' recording in the late 1970s), with an “R&B twist.” Brooks released the smash hit country song on his 10-track record, In Pieces, in 1993: “I spent last night in the arms of a girl in Louisiana/ And though I'm out on the highway/ My thoughts are still with her/ Such a strange combination of a woman and a child/ Strange situation stoppin' every hundred miles/ Callin' Baton Rouge/ A replay of last night's events roll through my mind/ Except a scene or two erased by sweet red wine/ And I see a truck stop sign ahead, so I change lanes/ I need a cup of coffee and a couple dollars change/ Callin' Baton Rouge.”
“This week Reid and Dan host multiplatinum artist and fellow West Tennessean, Russell Dickerson out in God's Country. First order of business covered by the guys are the best items you can buy from Costco and why Russell will never part ways with his coveted purchase. Dan takes the lead (shocker) and is mad at 4 extremely petty things, but also develops a billion dollar idea with Russell and Reid along the way. They dive in on how to make hunting trips successful with young kids and Russell shares a trick on how to make your deer chili next level. The three of them list out the 10 items they would bring to survive on an island and the segment goes extremely awry, but practical when you think about it. RD shares his love for touring, how he keeps it sustainable with his family, and what is next for Russell in 2025. The episode ends with an R&B twist on a 90's classic that will have you wanting the track to be released ASAP.”
Dan and Reid — who have written music for Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson and others — started their weekly podcast in early January 2024. Some of the first guests to appear on the show include HARDY, Dustin Lynch, Colbie Caillat and others.
“One of our favorite things about country music has always been how intertwined it is with the outdoors,” Dan and Reid Isbell said in a statement when God’s Country launched. They hope to “bring the outdoor enthusiast or country music lover an up close and personal look into the minds of some of the best songwriters and artists of the genre — a place where they can be honest about struggles, relationships, their connection to the outdoors, the music business, family, whatever they feel comfortable talking about. We can’t wait to see where this partnership will lead and who this podcast will reach.”
The iHeartPodcasts/MeatEater show is available anywhere you listen to podcasts, including in the iHeartRadio app. Select country stations will broadcast the show between 7-11:30 p.m. local time on Sunday evenings. Find God's Country here.