All the performers put their own spins on patriotic music — Buffett performed a tropical rendition “This Land is Your Land” and showcased some of their original, Americana-themed material.
Allen, for example, treated viewers to “American Heartbreaker,” from his 2018 Mercury Lane record, while Guyton dazzled with her soaring ballad “Without a Net.”
Jackson had the most heart-tugging performance of the night, however. He dug into his archives and pulled out “Drive (for Daddy Gene)”, a tribute to his late father.
Jackson said before his performance that he would like to perform a song for him now that…[it] was quite a while ago when [it] was] written,” Jackson stated. I had lost my dad and wanted to write a song. I didn’t want to write some sad, crying, dyin’ thing. I began to think about growing up and realized that all I wanted was to drive. I learned all that from him, which is why this song was written.
The story of the song is about the feeling of being young, and getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time.Just an old, hand-me-down Ford“Plywood boat“Or a “Jeep with a broken engine” — under the watchful guidance of his father. Eugene Jackson, the singer’s father, died in 2000.
Jackson returned to the broadcast of The Capitol Fourth later with a traditional patriotic song: “America the Beautiful.” Nettles also performed “Oh, what a Beautiful Mornin” elsewhere on the broadcast. The track list for her Always Like New album contains the Oklahoma classic.
The country contingent was joined by the A Capitol Fourth celebration, which featured performances from Cynthia Erivo and Train, Pentatonix and Gladys Knight, among others. This show, which celebrated its 41st anniversary in 2021, was dedicated to military personnel and their families. The show featured spectacular fireworks displays and music.
A Capitol Fourth was aired by PBS. It was also broadcast on NPR stations across the country. However, fans who were unable to attend can view the entire event via PBS’ YouTube or Facebook channels for a short time.
