Zac Brown Band & Jimmy Buffett Perform “Chicken Fried” on CMT Crossroads

CMT Crossroads / Youtube

American country music band Zac Brown Band shared the stage with singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett for an episode of CMT Crossroads.

This episode was the first produced for Season nine of the show and was aired on March 19, 2010. The country-rock tunes of Zac Brown Band and the laid-back tropical nature of Jimmy Buffett made for a harmonious collision of Southern storytelling and good times.

RELATED: Revisit Jimmy Buffett’s Carefree “Margaritaville” Duet With Zac Brown Band

A Celebration of Diverse Melodies

These two legendary artists, both known for their unique and powerful styles, seamlessly blended their worlds on the Crossroads stage together. Their performance was truly a one-of-a-kind experience for the audience members to enjoy, bringing together a perfect musical match. Zac Brown Band with their down-home country sound and Buffett with his relaxing beach tunes. A special moment [3:46] in the performance shared between the two when Brown changed the lyrics from “And Cold Beer on a Friday Night” to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” referencing one of Buffett’s well known tunes.

Far-Reaching Roots of Country Music

CMT has hosted its series “Crossroads” since 2002, featuring many artists over the years. The show was created with the idea that there are no limits to what can be achieved when different musical worlds collide. By pairing country music singers with artists from other genres, CMT Crossroads seeks to break down barriers and showcase the universal language of music.

Brown and Buffett’s duet on the show exemplifies just how extraordinary it is that a simple, common love of music can create something truly special.

Zac Brown Band Honors Their Hero & Friend

Brown and Buffett frequently collaborated over the years, beginning with their time together on Crossroads. The following year, the band recruited Buffett to feature on their new song “Knee Deep,” the third single of their You Get What You Give album. In 2022, the two acts worked together yet again, this time for a new version of “Same Boat,” which was nominated for CMT Music Award for Group Video of the Year the same year.

Following the devastating news of the talented singer’s passing, Brown and his bandmates revealed a special promise Buffett had made to them.

“Back when we did @cmt crossroads with JB, on there he said he’d pass the torch onto us…It was one of the greatest honors of my life.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zac Brown Band (@zacbrownband)

Watching Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett perform “Chicken Fried” is the perfect way to remember the good times the duo shared together. Watch their full performance.