Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker Pay Tribute to Mac Davis With ‘In the Ghetto’ at CMA Awards

At the 54th Annual CMA Awards in November 2020, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker took the stage for a powerful duet that captivated the audience and stirred deep emotion. Together, they honored the memory of the legendary Mac Davis with a heartfelt performance of his classic song, “In the Ghetto.”

Written by Davis and famously recorded by Elvis Presley in 1969, “In the Ghetto” explores themes of poverty, hardship, and the harsh realities of life in underserved communities. Reba and Darius delivered more than just a performance — they offered a stirring interpretation that brought renewed relevance to the song’s powerful message, connecting it to today’s world with grace and sincerity.

A PERFORMANCE THAT SPANNED GENERATIONS
With quiet confidence and undeniable presence, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker stood together beneath the lights of the CMA Awards stage, delivering a moving rendition of “In the Ghetto.” The stripped-down staging put the focus squarely on their voices, allowing the song’s emotional depth to resonate fully with the audience. Their performance honored the legacy of Mac Davis while offering a modern, soul-stirring take on a timeless message.

Reba McEntire, a cornerstone of country music, has maintained a powerful presence in the industry since the mid-1970s. Born in 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma, she began singing with her family before launching a solo career that would include dozens of chart-topping hits and a successful turn as a television actress in the hit series Reba.

Darius Rucker brought his own rich musical history to the duet. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1966, Rucker first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Grammy-winning rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. With the band’s record-breaking debut album Cracked Rear View, he became a household name. In 2008, he embraced a new chapter in country music, quickly earning critical and commercial success as a solo artist.

A SONG WITH RENEWED PURPOSE
Choosing “In the Ghetto” in 2020 was a meaningful gesture. Amid a year of intense national reflection and calls for social justice, the song’s themes of inequality, hardship, and generational struggle found a new audience. Reba and Darius used their platform not only to celebrate the songwriting brilliance of Mac Davis, but also to shine a light on issues that remain deeply relevant.

Their performance wasn’t just musical—it was intentional. It invited listeners to think, feel, and engage with the world around them.

CARRYING THE MESSAGE FORWARD
In the wake of their CMA appearance, a studio version of “In the Ghetto” was released across streaming services. The recording extended the emotional reach of the live performance, allowing fans to experience—and reflect on—the song all over again. In doing so, Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker helped ensure that Mac Davis’s powerful message continues to live on, inspiring new generations through music.

A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON

Since that performance, both artists have continued to evolve and expand their careers.

• Reba McEntire has successfully launched her own clothing line and restaurant ventures, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

• Darius Rucker has been working on new music that fuses his rock roots with country soul, proving that great artistry knows no genre limits.

Their CMA Awards duet serves as a reminder of country music’s deep roots — and its potential to drive important conversations. It’s not just a moment fans will remember, but a benchmark for how music can move people and change perspectives.

LISTEN AGAIN: ‘IN THE GHETTO’ BY REBA MCENTIRE & DARIUS RUCKER

Available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming services.