Throughout Joe Nichols’ 15-year career, which has yielded more than 14 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, he’s developed a tradition for closing out his shows with an unlikely cover that seems to create a bond with his audience.
Nichols’ rendition of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s campy rap classic “Baby Got Back,” boasts a country makeover that’s barely recognizable compared to the original. However, it’s recognizable enough to audiences to catch on and join in.
“Pretty much, everyone when we kick into the song, they get that instant gut laughter,” Nichols told soundslikenashville.com. “They start singing along, and it’s fun. It’s a quirky and different arrangement, and it fits well with what I do.”
Nichols has even gotten props from Sir Mix-a-Lot himself for his countryfied version of the 1992 hit.
“I love this cover,” the rapper told Nichols. “You didn’t copy anything of what I did. You made this your song. For that reason, I love it.”
Nichols finally included “Baby Got Back” on his appropriately-titled 10th full-length studio record, Never Gets Old, released in July 2017. The universally-known tune works nicely as the bookend to a record with lyrics that center on women.
Nichols credits Conway Twitty as the main influence behind songs on the record, including “Girl in the Song” and the somewhat steamy “Hostage,” which he has called “a pretty cool bedroom song, maybe a little bit risque.”
While Nichols has earned his share of awards and hit songs, he says his career highlights involve moments like watching the CMA Awards in a Madison Square Garden dressing room with George Strait and Alan Jackson.
“Full circle is the term I would use,” the Arkansas native says about his new project, titled Never Gets Old. “Let’s get back to where my passion for music began.”
Santa Cruz-based opener Taylor Rae fuses jazz, funk, rock and blues into something she dubbed “Soul and Roll.” Her innovative sound helped earn her the 2017 Santa Cruz NEXTies “Musician of the Year” award.
JOE NICHOLS and TAYLOR RAE 6pm Wednesday, Nov. 29. Folktale Winery & Vineyards, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. $40-$150; Sold out.folktalewinery.com
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