A five-hour New Years Eve concert in Nashville left time for many country tributes, including an emphatic nod to Hank Williams Jr. by three contemporary hitmakers and a beach tribute to Kenny Chesney.

Chris Janson directed a version of “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” during the CBS airing of New Years Eve: Nashville Big Bash Friday evening (December 31). The “Bye Mom” ​​singer started vocals and then added harmonica, with Riley Green and Jon Pardi filling in the multiple verses and chorus breaks. The trio were far from the only country star to pay homage to country heroes.

Another highlight of the show was Luke Bryan performing Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down” after his own “One Margarita”. The performance came from Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge on Lower Broadway in Nashville. The evening was a mix of live performances and pre-recorded performances.

Additional performances found below include headliner Dierks Bentley teaming up with Ingrid Andress for John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ standard. Carly Pearce covered “Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain and Brooks & Dunn invited Jason Aldean to play “Brand New Man”. No, it’s not a cover, as B&D is the originator of the hit, but Aldean’s addition is unique. Janson, Green and Pardi also covered a song by Dwight Yoakam with “Honky Tonk Man”.

Find the video of each below, courtesy of CBS YouTube. The outdoor performances were broadcast live from the Bicentennial Mall in Nashville.

Dierks Bentley and Ingrid Andress sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

Carly Pearce sings “Any Man of Mine”

Jason Aldean Joins Brooks & Dunn For “Brand New Man”

Chris Janson, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, “Honky Tonk Man”

Lainey Wilson and King Callaway perform a medley, including “American Woman”