Red Clay Strays and Zach Top Honor Late Country Legend John Anderson With Moving ‘Swingin’’ Performance

The Red Clay Strays paid tribute to country music legend John Anderson just days after his death, bringing Zach Top onstage in Nashville for a performance of one of the late singer’s most celebrated hits.

During their October 22, 2026, concert at Bridgestone Arena, the Southern rock band joined forces with Top to perform “Swingin’,” Anderson’s 1983 CMA Single of the Year. Red Clay Strays frontman Brandon Coleman shared vocal duties with Top, delivering a lively rendition of the beloved country classic.

The performance offered a fitting tribute to Anderson, who died on October 21 at the age of 71. Known for his distinctive voice and enduring influence on country music, the singer left behind a catalogue of songs that continued to resonate with artists and audiences alike.

Sierra Ferrell Also Pays Tribute to Anderson

The Red Clay Strays and Zach Top were not the only performers remembering Anderson during the Nashville show.

Sierra Ferrell, who opened the concert, also honored the late musician with her rendition of “Years.” The song has regularly featured in her live sets and was included on the 2022 album Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson.

Ferrell’s performance added another moment of remembrance to the evening, highlighting the lasting connection between Anderson’s music and the artists who continue to perform it.

‘Swingin’’ Remains a Country Music Favorite

Originally released in 1982, “Swingin’” became one of Anderson’s signature songs and earned the CMA Single of the Year award in 1983. Over the years, the track has inspired numerous interpretations from artists across the country music scene.

The Mavericks recorded their own version in 2019, while LeeAnn Rimes offered a different perspective by adapting the original lyrics to tell the story from a female point of view.

The song was also a regular feature of Anderson’s live performances, making the Red Clay Strays and Top’s rendition an especially meaningful way to celebrate his legacy.

Rimes shared her own emotional tribute following Anderson’s death, reflecting on how deeply his music had shaped her life.

“I lost a big piece of my childhood today and we all lost a very kind man and one of the most unique voices this world has ever experienced,” she wrote on Instagram.

She recalled how “Swingin’” had soothed her as a baby before becoming the first song that came to mind when she recorded her album Lady & Gentlemen, which featured covers of her favorite male country songs.

Rimes also revealed that she still frequently performs the track at her own shows, promising to continue singing it in Anderson’s memory.

Red Clay Strays Return to Bridgestone Arena

The tribute came during a significant run of shows for the Red Clay Strays, who were scheduled to return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on October 23 for a second consecutive headlining performance.

Their decision to honor Anderson alongside Zach Top, combined with Ferrell’s own tribute earlier in the evening, made the October 22 concert a celebration of a country music figure whose songs continue to connect generations of performers and fans.