Old Dominion Cover Johnny Lee’s ‘Looking for Love’ at the CMA Awards

The paid tribute to Urban Cowboy's 40th anniversary.

Written by Chris Parton
Old Dominion Cover Johnny Lee’s ‘Looking for Love’ at the CMA Awards
Old Dominion performs “Looking for Love” at “The 54th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 11, 2020; live on ABC from Music City Center in Downtown Nashville; Photo courtesy of CMA

Old Dominion sent a musical love letter to Hollywood at the 54th Annual CMA Awards, covering Johnny Lee’s “Looking for Love” to mark Urban Cowboy’s 40th anniversary.

With Lee and fellow Urban Cowboy Mickey Gilley in the audience, the performance showcased how much country has changed in four decades. Back when the original song was a highlight of the film starring John Travolta and Debra Winger in 1980, its smooth pop sound was a revolutionary step — but now it fits right in. Matthew Ramsey’s warm vocal delivered the easy-swaying hook — all about about the dating scene and finally finding “the one” — while a stead rock beat and just a hint of twang backed him up.

Old Dominion were up for two awards on the night, Vocal Group of the Year and Album of the Year for Old Dominion, and they had already won Vocal Group when the performance took place. Co-hosted by Darius Rucker and Reba McEntire, the 54th Annual CMA Awards aired live on ABC from Nashville’s Music City Center on November 11.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Seriously… what a year. THANK YOU 🙏🏼 #cmaawards #vocalgroupoftheyear #weareolddominion

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