Emily Ann Roberts’ Duet ‘Country Boy’ Written By British Rock Band

On The Voice’s Season 9 finale episode, Team Blake’s country singer Emily Ann Roberts will perform the song “Country Boy” with country legend Ricky Skaggs. The song was first recorded by Skaggs in 1985 as the title track from his album Country Boy. It was #1 on the country music chart for 13 weeks. That year, Skaggs was named “Entertainer of the Year” and the “Country Boy” video (see below) was nominated for the first-ever “Music Video of the Year” title at the CMAs. (Remember, MTV had just launched in 1981.) The video is set in New York City — where the Skaggs character lives (and wears a suit!). When his skeptical Uncle Pen shows up for an unexpected visit, Skaggs shows him around the Big Apple but proves he’s still a “Country Boy.” Look for the cameo by late NYC Mayor Ed Koch.

The three men who wrote the song “Country Boy” – Tony Colton, Albert Lee, and Ray Smith – were a far cry from American country boys. They were members of the British rock band Heads Hands & Feet. They didn’t last long or gain much notoriety but they did occasionally back-up musicians including Jerry Lee Lewis, Shirley Bassey, and Don Everly. The Voice will announce the winner of Season 9 on December 15, 9-11pm on NBC.