Frankie Ballard Channels Hendrix at 2016 CMA Music Festival [WATCH]
There's nothing like an electrifying "Star Spangled Banner" guitar solo to kickstart a huge night of country music, and that's just what Frankie Ballard did on Friday (June 10). He kicked off night two of the 2016 CMA Music Festival and showed fans that he isn't just another face in country music -- he has the talent to back up his charismatic stage presence.
The guitar solo was reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's performance of "The Spar-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock in August 1969, according to NPR. It was the first time fans had heard a more psychedelic rendition of the song, which Hendrix described as "pretty." It was met with mixed reviews at the time, but when Ballard performed it a few days ago, the crowd definitely approved.
“So many people sing it and I’ve sang it,” Ballard tells the Tennessean. “I just feel l can offer a different look at it. The emotion of that song is easy to display on guitar. To hear my guitar all by itself in that big old football stadium is a dream come true in and of itself."
Ballard was one of many country stars who played at CMA Fest on the second day. The lineup included Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams Jr., Clint Black and more.
The "Young and Crazy" hitmaker recently performed at the 2016 Taste of Country Music Festival and treated fans to many songs from his brand-new album, El Rio.
Frankie Ballard Talks Channeling Jimi Hendrix
See Photos From CMA Fest 2016, Day 2