Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, aged 51, recently hinted at the possibility of venturing into the country music genre. In a conversation with Billboard regarding his appearance in Chris Janson's music video for "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get," the former WWE champion expressed his interest in potentially releasing a country album.
With artists like Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Post Malone already exploring country music, fans are curious to see if Johnson will be the next big star to embrace the cowboy boots and 10-gallon hat persona.
Johnson expressed the need to work on it during an interview with the publication, mentioning that we might see progress this year.
Throughout his career, Johnson has demonstrated his singing abilities. He first showcased his talent when he sang a rendition of Elvis Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight" during his hosting of Saturday Night Live in 2000, a song he later performed in the 2007 film The Game Plan. Known as The Rock in the WWE, Johnson sang on multiple occasions in the wrestling ring. Additionally, he impressed audiences with his performance of "You're Welcome" from the Moana soundtrack.
Johnson might actually surprise us with a country album in the future. He mentioned to Billboard that he has a deep love for country music since he was a kid. Recalling a tough time when his family faced eviction in Hawaii and had to move to Nashville, he shared, "We couldn't afford the rent, so we ended up in Nashville. I stayed with a friend at a motel, and that's when we started exploring Broadway and soaking in the country music scene."
A few days later, while at Piggly Wiggly, he found himself singing a Hank [Williams] song. A fellow shopper approached him and inquired if he sang professionally. At just 15 years old, he replied, "No, I just love to sing. I love country." The shopper suggested, "You should go down to [Broadway]. That's where all the singers are."
Continuing to spend time on Broadway in Nashville, he tried to secure a gig at honky-tonks. Sharing on Instagram later, he confessed, "I had this dream (delusion) I was gonna become a country music star, hanging out on Lower Broad [Street] attempting to get into Tootsies so they'd let me sing."
Johnson's closest brush with country stardom came when he appeared in Janson's "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" music video. The video shows Janson and Johnson going off-roading in a Ford, then chilling in the flatbed with a guitar and a beer.
Recently, Johnson made a return to the WWE, playing his role as The Rock in a villainous way. He has several projects in the works, such as a role in the live-action version of Moana and in the Christmas-themed adventure film Red One, which stars Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, and J.K. Simmons.
Editor's P/S:
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's potential foray into country music is an intriguing prospect. His passion for the genre, evident from his childhood experiences in Nashville, suggests he may bring a unique perspective to the scene. Johnson's vocal abilities, showcased in various performances, hint at his potential to deliver authentic country songs.
Moreover, the success of other non-country artists venturing into the genre, such as Beyoncé and Post Malone, indicates that there is an appetite for diversity in country music. Johnson's star power and vast fan base could further expand the reach of the genre and introduce it to a broader audience. Whether he releases an album or not, Johnson's interest in country music is a testament to the genre's enduring appeal and its ability to attract artists from diverse backgrounds.