Country music legends join forces in the music video for "Forever Country," a collaboration that celebrates 50 years of the CMA Awards. In a behind-the-scenes video exclusive to Taste of Country, key artists and the song producer and music video director discuss the creation of the song and video.

Carrie Underwood initially had doubts about the idea of mashing up three iconic country songs: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver, "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson, and "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton. However, she admits that the mashup works perfectly. Video director Joseph Kahn came up with the idea, and Shane McAnally made it work.

Despite the songs being different from one another, they are somehow universally appealing. Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley remarks that the mashup represents the current state of country music, where each artist has a unique and stylistic sound. Tim McGraw adds that it was amazing to see singers he idolized for decades come together for this project.

Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, George Strait, Charley Pride, Alabama, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, and more artists appear in the song and video. The opportunity to be a part of this project was embraced by everyone involved.

Kahn explains his vision for the music video, wanting to make it universal while always bringing it back to its country roots.

The artists were shot on a green screen, with graphics transforming railroad tracks into major cities and back again. The visual effects in the video are stunning and can be seen in its entirety.

"Forever Country" is a tribute to the CMA Awards and the impact of country music. It brings together country music legends and showcases the unique and stylistic voices that define the genre. The behind-the-scenes video offers insight into the creation of the song and video, highlighting the excitement and admiration felt by all involved.