Charles Barkley Is In His Country Music Era… Well, Sort Of

Charles Barkley is one of the funniest, most vocal personalities in television. This week, the Inside the NBA crew member took part in a Pro-Am ahead of The Tradition, the first major on the PGA Champions Tour.

That event took place in Birmingham, Alabama. Barkley was one of many notable sports figures in attendance, including Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer.

Despite a rooting rivalry, the former Auburn basketball star played alongside Saban, now a fellow media personality. And he didn’t disappoint!

A swing that’s too often become a punchline was unrecognizable on the golf course. He’s come a long way in improving his mechanics.

Barkley spoke to members of the media after wrapping up his round. He dropped some unexpected knowledge on his audience regarding his current music preference.

Charles Barkley is in his Country Music Era… well, sort of.

The NBA legend says he’s venturing into new territory – country music. It was a topic he touched on during a recent segment of King Charles with Gayle King.

“I think it’s great,” he said of Beyonce’s transition into the genre. “I like country music. I’ll say it… She’s arguably the biggest star in the whole world.”

Barkley expressed his growing love for the style of music further this week. Here’s what he had to say in Birmingham:

“I’m going through a country stage now, with Dan + Shay and Kane Brown. Those are my two… I had a chance to have Dan + Shay on the podcast recently. They’re probably my hot group right now.

“But I also really love Kane Brown. So, I’m going through a country music stage… It’s pretty cool.”

-Charles Barkley

The basketball personality is exploring new artists. Each of the performers mentioned has put out incredibly catchy hits of late. There’s just one problem. Most wouldn’t truly consider them to be country. They’re pop!

The big man was roasted on social media for the take. “Bless his heart,” one Facebook user wrote. “So, he meant to say he was in his pop music stage,” said another.

While some mocked Barkley for his choice, there were others that were more sympathetic. “Let him get his feet wet before he dives all the way in!” this social media user commented.

Both Dan + Shay and Kane Brown are great in their own respects. They’ve obviously made an impact on Charles Barkley. Are they country? Decide for yourself below!

Country or not, Charles Barkley has both artists shuffled into his golf playlist. We’ll see if he takes a deeper dive into the genre in the future.