Stoney LaRue chose Billy Bob's Texas as his Concrete Country backdrop because of the key role it's played in his career. Early on, he recorded a live album at the iconic venue in Fort Worth, Texas. Now, he routinely sells it out. And from those early days until now, he's relied on fans to keep him going.

"You build something, a foundation strong enough, then you can build anything on it," he says. "Being an independent artist, it does take the artist being with the fans because that's who got you there in the first place. Those are the people who came out to some of your first shows that got you to where you are now."

The rain held off for this taping, although the brisk wind kept the Texas flags firmly flying in the distance. With a friendly demeanor, LaRue easily kept the crowd's attention with fan favorites ("Oklahoma Breakdown") and an outstanding new song ("Easy She Comes"). After the set, he posed for photos with every fan and joined the crew for a few drinks around the corner at the White Elephant. A big howdy to Billy Bob's Texas for being so accommodating on Concrete Country's first Texas shoot.

CMT and Mountain Dew's Concrete Country with Stoney LaRue premieres on CMT on Tuesday (August 6) at 11:50 p.m. ET/PT.

See behind-the-scenes photos.