Some fans hear Zach Top’s music and think that he set out to make songs that sound like ’90s country. However, that’s not the case. He is just following in the footsteps of the artists who inspired him. His musical heroes include Alan Jackson==who is currently touring with–and Keith Whitley among others. In fact, the Washington native has called Whitley his favorite country singer on more than one occasion.

With this in mind, it wasn’t surprising to see Top on the lineup at a tribute concert for Country Music Hall of Famer and all-star songwriter Dean Dillon last year. Dillon penned several songs for George Strait and other country superstars including Waylon Jennings and Brooks & Dunn. He also penned “Miami, My Amy” which brought Whitley a hit in the ’80s. Top chose to cover the song during the tribute concert. Watch him knock it out of the park below.

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Zach Top Discusses Finding His Throwback Sound

Earlier this year, Zach Top sat down with Billboard to discuss his music, inspirations, and success. During the conversation, he revealed how he found his unique but familiar sound by following in the footsteps of his heroes.

Carson Chamberlain helped bring Top to Nashville and gave him the push he needed to start writing songs. Before linking with the “Cold Beer & Country Music” singer, Chamberlain worked with some of Top’s major influences including Keith Whitley and Alan Jackson. As a result, he was able to put the young artist in rooms with, as he put it, “Guys that wrote the hits that I grew up on and that made me love country music.”

Top also knows what it takes to create a great country song. “Three chords and the truth are a necessity. A little fiddle and steel guitar never hurt,” he said. More importantly, though, he knows it’s about connecting with people. “It’s songs that make people feel something and something that’s got a story to it,” he explained. “That’s what I love about country music–songs that make me feel understood, no matter what stage of life I’m in,” he added.