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  • GEORGE STRAIT HAS A ‘COLD BEER CONVERSATION’ ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM AND CONCERTS.

    Audio
    George Strait

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    LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Sept. 22, 2015) – George Strait, the musical icon who has been reverently referred to as “The King of Country Music,” will release his new album Cold Beer Conversation this Friday, Sept. 25, as announced at a press conference from MGM Grand in Las Vegas today. The album was produced by Chuck Ainlay and Strait for George Strait Productions and features 13 songs including his latest single, “Cold Beer Conversation,” premiering at country radio tomorrow. The album is available as an exclusive digital download on iTunes, available for pre-order now at http://umgn.us/32bH and Walmart.com, and will be available Friday exclusively via Apple Music and at Walmart.

    The track list for Cold Beer Conversation :
    1.  “It Was Love” (Keith Gattis)
    2.  “Cold Beer Conversation” (Al Anderson, Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Yeary)
    3.  “Let It Go” (George Strait, Bubba Strait and Keith Gattis)
    4.  “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” (Wyatt Earp and Keith Gattis)
    5.  “Something Going Down” (Jamey Johnson and Tom Shapiro)
    6.  “Take Me To Texas” (Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally)
    7.  “It Takes All Kinds” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, Bob Regan and Wil Nance)
    8.  “Stop And Drink” (Dale Dodson and Troy Jones)
    9.  “Everything I See” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, Dean Dillon and Keith Gattis)
    10. “Rock Paper Scissors” (Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
    11. “Wish You Well” (Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde and Brice Long)
    12. “Cheaper Than A Shrink” (Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson)
    13. “Even When I Can’t Feel It” (Dean Dillon, Ben Hayslip and Lee Miller)

    This is the first new studio album in two years from the MCA Nashville recording artist. His last studio album was the Gold-certified Love is Everything, which featured the Platinum-certified No. 1 hit (and 60th No. 1 hit of his career) “Give It All We Got Tonight” as well as the Gold-certified hit “I Got A Car.” Strait also released The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium CD and DVD in 2014, celebrating his mega-successful, two-year final tour.

    Strait’s final tour was never meant to convey his final performance, however. Also announced in today’s press conference, Strait will perform a series of exclusive worldwide concert engagements at the new Las Vegas Arena opening in April 2016. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee will be among the first entertainers to perform at the new venue, with four shows beginning April 22 and additional dates slated for April 23, September 9 and September 10, 2016. Opening for Strait will be GRAMMY, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves, who recently released her second studio album Pageant Material to critical acclaim.

    “I said all along I wasn’t going to tour anymore, but I also said that I wasn’t retiring by any means and I still wanted to do some dates,” Strait said during the press conference. “I’ve been working a little bit here and there, and I’m really proud of this new album that’s coming out. . . I think it’s a great record – I always say this; I think it’s one of the best records I’ve done. I always shoot for that. You’ve got to go in the studio thinking that way, so I’m very excited about that and I’m also very excited to be coming back out and playing for the fans out there. I’m looking forward to it so much, singing those songs that I love so much and haven’t done in a while. I’m really, really looking forward to being able to play in the new Las Vegas Arena. I hear it’s just unbelievable. I can’t wait.”

    Tickets for the concert series will go on sale Friday, Oct. 2 at 10:00 a.m. PT via www.straittovegas.com and range in price from $75 to $200 plus applicable fees. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 p.m. PT.

    With 60 No. 1 singles and more than 68.5 million records sold, George Strait is a musical legend and the most-nominated artist in CMA Awards history, with a career spanning more than three decades. He was the first country music artist honored with Billboard’s “Legend Of Live” Award, and he earned 2013’s Entertainer of the Year title from the Country Music Association as well as 2014’s Entertainer Of The Year title from the Academy of Country Music.

    To re-watch the press conference, visit georgestraitlive.com.

    About Las Vegas Arena
    Las Vegas Arena is a privately funded $375 million indoor arena set to open in Spring 2016.  The 20,000-seat venue, located west of the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, is expected to host more than 100 events annually, including UFC, boxing, hockey, basketball and other sporting events, major headline entertainment, awards shows, family shows and special events.  Las Vegas’ newest landmark will feature 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none.  The Arena has partnered with international iconic brands Coca-Cola, Schneider Electric and Toshiba American Business Solutions Inc., as the venue’s first “Founding Partners.” These Founding Partners will introduce and brand signature fan initiatives, displays and interactive spaces including Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre entertainment space which will feature a performance stage, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas.  Industry-leading architect Populous designed the venue to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. Las Vegas Arena is a joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM).  For more information visit the Las Vegas Arena website at www.arenalasvegas.com.

  • GEORGE STRAIT’S LIVE FINAL CONCERT AT AT&T STADIUM WILL BE RELEASED ON DVD AND DIGITAL FORMATS.

    George Strait

    NEW YORK, Ny. (July 20, 2015)—On August 28, 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the phenomenal concert film George Strait –The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium on DVD and Digital Formats [MSRP $14.98].

    In 2014, the man known who has earned the moniker “The King Of Country” embarked on the second leg of his record-breaking two-year North American concert tour. The aptly titled 2014 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour was unique in that the tour featured a special guest on each weekend, so when it culminated in the year’s grand finale, filmed on June 7, 2014 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in front of a North American indoor concert record-breaking 104,793 in attendance, it was only fitting that several of George’s friends joined for the celebration.

    The Cowboy Rides Away is an all-star musical production, featuring appearances by Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and introducing George “Bubba” Strait, Jr. Strait who join Strait to deliver a 40-song set rich with hits from across his career including the following: “Unwound,” “The Chair,” “Amarillo By Morning,” “Check Yes Or No,” “Give It Away,” “Troubadour,” “All My Ex’s Live In Texas” (featuring all of the guest stars), and many more.

    In addition to the full concert, The Cowboy Rides Away features bonus commentary from Strait on his show and interviews with his guest stars.

    A Country Music Hall Of Fame inductee with 60 Number 1 singles and over 68.5 million records sold, George Strait is a musical icon with a career spanning over three decades. He was the first country music artist honored with Billboard’s “Legend Of Live” Award, and he earned 2013’s Entertainer of the Year from the Country Music Association as well as 2014’s Entertainer Of The Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards.

     The Cowboy Rides Home: Live From AT&T Stadium previously aired on CMT to rave reviews.

    Track List:

    1.  Check Yes Or No
    2.  A Fire I Can’t Put Out
    3.  Love Bug (with Vince Gill)
    4.  Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind (with Vince Gill)
    5.  River Of Love
    6.  Lead On
    7.  Fool Hearted Memory (with Jason Aldean)
    8.  Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her (with Jason Aldean)
    9.  Arkansas Dave (with Bubba Strait)
    10. I Saw God Today
    11. Cowboys Like Us (with Eric Church)
    12. Easy Come, Easy Go (with Eric Church)
    13. That’s What Breaking Hearts Do
    14. Marina Del Rey
    15. Here For A Good Time (with Sheryl Crow)
    16. When Did You Stop Loving Me (with Sheryl Crow)
    17. I Can Still Make Cheyenne
    18. Drinkin’ Man
    19. Jackson (with Martina McBride)
    20. Golden Ring (with Martina McBride)
    21. Give It Away
    22. I Got A Car
    23. A Showman’s Life (with Faith Hill)
    24. Let’s Fall To Pieces Together (with Faith Hill)
    25. I Believe
    26. Blame It On Mexico
    27. Amarillo By Morning (with Alan Jackson)
    28. Murder On Music Row (with Alan Jackson)
    29. The Chair
    30. Give It All We Got Tonight
    31. How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls (with Miranda Lambert)
    32. Run (with Miranda Lambert)
    33. You Look So Good In Love
    34. I’ll Always Remember You
    35. Ocean Front Property (with Kenny Chesney)
    36. The Fireman (with Kenny Chesney)
    37. Troubadour
    38. Unwound
    39. All My Ex’s Live In Texas (with Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride)
    40. The Cowboy Rides Away

    Audio / George Strait sat down at his farm (you can hear a horse or two) to chat about his final Cowboy Rides Away show, and why he chose to have so many special guests.

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    George Strait (special guests at last show) OC: …great idea. :58
    “We wanted to make it something different, something very, very special, something that people didn’t necessarily think they would see at one of my shows – not all of the fireworks and all that kind of thing, but just something a little different. Since we toured with those people all year, we planned on this, getting them if they would, to come and finish it out in Dallas with us. I think it really made the night more special than it would have been if I’d just gone up there and done my normal show. It was more exciting, I think, to have them come up and them being able to choose what songs they wanted to sing of mine, helped me really make the song list around that. So, we thought it was a great idea.”

  • TEXAN GEORGE STRAIT ‘RISES’ TO THE CHALLENGE.

    George Strait

    George Strait contributed the original song, “Take Me To Texas” – written by Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, to the soundtrack of The History Channel’s mini-series, Texas Rising, which premiered Monday night (May 25th).

    George says he was happy to contribute to the soundtrack, especially considering his love of the Lonestar State.

    “I’ve always said Texas is the greatest state, you know, bar none…I was born here and raised in Texas, and the only other time I ever lived anywhere else was when I was in the Army, and so I wouldn’t think of calling anyplace else home. This is my home,” says the Country Music Hall of Famer. “When they asked me if I would think about doing this song for the soundtrack or wherever it’s gonna be in the Texas Rising — it’s a film for the History Channel, it’s a series, and it’s really cool…It’s about The Alamo and the history of how Texas came about and all of that, so…and the song is great. I love it. So, it didn’t take me long to decide, ‘Yeah, I want to do it.’”

    Kris Kristofferson, who plays Andrew Jackson in the mini-series event, also appears on the soundtrack, having recorded a remake of the Tom Petty classic, “I Won’t Back Down.”

    Bill Paxton, Ray Liotta, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Oliver Martinez, Brendan Fraser and Thomas Jane star in the action-packed mini-series about the history of Texas.

    George has hit the airwaves with his latest single, “Let It Go,” which is the first release from his forthcoming studio album.

    Audio / George Strait talks about contributing a song to the Texas Rising mini-series and soundtrack.

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    George Strait (Texas Rising) OC: …gonna be great. :55
    “Well, I’ve always said Texas is the greatest state, you know, bar none. And I loved touring other places, but there’s nothing like playing here, and I was born here and raised in Texas, and the only other time I ever lived anywhere else was when I was in the Army, and so I wouldn’t think of calling anyplace else home. This is my home. So, when I got the, when they asked me if I would think about doing this song for the soundtrack or wherever it’s gonna be in the Texas Rising, it’s a film for the History Channel, it’s a series, and it’s really cool. I’ve just seen the trailers, and it’s really cool. It’s about The Alamo and the history of how Texas came about and all of that, so…and the song is great. I love it. So, it didn’t take me long to decide, ‘Yeah, I want to do it,’ especially after I watched the trailers. So, I hope everyone watches it. I think it’s gonna be great.”

  • GEORGE STRAIT APPEARS ON TEXAS RISING SOUNDTRACK OUT MAY 18TH.

    Press
    George Strait
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    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 7, 2015) – The soundtrack to HISTORY®’s highly-anticipated series event, “    TEXAS RISING,” releases to all digital retailers on May 18. The compilation includes recordings by George Strait, Kris Kristofferson, José Feliciano, John Debney and Bruce Broughton.
     
    Quintessential Texan and iconic singer/songwriter George Strait delivers original song, “Take Me To Texas,” written by Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, while another Texas son, Kris Kristofferson, remade the Tom Petty classic, “I Won’t Back Down” for the project.  International guitar virtuoso José Feliciano contributed the original piece “Igual Que Yo” created specifically for “TEXAS RISING.” The remaining titles on the 28-track album are instrumental score by Academy Award-nominated composer John Debney and ten-time Emmy Award-winning Bruce Broughton.  The first time for both composers to work in Nashville, Debney and Broughton fully created the “TEXAS RISING” score at the famed Ocean Way Studios on Music Row.           
     
    From the same creative team behind the multi-Emmy Award-winning, record-breaking “Hatfields & McCoys,” “TEXAS RISING” is a ten-hour, five-part series event depicting the Texas Revolution and the rise of the legendary Texas Rangers – set to air beginning Monday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HISTORY. The all-star cast includes Kristofferson as Andrew Jackson, Bill Paxton as Sam Houston, Olivier Martinez as Santa Anna, Ray Liotta as Lorca and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Deaf Smith.
     
    TEXAS RISING SOUNDTRACK Track Listing:
    1.      I Won’t Back Down – Kris Kristofferson
    2.      Igual Que Yo – José Feliciano
    3.      Texas Rising Suite                                        
    4.      Emily Arrives in Camp / Town Evacuation     
    5.      Anderson Wakes Rangers                             
    6.      Truett & Yancey Flirt with Sarah                    
    7.      The Alamo and Lorca    
    8.      Sam Talks Strategy                                      
    9.      Deaf’s Goodbye to Lupe                              
    10.  Lupe Watches Deaf Ride Off                      
    11.  Getting’ a Whippin’        
    12.  Houston Addresses the Troops   
    13.  Rangers Run into Mexican Army                  
    14.  Mexican Ambush                                        
    15.  Santa Ana and Emily Sex in the Bath         
    16.  Bigfoot and Hayes at the Waterfall              
    17.  Lorca’s Hanging Bodies                              
    18.  Wykoff’s New Home                                   
    19.  Deaf Tries talking to Lupe                           
    20.  The Battle of San Jacinto (Part 1)
    21.  The Battle of San Jacinto (Part 2)                
    22.  Emily Rescue                                             
    23.  Yellow Rose of Texas                                 
    24.  Yellow Rose of Texas (Alternate Version)     
    25.  Come to the Bower                                     
    26.  Come to the Bower (New Orleans Version)   
    27.  Texas Rising Main Title                                
    28.  Take Me to Texas – George Strait
     
    Soundtrack Album Producer: Leslie Greif
    Soundtrack Album Executive Producers: William Ewart & Greg Cahn
    Music by John Debney and Bruce Broughton
     
    For more information on “TEXAS RISING” and the soundtrack, visit www.History.com/shows/Texas-Rising

  • MOTHER’S DAY LINERS: Brothers Osborne, Canaan, Darius, Dierks, Church, Paslay, Strait, Jennifer, Jon, Josh, Keith, Kelleigh, LBT, Luke, Scotty, Shania

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    Brothers Osborne / Canaan Smith / Darius Rucker / Dierks Bentley / Eric Church / Eric Paslay / George Strait / Jennifer Nettles / Jon Pardi / Josh Turner / Kacey Musgraves / Keith Urban / Kelleigh Bannen / Little Big Town / Luke Bryan / Scotty Mccreery / Shania Twain

    Audio / LINER Brothers Osborne (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hey! What’s up guys! We’re Brothers Osborne, wishing all you mothers out there a very, very Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Canaan Smith (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hey! What’s up, guys? I’m Canaan Smith. Happy Mother’s Day!”

     

    Audio / LINER Darius (Mother’s Day) 2

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    “Hey! What’s up? This is Darius Rucker, wishing all you mothers a Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Dierks (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hey, y’all! This is Dierks Bentley, wishing all you mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Eric Church (Mother’s Day) 1

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    “Hey everybody! This is Eric Church, wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day, mom!”

    Audio / LINER Eric Paslay (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hey! This is Eric Paslay. Happy Mother’s Day to all you awesome Mom’s out there.”

    Audio / LINER George Strait (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi! This is George Strait, wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Jennifer Nettles (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi! This is Jennifer Nettles, and I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Jon Pardi (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hey y’all, it’s Jon Pardi. I want to wish all the mamas out there a very Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Josh Turner (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi! This is Josh Turner, wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Keith Urban (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi everyone, it’s Keith Urban. Hoping all the mothers out there have a very, very Happy Mother’s Day. Love ya, Mom!”

    Audio / LINER Kelleigh Bannen (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi! I’m Kelleigh Bannen, hoping you have a Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER LBT (Mother’s Day)

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    “(ALL) Hi! This is Little Big Town. (KIMBERLY) We want to wish all you mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day. I love ya, Mama!”

    Audio / LINER Luke Bryan (Mother's Day)

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    “Hey! It’s Luke Bryan, hoping all you mothers out there have a Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Scotty McCreery (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi! This is Scotty McCreery. Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Shania Twain (Mother’s Day)

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    “Hi! This is Shania Twain. Happy Mother’s Day.”

    Audio / LINER Kacey Musgraves (Mother's Day)

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    “Hey! It’s Kacey Musgraves. To all you mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day!”

     

  • GEORGE STRAIT PICKS UP AN ACM MILESTONE AWARD.

    Audio
    George Strait

    George Strait was honored with a 50th Anniversary Milestone Award for being an ACM winner for over four decades.

    “They were talking about all the things that had happened to me all through the years at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and it’s not that you forget, but sometimes getting reminded about it, you go like, ‘Oh wow! That’s pretty cool,’” says George. “And to see some of those old pictures (laughs), I love it.”

    Before accepting the award, he performed his 1987 No. 1 hit, “All My Exes Live in Texas,” as well as his new single, “Let It Go,” which hits radio on Monday (April 20th).

    Audio / George Strait talks about his ACM Milestone Award.

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    George Strait (Milestone Award) OC: …I love it. :23
    “I’m pretty excited about it. During rehearsal, I was going up there and they were talking about all the things that had happened to me all through the years at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and it’s not that you forget, but sometimes getting reminded about it, you go like, ‘Oh wow! That’s pretty cool.’ And to see some of those old pictures (laughs), I love it.”

  • GEORGE STRAIT RELEASES NEW SINGLE, ‘LET IT GO,’ TO COUNTRY RADIO.

    Press
    George Strait

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 15, 2015) – The quintessential country music troubadour George Strait releases his brand new single, “Let It Go,” to country radio this Monday, April 20. “Let It Go” is the first new music released by Strait since his No. 1-debuting 2013 album, Love Is Everything, and is the first new music since Strait returned to the studio following his historic, two-year The Cowboy Rides Away Tour.

    Written by George Strait, Bubba Strait and Keith Gattis, “Let It Go” is the laid-back lead single off Strait’s upcoming studio album on longtime label home, MCA Records Nashville. WYCD’s Tim Roberts calls the song “another pure country hit for radio and for real country fans.”

    Click HERE to preview and purchase “Let It Go.”

    The “King of Country” is set to perform this Sunday, April 19 on the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards. Strait is the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, has won 21 ACM Awards over four consecutive decades and will be honored with an ACM 50th Anniversary Milestone Award on the show. The awards will be broadcast live on CBS at 8/7c.

    For more information on Strait, visit www.GeorgeStrait.com.

  • NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL ACM AWARDS 50 YEARS IS AVAILABLE TUESDAY.

    Audio
    Alan Jackson / Eric Church / George Strait / Keith Urban / Lady Antebellum / Luke Bryan

    NASHVILLE, TN (March 10, 2015) – NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years, the milestone anniversary collaboration between the Academy of Country Music and NOW That’s What I Call Music!, is released Tuesday, March 31st.

    The collection of recordings celebrate the ACM Awards’ 50-year history and will feature 2 discs as well as a digital collection of ACM award-winning songs. The first disc will feature recent contemporary hits while the second will include timeless classics.

    The complete track listing for NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years includes:

    DISC ONE (1990-2015)

    1. Jason Aldean (with Luke Bryan & Eric Church) The Only Way I Know 2012
    2. Lee Brice I Drive Your Truck 2012
    3. Luke Bryan Country Girl (Shake It For Me) 2011
    4. Blake Shelton Honey Bee 2011
    5. Taylor Swift Mean 2010
    6. Lady Antebellum Need You Now 2010
    7. Miranda Lambert The House That Built Me 2009
    8. Brad Paisley & Keith Urban Start A Band 2008
    9. Reba & Kelly Clarkson Because of You 2007 
    10. George Strait Give It Away 2006
    11. Carrie Underwood Jesus, Take the Wheel 2005
    12. Tim McGraw Live Like You Were Dying 2004
    13. Kenny Chesney The Good Stuff 2002
    14. Lee Ann Womack I Hope You Dance 2000
    15. Faith Hill This Kiss 1998
    16. Alan Jackson Chattahoochee 1993
    17. Brooks & Dunn Boot Scootin’ Boogie 1991

    DISC TWO (1965-1989)

    1. Clint Black Better Man 1989
    2. Hank Williams Jr. There’s a Tear in My Beer 1989
    3. Randy Travis Forever and Ever Amen 1987
    4. The Highwaymen Highwayman 1985
    5. The Judds Why Not Me 1984
    6. Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers Islands in the Stream 1983
    7. Willie Nelson Always on My Mind 1982
    8. Alabama Love in the First Degree 1981
    9. The Oak Ridge Boys Elvira 1981
    10. David Frizzell & Shelly West You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma 1980
    11. George Jones He Stopped Loving Her Today 1980
    12. Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Bros. All the Gold in California 1979
    13. Don Williams Tulsa Time 1978
    14. Glen Campbell Rhinestone Cowboy 1975
    15. Charlie Rich Behind Closed Doors 1973
    16. Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty Lead Me On 1971
    17. Merle Haggard Okie From Muskogee 1969

    The album will be released on March 31st, just in time for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast LIVE on Sunday, April 19th at 8:00pm ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. All of the Academy’s proceeds from sales of the album will go to ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.

    NOW That’s What I Call ACM Awards 50 Years is a collaboration between Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and the Academy of Country Music, and the album will be distributed by Universal Music Group Distribution. The NOW That’s What I Call Music! series is a joint venture from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.  NOW and NOW That’s What I Call Music!are registered trademarks of Universal Music Group and its affiliates.

    NOW That’s What I Call Music! debuted in the U.S. in 1998, following 15 years of multi-platinum international success. The series has generated sales exceeding 250 million albums worldwide, including more than 94 million in the U.S.  All 53 volumes in NOW’s numeric U.S. series have charted in the top 10 of Billboard’s Album Chart, 19 of which have reached #1.

    The 50th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.  The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will broadcast LIVE from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark and Barry Adelman are executive producers.  Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

    ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music.  Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Through generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.

    Audio / Luke Bryan explains what he loves about his song, “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”

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    Luke Bryan (loves Country Girl) OC: …tiresome work. :33
    “What I love about the song the most is the verses. I really like how the verses came together. It seems like around every little corner there’s a fun, you know, with the little break-down dance – ‘like a dandelion’ and all that. All that stuff is like ear candy to me. I just felt like it was important, I felt like it was a young, fun song, and I felt like it said right away what we were going after and it’s certainly it’s kind of paced faster than anything I’ve ever had and that’s always rewarding. I think it makes everybody’s hard work, everybody can go, ‘Yeah, it’s worth all the sleepless nights and all the tiresome work.’”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Keith, Darius, Strait, Kacey

    Press
    Darius Rucker / George Strait / Kacey Musgraves / Keith Urban

    Keith Urban will chat live with fans on Wednesday through his Facebook page to give guitar tips and answer any questions. The chat begins at 5:30pm ET/4:30pm CT.

    Darius Rucker will perform on NBC’s Today Show next week. Catch him live Tuesday (March 31st) — which is the same day as his new album, Southern Style, is released.

    George Strait will receive the prestigious 50th Anniversary Milestone Award, along with and Brooks & Dunn. They are being honored with the trophy to commemorate their groundbreaking career achievements in ACM Awards history. Each will receive an exclusive trophy created by renowned jewelry and timepiece designer, David Yurman, during the 50th ACM Awards.

    In the latest issue of Glamour magazine, pop superstar Katy Perry spotlights 10 women who changed her life. She writes, “Kacey is one of the most unique songwriters I’ve heard in the past decade. She puts into words what the heart feels. And she’s not bad on the eyes and has a great sense of humor the whole way through.”

  • 33RD ANNUAL GEORGE STRAIT TEAM ROPING CLASSIC AWARDS OVER $740,000 IN PRIZES.

    Press
    George Strait

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Saturday, March 14, 2015) — The George Strait Team Roping Classic (GSTRC) is the largest open Team Roping event in America and, now in its 33rd year, the two-day event has awarded over $4 million in prize money to date. This year’s event was no exception drawing 685 teams of the greatest Team Ropers alive with over $740,000 awarded in cash prizes. After over 18 hours of competition, Clay Tryan of Lipan, Texas and Travis Graves of Morgan Mill, Texas roped 3-head in 13.95 seconds and were crowded winners and split $272,640 in prize money (full breakdown of rankings below). In addition, the pair also won 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Dually pickups from Cavender Chevrolet in Boerne, Texas and Bruton Strait Xtreme Trailers.

    Friday’s festivities drew 1,370 ropers from all over the country, but eventually dwindled competitors down to the Top 50 teams leading into Saturday’s competition.

    Saturday began with the Top 50 team finalists on horseback inside the arena alongside their host, George Straitwho addressed the arena attendees and participants and welcomed them back to the San Antonio Rose Palace. Before exiting and the festivities beginning, roper JD Yates rode in on a 4 year old American Quarter Horse, from owner Dean Tuffin, named DT Elenor Shine Whiz and, much to Strait’s surprise, was presented to Strait himself in recognition of his passion for the event over the years.

    “It’s been 33 years of fun, and I had no idea we’d given away so much,” an always reverent Strait responded upon hearing the tally of the prizes bestowed to teams over the years. “Time flies when you’re having fun. This means so much to me, thank you!”

    In between the 1st and 2nd Go, Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired), joined Strait in the Arena for a very special moment and the two continued their tradition of presenting a home as part of the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) “Homes 4 Wounded Heroes” (H4WH). Corporal Leland Arledge, a purple heart recipient, and his wife Jennifer were recognized as 52nd recipients from Strait, receiving a mortgage free home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The presentation marked the MWSF’s 640th home bestowal with over $150 million in homes presented to date through the non-profit.

    Following the 3rd Go, the scores were tallied and Tryan and Graves were determined champions. Strait was on hand for the event, and congratulated the winners and presented their awards.

    George Strait Team Roping Classic Final Results

    1st        13.95   Clay Tryan and Travis Graves

    2nd       14.38   Cord Crowell and Camish Jennings

    3rd        15.16   Dustin Bird and Paul Eaves

    4th        15.35   Chad Masters and Travis Graves

    5th        15.52   Arky Rogers and Kyle Lawrence

    6th        16.12   Clayton Hass and Jory Levy

    7th        16.25   Adam Rose and Byron Wilkerson

    8th        16.33   Levi Simpson and Jeremy Buhler

     

    Go Rounds

    1st Go 4.42 Dustin Bird and Kollin VonAhn

    2nd Go 4.68 Cale Markham and Buddy Hawkins

    3rd Go 3.89 Kaleb Drigger and Junior Nogueira

    Friday Fast Time Overall (Buckle recipients)

    4.26     Clay Smith and Paul Eaves

    Friday Fast Time on 2 (Buckle recipients)

    9.78     Levi Simpson and Jeremy Buhler

    The event was originally conceived as a small family roping gathering by George Strait and his brother Buddy in 1982, is now one of the most prestigious open team roping competitions in the country and consistently attracts the biggest names in the sport.

    About George Strait

    George Strait is the undeniable “King of Country Music.”  His music career spans more than 30 years; includes 60 No. 1 singles, more than any other artist in any genre; and boasts 33 platinum or multi-platinum-selling albums, more than any country artist and third across all genres behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley.  Strait is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every single year for over three decades.  Strait has sold more than 68.5 million albums and has earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards including his most recent Entertainer of the Year sweep at both the Country Music Association Awards (Nov. 2013) and the Academy of Country Music Awards (April 2014). 

    Strait, whose name has become synonymous with “real country” since his 1981 debut, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.  He has since released four more albums, including the GRAMMY Award-winning Troubadour.  In 2013, Strait set out on The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, selling over 1,000,000 tickets to the record-breaking, two-year, cross-country final concert tour. Strait shattered the North American indoor concert attendance record by drawing 104,793 concert-goers to his June 7, 2014 tour finale at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

    Strait continues to record new music for longtime label home, MCA Records Nashville.

    For more information, please visit www.georgestrait.com.