In honor of First Responders Day, today, Oct. 28, country music superstar George Strait releases a powerful new music video for “The Weight of the Badge” as a tribute to first responders. The video focuses on stories and moments with some of our nation’s first responders and their families, giving some insight on what it means to live every day bearing the weight of the badge.

“The men and women in this music video are our friends and neighbors who carry the weight of the badge each day,” says Strait in the video. “Thank you. We appreciate you and the sacrifices you and your families make.”

The video made a special premiere last night at the First Responders Children’s Foundation 20^th anniversary gala in New York City with many of the first responders featured in the video in attendance.

The country superstar wrote the song with his son, Bubba, and frequent collaborator Dean Dillon, after an encounter with an officer and Strait’s grandson Harvey during the ceremony honoring the singer with the Texan of the Year Award.

Also launching today is TheWeightOfTheBadge.com, a site inviting people to share their stories and gratitude for the first responders in their lives.

About First Responders Children’s Foundation:First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardships due to tragic circumstances. The Foundation also supports educational activities and programs and operated by first responder agencies whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.

With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

For audio from George, click here.

Thursday (October 28th) is National First Responders Day and George Strait‘s song, “The Weight Of The Badge,” is even more relevant on this day.

“It’s gonna be a long one another graveyard shift
As he says goodbye to his wife and kids
He spends his life just like his dad’s
Driving away under the weight of the badge

He’s seen it all in his fifteen years
Watching our backs, facing our fears
Lord knows it ain’t no easy task
Keeping us safe under the weight of the badge

He swore that oath to protect and serve
Pours his heart and soul into both those words
Lays his life on the line
The line he walks is razor fine
Tempered strength is always tough
But he ain’t gonna buckle
Under the weight of the badge”

The country superstar wrote the song with his son, Bubba, and frequent collaborator Dean Dillon, after an encounter with an officer and Strait’s grandson Harvey during the ceremony honoring the singer with the Texan of the Year Award.

“‘The Weight of the Badge,’ the idea for that song came about when I got the Texan of the Year award,” George recalls. “Me and Bubba, Tamara and Harvey, everybody Norma, and even Jilliann, I think were there, and I had security you know I had an officer who was talking to Harvey and letting him play with his badge and hold it and pinning it on his shirt. And I just got to thinking about that because it really wasn’t that heavy until you put it on it and then it means, it really gets heavy. So, that was one of those things I thought was a real important message especially these days and times. I love the way it turned out.”

George is expected to release a video for the song on Thursday.

Here are some holiday liners from UMG Nashville artists, including Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, Chrissy Metz,Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Terri Clark, Travis Denning and more!

To celebrate Giving Tuesday, Universal Music Group Nashville is offering up a discount code for anyone who wants to donate into the raffle for the Parade of Trees Event for Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 38th Annual Country Christmas event. Universal Music Group Nashville is hosting the Parade of Trees, a display featuring Christmas trees decorated by Grand Ole Opry members Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Keith Urban and Reba McEntire, along with Eric Church, George Strait, Luke Bryan and Mickey Guyton.

Along with their trees, country music’s biggest stars have each donated “Once in a Lifetime” VIP experiences (fly-aways, VIP concert experiences, exclusive merchandise and more) all to benefit First Responders Children’s Foundation. Proceeds raised will provide scholarships and mental health services to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

You don’t have to be in Nashville to check out the beautiful trees & check out the ‘once in a lifetime’ package offerings at www.CharityStars.com/ParadeOfTrees! For a limited time, if you bid to win one of these artist-hosted packages, you can use code: UMGN at checkout for 100 extra entries (that is 100 extra ways to win!!)

For the first time since February 2020, George Strait stepped onto the stage at his Las Vegas home away from home this past Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14. With the two long-awaited concerts at T-Mobile Arena, Strait surpassed 30 total shows throughout his acclaimed “Strait to Vegas” series which began in 2016.

Write this down! George returns to @TMobileArena for more #StraitToVegas shows with @caitlynsmith on Dec. 3 & 4 and @tenilletownes on Feb. 11 & 12. Tickets on sale Aug. 27 at 10AM PT: https://t.co/4ZMA1RJroa pic.twitter.com/KVQ2L1HNbX

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) August 16, 2021

Strait also let the fans in attendance in on a surprise: the King of Country will head “Strait to Vegas” once again this winter, playing back-to-back nights on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4 as well as Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12.

Joining the Country Music Hall of Fame member for the upcoming shows are special guests Caitlyn Smith in December and Tenille Townes in February. Tickets to all four dates go on sale to the public next Friday, August 27 at 10 a.m. PT via Axs.com with presales beginning this Wednesday, August 18.

As previously announced, Strait will also headline both weekends of Austin City Limits Music Festival on October 1 and 8, respectively, before taking the stage at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium alongside Eric Church on November 5 for a special “The King & The Chief” iteration of the ATLive festival. Strait will also play Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium on November 13 and will return to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 20, 2022 for his 31st performance at the event. For more information on all upcoming shows and how to purchase tickets, visit www.GeorgeStrait.com.

With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Tune in tonight (August 23rd) at 7pm ET/6pm CT for an exclusive look at Reba McEntire‘s new box set REVIVED REMIXED REVISTED in a special TalkShopLive conversation with TV host Nancy O’Dell. You’ll be able to pre-order the collection on vinyl with an autographed poster or on CD with an autographed booklet, as well.

Brothers Osborne appeared on CBS This Morning to talk music and how life has changed for them.

"I didn't realize, kind of, what a sense of purpose it would bring to my life to be here": After coming out, TJ Osborne has created a safe space for LGBTQ fans at @brothersosborne shows, and inspired them to live out loud. pic.twitter.com/rVLOk1lBZp

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) August 23, 2021

Chris Stapleton is scheduled to perform on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers on Wednesday (August 23rd).

Tune in Wednesday (August 25th) for CMT GIANTS: Charley Pride at 9pm ET/8pm CT on CMT. The 90-minute special will feature performances by Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Mickey Guyton, Reba McEntire, son Dion Pride, Gladys Knight, Jimmie Allen, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs featuring Robert Randolph + Reyna Roberts, Garth Brooks and Wynonna celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of the iconic Charley Pride.

Alan Jackson has been added the lineup of performers for the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors taking place on Wednesday (August 25th) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.  The event, which will also feature performances and appearances by Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Nicolle Galyon, HARDY,  Chris Janson, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, RaeLynn, Jordan Reynolds, Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Laura Veltz, Sam Williams and Lee Ann Womack, will be livestreamed on Circle Network’s social channels – Circle All Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Circle Network will also air a television special around the 14^th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors on Tuesday, November 23rd.

Carrie Underwood is featured on NEEDTOBREATHE‘s new single, “I Wanna Remember.” “I have been a huge fan of NEEDTOBREATHE forever and I was so honored when the stars aligned and Bear agreed to lend his incredible vocals to a song on my recent gospel album,” says Carrie. “Needless to say, I was thrilled when he and the band invited me to be a part of their new project.  I love the song and have had the best time getting to know and sing with these amazingly talented guys.”As you may recall, NTB’s Bear Rinehart contributed vocals to “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” on her recent gospel album, My Savior. 

Check out the brand new video for @NEEDTOBREATHE’s #IWannaRemember featuring Carrie now! https://t.co/ZFsRMPqqXU -TeamCU pic.twitter.com/2J0DvsJVTx

— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) May 20, 2021

Kacey Musgraves appears on the cover of the new issue of Elle magazine, in which she talks about new music, emotions and navigating her life since the release of her Grammy award-winning album, Golden Hour. Check it the cover story here.

George Strait will headline the 20th Anniversary of Austin City Limits Festival this October. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of acts with 8 stages and more than 125 performances over the course of  two weekends — October 1st – 3rd and October 8th – 10th. The ACL festival will include performances by Jon Pardi, Tanya Tucker, Cam, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, Erykah Badu, Megan Thee Stallion, Dababy, Machine Gun Kelly, Greta Van Fleet and many more. For additional information, go to aclfestival.com.

Just announced! George is headlining the 20th Anniversary of ACL Festival this October! @aclfestival

Get your tickets at https://t.co/sQFqXQ1UNh pic.twitter.com/B5qvdmEujU

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) May 20, 2021

Kylie Morgan just premiered the music video for her song, “Shoulda,” on CMT. “I co-wrote this song over Zoom back when we thought quarantine would be over in a few months,” Kylie previously said in a press release. “Even in those first few weeks I was going crazy wanting to get back to ‘normal.’ I wanted to go sit at a bar, hug a stranger or most of all, play more shows. So, I put all of those feelings into this song by highlighting we want what we can’t have and want to do what we shouldn’t. Once this is all behind us, my dream is to play this song in a stadium full of people with everyone singing the words back to me. I hope this is our anthem for all the things we shoulda done.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 01: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Recording artist George Strait (C) performs as part of his Strait to Vegas engagements at T-Mobile Arena on February 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media)

George Strait has announced his return to Las Vegas, gracing the T-Mobile Arena stage for back-to-back “Strait to Vegas” shows on Friday, August 13th and Saturday, August 14th with previously announced special guest Caitlyn Smith.

“The Ace in the Hole Band and I have been looking forward to this day for a year and a half,” shares Strait. “I cannot wait to see Vegas and all of my great fans once again. It’s been way too long. We will finally ride again. See you soon.”

Tickets to the original 2020 dates will be honored for the rescheduled shows: August 28th, 2020 tickets will apply to the August 13th, 2021 show, while August 29th, 2020 tickets will apply to the August 14th, 2021 show. Those unable to attend the rescheduled shows are eligible for a refund at the original point of purchase for the next 30 days. Additional tickets are on sale now at www.GeorgeStrait.com.

As previously announced, Strait will also take the stage at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 with special guests Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town.

Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements, including three sold-out performances at the top of 2020, first with “Visit Wichita Presents Strait to Oz” at INTRUST Bank Arena, then back-to-back nights of “Strait to the Heartland” at Kansas City’s Sprint Center.

With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, “The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold nearly 70 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced the Rodeo’s 90th anniversary celebration, scheduled for 21 days Monday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 20, which includes an extra day and a concert-only performance by country music icon George Strait. Strait is set to perform on the final night, marking his 31st RODEOHOUSTON performance.

“What better way to celebrate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s 90th anniversary than with a special, concert-only performance by the ‘King of Country’ music himself,” said Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman. “After a couple of particularly challenging years, our thousands of dedicated volunteers simply can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Rodeo grounds for a Texas-sized celebration of Western heritage that will be well worth the wait.”

Strait’s full-length evening concert will be held in NRG Stadium on the final night of the 2022 Rodeo. There is no rodeo performance scheduled before the concert, however, all activities on the grounds, including shopping and dining areas, carnival, livestock and horse show competitions, and other exhibits and attractions at NRG Park, will be open to the public on March 20.

Individual tickets for Strait’s concert-only performance go on sale to the public Thursday, June 24. A limit of four tickets per person will be permitted. The remaining 2022 RODEOHOUSTON entertainer lineup will be announced once available.

Strait’s 2022 performance will mark his 31st performance at the Rodeo, since 1983. In 2019, Strait’s concert-only performance with special guests Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen broke the NRG Stadium attendance record with 80,108 fans. The NRG Stadium record is separate from the Paid Rodeo/Concert attendance records, as this was a concert-only performance with additional seats on the floor of the stadium. To date, Strait has entertained more than 1.7 million RODEOHOUSTON fans.

GEORGE STRAIT AND THE RODEO
More than 35 years ago, George Strait debuted at RODEOHOUSTON as a newcomer to the country music scene. Since then, he has become a household name with 33 platinum or multi-platinum-selling albums, the most in all of country music, and 60 No. 1 singles — the most of any artist of any music genre in history. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, holds a GRAMMY® for Best Country Album with “Troubadour” and more than 60 music and entertainment industry awards.

In 1996, Strait was inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Star Trail of Fame in recognition of his musical contributions to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He is one of only nine artists to receive this award since the first entertainer performance in 1942. In 2013, the first four-year Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo George Strait Scholarship was awarded through the Rodeo’s scholarship program in honor of his partnership and friendship with the Rodeo.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2022 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 20. The 2022 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is scheduled for Feb. 24 – 26. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.