Tim McGraw’s Salute To Strait

To say Tim McGraw is a huge fan of George Strait is an understatement.  Tim’s second album has a song on it called “Give It To Me Strait.”  Tim toured with George for three years in the 90s.  So it was special when Tim & Faith got to join George for one of his final Cowboy Rides Away shows last May in Gillette Stadium near Boston.  Tim talked about that night with Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton.

Describe that night at Gillette Stadium: To be on stage with him and to sing with him, like we did last May, I got to sing Cheyenne, which is one of my favorite George Strait songs, and it was a moment I’ll never forget, it was one of the highlights of my career.

Was that night different?  Could you feel the difference?  Sure, because you knew this is his last tour, and you knew you were having an opportunity to be part of history.  He’s a true legend.  People throw that word around, and also ‘superstar,’ but George Strait is THE definition of both of those words.

Why did you choose ‘Nobody In His Right Mind’ and ‘I Can Still Make Cheyenne?’ They asked for a list of the songs I could do with George.  So I gave them a list of 25, and said ‘You can pick any from this list, and I know it.’  Then they came back with 5 or 6, and said ‘We don’t do all of those because he has so many.’ So they gave me a list of the ones they do on a regular basis, and that’s how I picked them.

I know Faith was also at the final show in Dallas.  What did she tell you about that night? She said it was an incredible energy.  She called me afterwards, she was so excited, how all the artists were in awe of George, and in awe of the moment, to all be on stage with George for his last show.  I just felt heartsick I couldn’t be there, I had show there that night.  But for us, it was great that Faith was there to be there to represent our family.  She’s a bigger Strait fan than I am for obvious reasons.  So it was very special for her to be there.  She said it was a very emotional night.

Tags: george strait, Tim McGraw

Category: Audio