George Strait may have hung up his touring boots last year, but he hasn't given up on singing or performing just yet. The country legend announced at a press conference Tuesday that he is releasing a new album titled, "Cold Beer Conversation," on Sept. 25 and will be making his stage comeback with a series of shows at the new Las Vegas Arena, when it opens in April 2016, according to The Associated Press.
"Las Vegas has been a big part of my country music career," he said, according to Rolling Stone. "It's fun to play Vegas. . . The crowds are great and they come from all over the place, because there is so much to do here. A concert is kind of a bonus."
Strait, 63, stated that he wrote "three or four" songs on the upcoming album, sharing songwriting credits with the likes of Dean Dillon, Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Brandy Clark and Buddy Cannon.
"I always say this, I think it's one of the best records I've done, and I always shoot for that. You've got to go in the studio thinking that way," said Strait. "I'm inspired to make music all the time. There's no particular inspiration for this record, other than going out and making the best record I can make."
The King of Country Music retired from touring after his history-making "Cowboy Rides Away" tour but said that he will continue to perform occasionally and has agreed a deal with MCA to produce more records.
"Cold Beer Conversation" will be made available on Friday on iTunes, Apple Music and at Walmart stores. Strait's Las Vegas gig has been scheduled for April 22-23 and Sept. 9-10.
