Strait, Brooks play ACM Fest

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 – Garth Brooks and George Strait lead the list of performers announced today who will play The Academy of Country Music awards in April.

Strait, who retired from touring, will debut new music.

The lineup for the Academy's golden anniversary show includes Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, plus Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell.

The ceremony, co-hosted by Bryan and Shelton, will be broadcast live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19 from 8-11:30 a.m. eastern/delayed Pacific on CBS.

. McEntire will perform the ACM Awards for the first time in five years.

In addition to performing, this year Lambert leads the ACM Awards with eight nominations. Bentley follows with seven, while Florida Georgia Line received five, and Bryan, Chesney and Eric Church each earned four.

More news for George Strait

CD reviews for George Strait

Honky Tonk Time Machine

At this stage of his nearly four-decades-long career, George Strait sure knows his sweet spot. Take a look at the cover of his 30th studio album, and it's understood that it's the honky tonks that are part and parcel of the tall Texan. Not to mention the title. And that means, Strait is going to be singing about drinking, loving and faith in styles ranging from honky tonk to straight ahead country to Tex-Mex stylings to ballads. You're also going to hear fiddle and pedal steel »»»

Cold Beer Conversation

recording front. This surprise release shows an artist now in his early 60s completely capable of being the leading voice for his brand of country music, which is increasingly rare these days. Strait always has enjoyed a voice that resonates and is dexterous depending on the style. And the Texan sticks with the types of styles that brought him to the top - traditional country ("Let It Go," "Goin' Goin' Gone"), Texas swing ("It Takes All Kinds") and Zydeco »»»

The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium

George Strait has been one of the most dependable country music stars for three decades. In this day and age, the Texan is a certifiable throwback. He's low key, not a self-promoter. All's he has done is churn out hit after hit for decade after decade. He has not been the kind of artist who put his finger up in the air either or trading his cowboy hat for a baseball cap. When looking up the definition of traditional country, George Strait sits at the top. Strait tackles 20 songs on »»»

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