George Strait just dropped a new song from his forthcoming Cowboys and Dreamers album. The King of Country Music released “MIA Down in MIA” as the first release from the new record, out on September 6.
When releasing the song, Strait also spoke about his new album, which is being dedicated to three people close to him, who recently passed away.
“I’m dedicating this record to my longtime manager and friend Erv Woolsey and my longtime fiddle player and friend Gene Elders (a player on four of these tracks), who we lost on the same day, March 20, 2024, as well as my longtime friend and road manager Tom Foote, who we lost on April 29, 2024,” Strait says. “I will never forget all of the good times we had together. May they rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Foote began his career as part of Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band, before transitioning to becoming Strait’s road manager, a position he held until he unexpectedly passed away last month.
“We lost another one of our good friends and a huge part of our musical journey yesterday,” Strait shared on social media. “Tom Foote, our one-time drummer and long-time road manager for around 48 years, suddenly passed away at his home after our rehearsal. The band and I were with him most of the afternoon and he was great. Just doing what he loved to do which was making sure we were taken care of.
“2024 is taking its toll on the Ace in the Hole group,” he added. “We’re all heartbroken to say the least. Rest in peace brother Tom. You will be hugely missed. I’ll see you down the road amigo.”
Cowboys and Dreamers also includes a collaboration with Chris Stapleton, on “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.” See a track list for Cowboys and Dreamers below. Pre-order the project here. Find “MIA Down in MIA” and all of Strait’s upcoming shows, including stadium dates with Stapleton and Little Big Town this summer, at GeorgeStrait.com.
Cowboys and Dreamers Track List:
1. Three Drinks Behind (Benjamin Gaither, Jeff Silvey and Kim Williams)
2. Cowboys And Dreamers (Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait)
3. To The Moon (Marty Brown and Steve Clark)
4. MIA Down in MIA (Adam Craig and Dean Dillon)
5. Wish I Could Say (Keith Gattis)
6. Calling From The Car (Bobby Braddock)
7. People Get Hurt Sometimes (Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey)
8. Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame ft. Chris Stapleton (Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark and Timothy James)
9. The Little Things (George Strait, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
10. The Book (George Strait, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Bubba Strait)
11. Rent (Guy Clark and Keith Gattis)
12. Waymore’s Blues (Curtis Buck and Waylon Jennings)
13. The Journey Of Your Life (Ronnie Bowman and Troy Jones)
Photo Credit: Courtesy of EB Media / Peggy Sirota
