This week’s country music landscape is vibrant, marked by significant philanthropic efforts, exciting tour announcements, and a steady stream of new music from established and emerging artists. Leading the charge in charitable endeavors, legendary performer George Strait is set to host a benefit concert aimed at aiding victims of recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country. The event promises to bring together a community rallying for support, with details on the lineup and beneficiaries expected to be announced imminently.
In the realm of curated live music experiences, Audacy has unveiled the lineup for its highly anticipated ‘Stars and Strings’ event. This annual gathering is known for bringing together a diverse array of country music talent for a unique performance format, and this year’s roster is poised to deliver memorable performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting further details regarding the specific dates and venues for this significant showcase.
The Zac Brown Band continues to keep their devoted fanbase engaged with the announcement of their upcoming album release. Known for their genre-bending sound and energetic live shows, the band’s new project is expected to add another compelling chapter to their acclaimed discography. Fans can anticipate fresh material that continues to define their signature style.
Expanding the live performance calendar, Lady A has announced their ‘This Winter’s Night Tour.’ This forthcoming tour is set to bring holiday cheer and beloved hits to audiences across various cities, offering a festive backdrop for their signature harmonies and engaging stage presence. The tour promises a cozy and memorable experience for concertgoers as the weather turns colder.
Meanwhile, Blake Shelton has offered his fans a new glimpse into his latest musical output with the release of a lyric video for his song “All of My Love.” This visual accompaniment provides fans with a deeper connection to the song’s narrative and emotional core, further cementing its place in his extensive catalog.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has opened a new exhibit dedicated to the impactful career of Lainey Wilson, titled “Tough as Nails.” The exhibit celebrates Wilson’s rise to prominence and her distinctive contributions to modern country music, offering visitors an in-depth look at her journey and influence. This recognition at such a prestigious institution underscores her significant standing in the genre.
Adding to the week’s new music releases, several artists have dropped new singles. Bri Bagwell’s infectious track “Hit the Highway” is now available, promising a dose of energetic country-pop. Randall King continues to deliver heartfelt honky-tonk with “I Keep Your Memory Around,” while Billy Currington offers a classic country anthem with “King of the World.” Josh Ross’s “Later Tonight” is also making waves, and the Zac Brown Band provides another taste of their upcoming work with “Let It Run (E).” Whiskey Myers’ gritty “Midnight Woman” and Jon Wolfe’s ode to tradition, “The Older I Get (More Country I’m Gettin’ to Be),” round out a robust selection of new singles.
The album release front is equally active. Cam returns with “All Things Light,” a project fans have been eagerly anticipating. Max McNown offers his latest collection with “Night Driving,” and Niko Moon’s “American Palm” is now available for listeners. Scotty McCreery’s “Scooter and Friends” promises a collaborative and entertaining listen, while Trisha Yearwood’s “The Mirror” adds a touch of seasoned artistry to the new releases.
Looking back through “This Date in Country Music History,” July 18th has been a significant day for music releases and debuts. Over the years, artists such as Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Dan + Shay, Kristian Bush, Eric Church, Rodney Atkins, and Darryl Worley have all marked this date with notable song or album launches, highlighting the rich historical tapestry of country music and the enduring impact of these artists on the genre.

