Parker McCollum has met plenty of country music artists in recent years. But there is one who stands out far above the rest, at least in his mind: George Strait. McCollum has been able to tour with Strait on his Stadium Tour, taking plenty of notes from the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
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"George and I spent a little bit of time together, and he's just an unbelievably kind human being," McCollum tells Audacy. "Just a really, really sweet man, and he's the King of Country music. He's a living, breathing legend, and just the greatest to ever do it. And he just couldn't be more down to earth and genuine and kind.
"And, every time I've been around him,' he adds, "I've really enjoyed just getting to talk with him a little bit. I have a lot of respect for him."
Parker McCollum's Next Album
McCollum's self-titled third studio album is out on Friday, June 27. The father of one wrote all but two of the songs on the new record.
"It is the best thing I've ever done," McCollum announces, while performing at RODEHOUSTON earlier this year. "This record is honest. This record is raw. This record is one thousand percent authentic, Parker, and it feels really good to get back to writing and recording songs like I always wanted to."
Parker McCollum isn't out yet, but the singer-songwriter does hint he is drawn to really sad songs.
"I've always loved sad, heartbreak, country love songs," McCollum acknowledges on the Big D and Bubba Show. "I've always sat around trying to write them. You know, you just look out into the world, I think Jason Isbell said that one time, he's like, 'Man, my heart breaks a million times a day just looking into the world.' So, you know, there's always something to write about."
Fortunately, his next record is country, even though he at one time questioned his place in the genre.
"I wanted to be a country singer for as long as I remember," McCollum tells WTVA. "And the longer I do this, the more I kind of realize I may just not be one. The more I try to write country songs and make country records, the further I get away from what really has always made me, me."
