Parker McCollum paid tribute to “the king of country music” with his latest release.
The 2022 ACM New Male Artist of the Year released a cover of “Carrying Your Love With Me,” a track by a fellow Texan, labelmate and his musical hero, George Strait, who McCollum credits as one of his biggest influences and an idol of his.
“Impossible to truly do this song justice but when I got the opportunity to try I just couldn’t pass it up,” McCollum shared.
The just-released cover of “Carrying Your Love With Me” puts the Gold Chain Cowboy’s signature vocals on full display with a truly impressive rendition of the track that perfectly highlights his unique vocal range.
“George Strait has been my favorite country singer my whole life. I wasn’t going to pass on the chance to cover one of his songs,” McCollum added. “This song is such a classic staple in country music so I was really hoping we could get it right and do the song justice. I think we did. I sure hope he and (producer) Tony Brown would think so too if they heard it.”
Listen to McCollum’s version of the iconic tune below.
Earlier this month, a fan tweeted McCollum comparing him to Strait, saying, “Since day 1 I’ve said @ParkerMcCollum is the next George and I meant it! Look at him go!!”
The “To Be Loved By You” singer quickly acknowledged the fan’s tweet, graciously thanked them for the compliment and humbly admitted that there’s only one George Strait.
“I appreciate the thought of this more than you know, but there is no next George Strait,” McCollum replied to the fan. “That’s a one time deal man. Nobody will ever do what he did. There will only ever be one King.”
I appreciate the thought of this more than you know, but there is no next George strait. That’s a one time deal man. Nobody will ever do what he did. There will only ever be one King. https://t.co/RaJj3cP4yF
— Parker McCollum (@ParkerMcCollum) March 10, 2022
McCollum also shared that he will be using one of Strait’s songs as his first dance song at his upcoming wedding later this month, where he will marry his longtime girlfriend, Hallie Ray Light.
During an interview with Taste Of Country Nights, the “Pretty Heart” singer shared that he and Light will be sharing their first dance to Strait’s chart-topping hit, “I Cross My Heart.”
On Saturday, March 12, McCollum will fulfill a lifelong dream as he makes his debut at RODEOHOUSTON to a sold-out crowd at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
“The fact that you can now purchase tickets to see me play at The Houston Rodeo is almost too good to be true,” McCollum shared at the time of ticket on sales. “Worked so damn hard man. Been waiting since I was a kid for this to be real life. All I can say is thank you to my fans for always loving what I do. Dream come true!”
Strait will also take the stage at The Houston Rodeo later this month on March 20.