Crack Open a Cold Beer, Enjoy Some Conversation While You Enjoy the New George Strait Album

When George Strait announced he was going to quit touring, there was a collective moan among country music fans. What?? King George retiring? Say it ain't so!

It ain't so.

• George Strait 2016 Las Vegas Concert Dates

Earlier this week the man who has had more number one country hits than anyone in history announce new shows in 2016 in Las Vegas. Plus, a brand new Strait album, and one you don't have to wait for!

(AP) - George Strait never said he was going to retire. Strait says when he announced he was releasing an album and planning to do some concerts next year in Las Vegas, people said, "I thought you retired." Strait says he just wants to shake people like that. He says he always planned to do shows, just not a structured tour. Strait will release a new album called "Cold Beer Conversation" tomorrow. Strait says he had considered putting out an album of big-band standards, and that's still a possibility.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.