Introduction
On June 7, 2014, George Strait closed out his monumental “Cowboy Rides Away Tour” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas—a final performance that drew an astonishing 104,793 fans, setting the record for the largest indoor crowd in North American concert history . The evening brought together an all-star lineup, including Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Sheryl Crow—and notably, Miranda Lambert, who joined Strait for two standout duets: “How ’Bout Them Cowgirls” and “Run”.
“How ’Bout Them Cowgirls”, originally released in August 2007 from Strait’s album It Just Comes Natural, was penned by Casey Beathard and Ed Hill. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, celebrating the strength and spirit of cowgirls on a mid‑tempo melody that playfully riffed on “How ’bout them Cowboys?” . Its live revival on that landmark night underscored its enduring appeal as a country anthem recognizing Western roots and female empowerment.
Meanwhile, “Run”, written by Tony Lane and Anthony Smith, first appeared in 2001 as the lead single from Strait’s The Road Less Traveled. That track, critically praised for blending traditional country instrumentation with a haunting, progressive melody, was reimagined in a live duet featuring Lambert—adding a new emotional layer to this fan favorite .
The combined performance of these two songs at the tour finale wasn’t just memorable—it was symbolic. Strait, surrounded by a circle of country royalty, paid homage to his legacy while spotlighting rising talents like Lambert. The energy and synergy of that night were immortalized in the live album and DVD The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium, released September 16, 2014, capturing the emotion of this historic celebration (.
Together, these performances showcased George Strait’s timeless artistry, the evolving strength of country women, and the communal spirit that defines the genre—cementing June 7, 2014, as a landmark moment in country music history.