Strait, Trisha, Hank Jr, Lee Ann, Josh, Billy, Julie and Gary News

Katie Dean at Universal Music Group sends out a weekly music email, which always contains very useful and informative tidbits.

* Trisha Yearwood will embark on a major tour this summer to support her latest release, Jasper County. The singer will kick off her tour today at the CMA Music Fest. Yearwood will tour lengthy stretches in the Midwest and eastern states, including stops at the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, TN, and the July 29 Free Dollar Bank Jamboree in Pittsburgh, PA. Yearwood returned from an extended layoff last year to deliver "Jasper County," which hit stores last September. The disc marked her first studio album since 2001's "Inside Out."

* Catch Lee Ann Womack on In the Moment: Hank Jr.’s Guide to the Great Outdoors Saturday, June 17, 2006 on CMT. Hank Williams’ Jr. brings Lee Ann Apalachicola, Fla., for a day of intense deep sea fishing. CMT captures candid conversations and rare life experiences between Hank Jr. and Womack. This week, Lee Ann hosted her Fan Club party in Nashville, collecting donations for anysoldier.com.

* Josh Turner, Billy Currington, Julie Roberts and Gary Nichols are part of innovative partnership between Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) and Universal Music Group, as the artists performed yesterday (6/8) at Rocketown in an Acoustic showcase during the CMA Music Festival. These special performances mark the first ever live country music event on Sprint, with subscribers being able to watch all of the action via Sprint TV. Moreover, Sprint subscribers will be able to download content to personalize their phone through Ringers, Call Tones, Video Ringers and full-song downloads from the Sprint Music Store.

* George Strait’s Team Roping Classic will be featured on GAC on today, June 9. Over 570 teams recently traveled to San Antonio, Texas to compete in the 24th Annual George Strait Team Roping Classic. Hosted by the country superstar and avid team roper, the sold-out event is among the largest and most prestigious open ropings in the circuit. In addition to the roping highlights, the special will feature George and his family competing and discussing their zeal for team roping. In other George news, he's putting the finishing touches on a brand new studio release; the first single will be shipped soon so be on the lookout for your digital download notification in the coming weeks.