When George Strait released his new "Troubadour" album on Tuesday, the street date created an interesting coincidence: It was the same day that Kathy Mattea released her new "Coal" album. The two spent plenty of time on the road together in the past; she opened concerts for George for three years.

"He helped me launch my career," she says. "I got to tour in front of so many people, and they treated us so well. Our band got to know their band and the crew guys, and I'd come out and watch George's show every night from the monitor board, just to get an education, just to watch him sing. And I have to say, I've toured with a lot of people over the years, and I've watched a lot of shows, but he's the only one I watched every night, just somethin' to watch. He's an amazing, amazing artist."

Just as they shared concert tours, Kathy and George had similar timing in the Country Music Association awards. She won Female Vocalist of the Year in 1989 and '90, the same two years that George was honored as Entertainer of the Year.

There's one other little coincidence between both artists' albums: Each of them features a guest appearance by Patty Loveless.