Sammy Kershaw credits the late George Jones with being his inspiration for achieving his dreams in country music, and now the singer is releasing a tribute album in Jones' memory.

'Do You Know Me -- A Tribute to George Jones' will be released on July 22, and include some of the Possum's biggest hits, such as 'White Lightning,' 'The Race Is On' and 'He Stopped Loving Her Today.'

"When I was four or five years old, I can remember hearing George Jones sing and even though I hadn't yet lived any of those heartbreaking songs, I could hear that natural tear in his voice and it would make me cry," Kershaw explains. "I felt every word in every story that he was singing. I can remember that when I was that little kid, I felt like I already knew him."

The Louisiana native says it was an encounter with Jones when Kershaw was just a teen that started his own career in country music.

"When I was 14 years old I had the honor of meeting Jones for the first time and was able to open several shows for him, which for me was the opportunity of a lifetime," he recalls. "Sometimes things in life are hard to explain but like I said, I always felt like I knew George Jones before I ever met him."

Kershaw is also featuring two brand-new songs on the record, 'The Route That I Took' and 'Do You Know Me,' which were inspired by his musical hero. He also included a duet of 'Near You,' which he sings with Jones' daughter, Georgette Jones.

"When it comes to doing a George Jones and Tammy Wynette duet there was no way that I couldn't ask Georgette Jones to do her mother's part," Kershaw explains.  "I knew I wanted her on the album, and when I asked her she said yes right away, and that sure made me happy. I am so honored to have her on this project."

The songstress says she was thrilled to be included.

"Sammy has always been one of my favorites, and he's also the closest voice I know to my Dad's," she notes. "I'm so thrilled he's done this tribute, and it was a huge honor to record this duet with him. He had a special bond with my Dad and I know he'd be so proud."

George Jones passed away on April 26, 2013. He was 81 years old.

'Do You Know Me -- A Tribute to George Jones' will be released on July 22 through both retail and digital outlets. See a complete track listing below, and pre-order the record here.

Sammy Kershaw, 'Do You Know Me? - A Tribute To George Jones' track listing:

1.  'The Grand Tour'
2. 'Once You've Had the Best'
3.  'She Thinks I Still Care'
4.  'Why Baby Why'
5.  'Walk Through This World With Me'
6.  'When the Grass Grows Over Me'
7.  'Window Up Above'
8.  'White Lightning'
9.  'Near You' (featuring Georgette Jones)
10.  'He Stopped Loving Her Today'
11.  'The Race Is On'
12.  'Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes'
13.  'Do You Know Me'
14.  'The Route That I Took'

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