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Country star Tim McGraw talks new album and family

Grammy-winning country singer Tim McGraw has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, with 36 number-one singles
Tim McGraw on new album, "Damn Country Music," family 05:48

With his signature cowboy hat and distinctive sound, Tim McGraw has been taking music fans on a journey down country roads for more than two decades.

The three-time Grammy-winner has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, with 36-number one singles. This year, Time magazine even named him one of his most influential people.

McGraw's country charm and versatility also brought him from the stage to the big screen, starring in feature films like "Friday Night Lights" and "The Blind Side."

Tim McGraw talks new music, "Tomorrowland" role 03:08

Now, McGraw continues his musical journey with his 14th studio album, "Damn Country Music."

"Any music that moves you is when you can believe somebody and there's an honesty to it and that's what I've always tried to do musically, is to be honest," McGraw said on "CBS This Morning" Tuesday, responding to one review which applauded the "authenticity" and "believability" of his music.

The track "Damn Country Music" was one of the first songs he found for his latest album.

"This is about country music for sure but it's also in a broader sense about life in general," McGraw said. "And what it costs you to go after something that you're really passionate about, but what you get in return because to me country music has given me everything good in my life."

Country music brought McGraw and his wife of nearly 20 years - country star Faith Hill- together. In 2006, the couple's "Soul-2-Soul Two" tour broke the record for the highest-grossing country tour of all time.

The father of three also features a special artist in his latest album. McGraw sang the first song in the album with his oldest daughter, Grace, who also has a band of her own.

"She doesn't think I'm cool at all. I like to think that when I'm not around, she thinks I'm cooler than I actually think she does," he said laughing. "She's a greater singer, she's a great artist."

Another song featured in the album is called "Humbled and Kind," which McGraw said was one of his favorite songs he's ever recorded, because of its message.

"In this day and age, when people can be so mean to each other... it's a message that needs to be put out there, that people need to hear," McGraw said. "Kindness is something that probably we are all innately born with... Humility is something you have to remind yourself to be."

McGraw also spoke about his recent experience of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Game 4 of the 2015 World Series. As the son of late Hall of Famer Tug McGraw of the New York Mets, he said he "couldn't walk out there and make a bad throw."

He practiced with his wife in his backyard.

McGraw -- who has a sister and uncle among other loved ones serving in the military - also had a message to commemorate Veteran's Day.

"Those guys and girls, they're sitting on the fence and they're protecting us. They have a service heart, they put everything they have on the line and their families sacrifice so much," McGraw said. "I think every day of the year it's a good thing...in turn we should honor them in any chance we get."

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