George Strait

For the past two and a half decades there has been one unvarying aspect in the life of country music: the presence of George Strait. George Strait is a true living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar room ballads, honky-tonk style and fresh, yet traditional, country western music. Out of all the new country singers to emerge in the early ‘80s, Strait stayed the closest to traditional country. Drawing from both the honky-tonk and western swing traditions, Strait did not modernize the genres. Instead, he rejuvenated them and in the process became one of the most popular and influential singers of the decade. As a result, a new wave of neo-traditionalist singers such as Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson emerged.

A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Strait has been nominated for more CMA awards than any other artist. He holds the record for most No. 1 songs on Billboard Country Music charts, and has had more albums certified gold or platinum in the United States than any other country artist. Only Elvis Presley and The Beatles top this monumental record.

From his 1981 debut single “Unwound,” to now, George Strait has become a family household name and many have fallen in love with his music. He has had at least one single hit in the Top 10 every year since his first debut single! Strait has sold more than 62 million albums and has a total of 13 multi-platinum, 30 platinum and 33 gold albums. Strait has also had more gold albums than any other artist in Country music!

It Just Comes Natural was released in 2006 and offered the No. 1 hit, “Give It Away.” “This album’s got 15 songs, which is more than I’ve ever put on a record before…but I thought they were all so good. There wasn’t one song on here that I would have felt right about leaving off. I really think we came up with one of the best albums I’ve ever done,” says Strait on his new album. However, the year’s highlight was his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame on November 6.

How is it that George Strait can continue to scale such heights of success after 20 years? It is quite simple actually; he cares about and takes care of the most true and dear thing closest to his heart, music. He simply picks great songs and transforms them into his own. He takes his music on the road for people all over to hear up close and in person and of course, he is backed by one of the best live bands in country music history. In summary, he delivers great songs with honor and sincerity. For George Strait, it’s about more than just the awards and the glory. For him, it’s all about the music and his true fans. When he talks about his life and career, what stands out the most is his sincerity, his modesty and authenticity. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had such a long career in country music,” says Strait. “I never really set out to have 51 Number Ones but I’m very proud of that fact. I’m going to continue, just as I always have, to try and make the best records I can and do the best shows I can.”

“I’ve always just done the music that I felt comfortable doing. I don’t think that everything I’ve done has been really hard-core traditional…but they are great songs because they are different,” says Strait. The hit, “Give It Away,” on his new album is definitely counted as one of those songs. It has very unexpected spoken-sung sections and it does not fit the typical mold of country music. Nonetheless, it has topped the charts and fans love the non-conforming music that he produces.

As for George Strait’s future, it seems the opportunities for success are endless. “I’ve never been one to set a lot of goals for myself, but I’ve always been really motivated to improve on what I’ve done. I look forward to the future and what it will bring. I’m sure it will be challenging and fun.” On January 10, Strait fans can expect a night of pure, traditional honky-tonk country music!