George Strait

George Strait

George Harvey Strait Sr., born on May 18, 1952, is an iconic figure in American country music. He is renowned for pioneering the neotraditional country style during the 1980s, characterized by his authentic cowboy image and roots-oriented sound. At a time when country pop crossover acts dominated the Nashville music scene, Strait's influence earned him the title of the "King of Country Music" among writers and music critics.


Strait's success began with his debut single "Unwound" in 1981, which helped popularize the neotraditional movement. Throughout the 1980s, seven of his albums topped the country charts, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the genre. In the 2000s, Strait received numerous accolades, including Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He also won his first Grammy award for the album "Troubadour."


Known for his unmatched string of number-one hits, Strait broke Conway Twitty's record in 2009 with 44 chart-topping singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. He has since amassed 60 number-one hits, including "Give It All We Got Tonight" in 2013, setting a new record previously held by Twitty.


In addition to his musical achievements, Strait is celebrated for his innovative touring career. He introduced a 360-degree configuration and festival-style tours, which proved immensely successful. His final concert for The Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, set a new record for the largest indoor concert in North America, drawing over 100,000 attendees.


With over 120 million records sold worldwide, Strait is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He holds the RIAA record for the most certified platinum albums by any artist, with 33 certified platinum albums, along with 13 multi-platinum and 38 gold albums. His album "Pure Country" (1992) remains his best-selling album, while "Strait Out of the Box" (1995) holds the highest certification due to being a box set with four CDs.


According to the RIAA, George Strait ranks as the 12th best-selling album recording artist in the United States, with over 69 million records sold across the country. His enduring influence and unparalleled success have solidified his status as a true legend in country music history.


George Harvey Strait Sr. was born on May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, and grew up in nearby Pearsall, Frio County. His father, John Byron Strait Sr., was a mathematics teacher and rancher, while his mother, Doris Jean Couser, eventually moved away with George's sister after their parents divorced when he was in the fourth grade. Raised primarily by his father alongside his brother John "Buddy" Jr., George spent much of his early life working on the family's cattle ranch outside of Big Wells, Texas.


Strait's musical journey began during his time at Pearsall High School, where he performed in a rock and roll garage band called the Stoics. Influenced heavily by the Beatles and other British Invasion-era rock groups, he honed his musical skills in various rock bands throughout high school. However, his musical tastes evolved towards country music, drawing inspiration from artists like Hank Thompson, Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Bob Wills, Hank Williams, and Frank Sinatra.


Despite not regularly tuning in to country music radio, Strait's exposure to country music came mainly through live performances, which were prevalent in towns across Texas. These live performances deeply influenced his musical style and set him on the path to becoming one of the most iconic figures in country music history.


After graduating from high school, George Harvey Strait Sr. eloped with his high school sweetheart, Norma Voss. They got married in Mexico on December 4, 1971. That same year, George enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman. Stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as part of the 25th Infantry Division, George began performing with an Army-sponsored country music band called "Rambling Country." The band also performed off-base under the name "Santee."


On October 6, 1972, while still stationed in Hawaii, George and Norma welcomed their first child, Jenifer. George served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1975, achieving the rank of Corporal during his service. His time in the military not only contributed to his personal and professional growth but also laid the foundation for his future career in country music.


After George Strait was honorably discharged from the Army in 1975, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State University, now known as Texas State University, in San Marcos. He pursued a degree in agriculture and successfully graduated from the university.


In recognition of his contributions and achievements, George Strait was presented with an honorary doctoral degree by Texas State University in San Marcos. The ceremony took place in private on May 26, 2006. George Strait maintains a strong connection to his alma mater and is a dedicated alumnus of Texas State University. In 1985, he established an endowment fund aimed at supporting the development and operation of the Freeman Ranch. The ranch serves various agricultural purposes, including land and wildlife management, and also contributes to scholarships for deserving students.

References

1.  Bego 2001, p. 7.
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3. a b c d "George Strait". UDiscoverMusic. March 8, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
4. ^ DeDekker, Jeff (September 14, 2011). "George Strait is the king of country music". National Post. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
5. ^ Garcia, Ricky (May 18, 2022). "George Strait turns 70: Facts you may not know about the 'King of Country'". KXAN-TV. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
6. ^ Villalva, Brittney R. (September 27, 2012). "George Strait Farewell Tour Announced". The Christian Post. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
7. a b c "George Strait Earns 60th No. 1 Hit". Radio.com. May 21, 2013. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
8. ^ Trust, Gary (December 29, 2009). "Best of 2009 by the Numbers". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2010.