George Strait: The King of Country Music

George Strait: The King of Country Music

Early Life and Musical Influences

• Birth and Upbringing: Born on May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, George Harvey Strait Sr. grew up in Pearsall, Frio County.
• Family Background: Raised by his father, John Byron Strait Sr., a mathematics teacher and rancher. Parents divorced when George was in the fourth grade.
• Musical Beginnings: Started in a rock and roll garage band called the Stoics during high school. Influenced by the Beatles and British Invasion-era rock, later shifted towards country music.

Military Service and Early Family Life

• Enlistment: Joined the United States Army as an infantryman after graduating from high school.
• Musical Pursuits in the Army: Performed with the Army-sponsored country band "Rambling Country" and off-base as "Santee."
• Marriage and Family: Eloped with high school sweetheart Norma Voss in 1971. Welcomed their first child, Jenifer, in 1972.

Transition to Civilian Life and Education

• Honorable Discharge: Served in the Army until 1975, achieving the rank of Corporal.
• University Education: Enrolled at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, pursuing a degree in agriculture.
• Honorary Doctoral Degree: Awarded an honorary doctoral degree by Texas State University in 2006, recognizing his contributions.

Musical Career and Pioneering Neotraditional Country

• Debut Single: Started his musical career with the debut single "Unwound" in 1981, contributing to the neotraditional country movement.
• 1980s Success: Seven albums topped the country charts in the 1980s, establishing Strait as a leading figure.
• Record-Breaking Hits: Broke Conway Twitty's record in 2009 with 44 chart-topping singles. Accumulated 60 number-one hits, surpassing Twitty's record.

Innovative Touring and Final Concert

• Touring Innovations: Introduced a 360-degree configuration and festival-style tours, transforming country music touring.
• Record-Breaking Concert: Final concert for The Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014 at AT&T Stadium set a new record for the largest indoor concert in North America, drawing over 100,000 attendees.

Enduring Legacy and Achievements

• Sales Records: Over 120 million records sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists.
• RIAA Records: Holds RIAA records for the most certified platinum albums (33), 13 multi-platinum, and 38 gold albums.
• Legacy in Country Music: Recognized as the "King of Country Music" for his enduring influence and unparalleled success.
• Philanthropy: Established an endowment fund for the Freeman Ranch at Texas State University, supporting land and wildlife management and scholarships.

George Strait's journey from a small-town upbringing to military service and a legendary country music career showcases not only his musical prowess but also his dedication to education and philanthropy. The "King of Country Music" continues to leave an indelible mark on the genre, setting records and inspiring generations of musicians.

References;

1. Dicaire, David (August 18, 2008). The New Generation of Country Music Stars. McFarland, Incorporated. ISBN 9780786437870. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
2. "George Strait". UDiscoverMusic. March 8, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
3. DeDekker, Jeff (September 14, 2011). "George Strait is the king of country music". National Post. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. "George Strait Earns 60th No. 1 Hit". Radio.com. May 21, 2013. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
7. Trust, Gary (December 29, 2009). "Best of 2009 by the Numbers". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 12, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2010.