George Strait, often hailed as the “King of Country Music,” has carved an indelible mark on the genre through decades of talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his roots. With over 70 million records sold in the United States and 12 million worldwide, he stands as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. However, behind the legendary career lies a life marked by personal challenges, including the tragic loss of his daughter.
Born in Poteet, Texas, in 1952, Strait’s upbringing on a 2,000-acre family ranch instilled in him the values of the rural West. His parents’ divorce during his childhood led to him and his brother being raised by their father, who taught them the importance of hard work on the ranch. While in high school, Strait’s musical journey began with a rock band called the Stoics, influenced by The Beatles. Despite not being a skilled guitarist at the time, he participated in other rock bands, with country music not yet a significant part of his repertoire.
After a year at Southwest Texas State University, Strait married his high school sweetheart, Norma, and joined the U.S. Army in 1971. Stationed in Hawaii, he honed his singing and guitar skills while developing an appreciation for country music legends like Hank Williams, George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Bob Wills. In 1973, he joined his first country music band while still serving in the military.
Returning to Southwest Texas State University after his army service, Strait earned a degree in agriculture in 1979. He joined a country band called Stony Ridge, later becoming its lead singer and renaming it the Ace in the Hole Band. They performed regularly at clubs across Texas, even opening for major acts like the Texas Playboys. Despite recording some of Strait’s original songs for a small Houston label, D Records, they didn’t achieve widespread fame, leading Strait to continue working on his family’s ranch.
Despite his band’s popularity, Strait struggled to gain industry recognition. His friend Irv Woy, a pub owner where the band performed, persuaded Nashville executives to see them. While they enjoyed the music, they felt Strait’s traditional Western swing sound wouldn’t succeed in a market leaning towards polished pop-country. After facing rejections from every label in Nashville, Strait considered leaving the music industry.
However, his wife convinced him to give it one more year. In February 1981, Strait signed a one-song deal with MCA Records. His debut single, “Unwound,” quickly gained popularity, reaching number six on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. This success led to an extended contract with MCA, marking the beginning of his professional music career.
Throughout the 1980s, Strait released over 12 albums, each achieving platinum status. His traditional country sound, exemplified by albums like “Straight Country” and “Fool Hearted Memory,” stood in contrast to the prevailing pop-country style. He achieved 17 number-one hits, including five consecutive chart-toppers from 1983 to 1984. In 1983, Strait began his long-standing performance tradition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, selling out over 20 shows and entertaining over a million fans.
In 1985, he won the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Best Male Vocalist award and released his first greatest hits album. However, amidst his professional success, tragedy struck in 1986 when his 13-year-old daughter, Jennifer, died in a car accident. Devastated, Strait limited his media interactions and refrained from discussing Jennifer’s passing for a year. He channeled his grief into his music, releasing 11 consecutive number-one hits from 1986 to 1989.
The 1990s saw Strait continue his chart-topping success with albums like “Living It Up” and “Chill of an Early Fall.” He also ventured into acting with the film “Pure Country” in 1992, performing several well-known songs for the soundtrack. In 1995, he released the four-disc collection “George Strait out of the Box,” which became the best-selling box set in country music history.
Throughout the 1990s, Strait achieved 17 number-one hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, solidifying his continued success into the 21st century. He released the album “George Strait” in 2000, featuring hit songs like “Go On If You’re Going to Rain” and “She Took the Wind from His Sails.” In 2005, his song “Good News, Bad News,” featuring Lee Ann Womack, won the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year.
In 2006, Strait released “It Just Comes Natural,” marking his 30th year in the music industry. The album received positive reviews, with critics praising his consistent high-quality music. In 2007, his song “Wrapped” reached number one on the country music charts, marking his 55th number-one single. He continued to tour extensively, performing alongside legends like Ronnie Milsap and rising stars like Taylor Swift.
In 2012, Strait announced his final tour, “The Cowboy Rides Away,” coinciding with the release of his album “Love is Everything” in 2013. By that time, he had accumulated 60 number-one hits, surpassing Conway Twitty’s record for the most number-one hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. His final tour culminated in a record-breaking performance at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in 2014.
Beyond his musical achievements, Strait remained true to his cowboy roots, spending time on his ranch in South Texas, participating in team roping competitions, and raising cattle. He and his brother established the George Strait Team Roping Classic, a significant event in the sport.
Strait’s son, George “Bubba” Strait Jr., also shares a passion for ranching and rodeo. He competed in high school rodeos and joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Bubba has also contributed to his father’s music, co-writing songs on several albums. He continues to collaborate with his father, finding great pleasure in their musical partnership.
George Strait’s journey from a small-town Texas boy to a global music icon exemplifies determination, passion, and perseverance. His unwavering commitment to his roots, combined with his musical talent and enduring appeal, has solidified his place as a beloved figure in country music history.
