Happy 65th birthday to Texas son, George Strait! Born in Poteet in 1952, Strait began his foray into singing country music in a band while serving in the U.S. Army. Landing his first recording contract in 1981 with MCA, he’s consistently produced hit albums and singles throughout the last three decades and is well known for staying true to his traditional country roots.
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George Strait: Today, ‘The King of Country Music’ Turns 65
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Photo: Facebook/George Strait
Raised in Pearsall, on a family-owned farm, Strait went on to study agriculture at Southwest Texas State University in his post-secondary years. He eloped with Norma, his high school sweetheart, prior to joining the army, and began singing in an Army-sponsored band named Rambling Country while he was stationed in Hawaii. Following that, he returned to Texas, and with the support of his wife and family, put together his Ace in the Hole band, gaining an impressive Lone Star State following.
Photo: Facebook/George Strait
Following years of hard work and with the continued encouragement from his family, Strait signed a contract with MCA Records in 1981. His first release, “Strait Country” continues to receive airplay and was influential in the increase of traditional country music on mainstream radio programming. Following a subsequent string of hit releases, all of which were certified platinum or multi-platinum, in 1989, he was named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association, and again in 1990.
Photo: Facebook/George Strait
Making a transition into acting, in 1992, Strait made his motion picture debut with Pure Country, recording the film’s soundtrack as well, including hits such as “I Cross My Heart,” “The King of Broken Hearts,” “Heartland,” and “Where the Sidewalk Ends.” He followed this up with the release of his 1995 four-disc set titled “Strait Out of the Box,” which exceeded five million copies in sales and continues to hold the record of being the best-selling boxed set in country music history.
Photo: Facebook/George Strait
Throughout the ‘90s and into the new millennium, Strait released many a noteworthy album, and received a number of accolades. He was honored with the National Medal of the Arts from President George W. Bush., was inducted into the CMA’s Hall of Fame, received Artist of the Decade from the Academy of Country Music, and most recently was named the Texas State Musician for 2017 (an honor being formally bestowed upon him in the Texas State Legislature today, in fact!) He continues to impress in his career as well as his personal life, heading happily towards a 46th anniversary with wife Norma, and sharing all that he does with his family. Happiest of birthdays and many continued blessings to the King of Country music – Texas born, George Strait.
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