George Strait

George Strait Sr., born May 18, 1952, is an American country music icon, singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer often hailed as the “King of Country Music.” Renowned for pioneering the neotraditional country movement in the 1980s, Strait is recognized for his authentic cowboy image and roots-based sound that stood in contrast to the country-pop trends of the era. He began performing with the Ace in the Hole Band during his college years, gaining a regional following across Texas and recording early singles for D Records. Strait’s breakthrough came in 1981 with his hit single “Unwound,” leading to a meteoric rise with seven number-one country albums in the 1980s alone. Over his career, he has sold over 120 million records worldwide, with 33 certified platinum or gold albums, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He holds the record for the most number-one songs across all music genres and has more CMA and ACM wins than any other artist, including multiple Entertainer of the Year titles. In 2009, he won his first Grammy for Troubadour. Strait is also known for revolutionizing country touring with 360-degree stage designs and record-breaking concerts, including his farewell show at AT&T Stadium and his 2024 performance at Kyle Field, which drew over 110,000 fans. In 2025, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Strait’s remarkable career was nearly derailed early on after multiple Nashville rejections, but with the support of his wife and friend Erv Woolsey, he signed with MCA Records and launched a legendary run that continues to shape country music today.