George Strait

George Strait is a country music artist whose influence spans decades. Raised on a cattle ranch in nearby Pearsall, Texas, Strait developed an early love for traditional country music and honed his skills as a performer while serving in the U.S. Army, where he played with a band called Rambling Country. Following his military service, he earned an agriculture degree at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), all while performing with his band, Ace in the Hole.

Strait’s breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of his debut single, "Unwound," which launched him into mainstream success. He is also known for other major hits like "Amarillo By Morning" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas." Strait has achieved a record-breaking number of chart-topping hits and has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians in history. His authentic style, characterized by a blend of Western swing, honky-tonk, and traditional country, helped shape the genre’s modern identity. Strait's work has earned him the nickname "King of Country Music" and he holds the record for the most number one songs on all charts by an artist, in any genre of music.

Strait is equally celebrated for his live performances. His "Cowboy Rides Away Tour," which concluded in 2014, was a farewell to regular touring, culminating in a record-setting indoor concert attendance in North America. Despite retiring from extensive tours, Strait continues to perform select shows and record new music. In 2024, he set the record for the largest ticketed concert for a single act in U.S. history at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas and accepted the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMAs.

Off stage, George Strait is a dedicated family man and philanthropist. He and his wife, Norma, have been married since 1971 and together they founded the Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation in honor of their late daughter, focusing on children’s charities in Texas. He is also involved in the George Strait Team Roping Classic, reflecting his deep ties to Texas ranching culture. In addition to his music and philanthropy, Strait has made significant contributions to the film industry, starring in "Pure Country" and its sequel "Pure Country 2: The Gift." He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.