Rise to Success: Career Highlights of George Strait

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how George Strait made an impact.

George Strait is an iconic American country music singer, songwriter, actor, music producer, and rancher, often hailed as the "King of Country." He is known for his traditional country sound and consistent chart success, having achieved 60 number one hits, more than any other artist in any genre. Strait has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards, solidifying his status as a dominant figure in country music history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Self-Titled Album Release

In 2000, George Strait released his self-titled album, which reached number one on the country chart and number seven on the Billboard 200. However, it was his first studio album that was not certified platinum and did not produce any number-one singles. Two singles, "Go On" and "If You Can Do Anything Else," were released from the album, both peaking in the top five.

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May 2001: The Road Less Traveled Album Release

In May 2001, George Strait released the album The Road Less Traveled. The album received mostly positive reviews and featured "vocal processing," considered experimental by some critics. Three singles were released, including "She'll Leave You with a Smile" and "Living and Living Well," both reaching the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. "Run" peaked at number two.

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2003: Release of Two Records in 2003

In 2003, George Strait released two records: For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome, a recording of the last Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in the Astrodome, which set a record for paid attendance with 68,266 people.

2004: Rodeo Attendance Record and Greatest Hits Package

In 2004, George Strait's performance at Reliant Stadium set a new rodeo attendance record with 68,679 spectators. He also released a greatest hits package, 50 Number Ones, chronicling his number-one hits, including a new track, "I Hate Everything", which also became a number one hit in 2004.

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October 3, 2006: Release of It Just Comes Natural album

On October 3, 2006, George Strait celebrated 30 years in the music industry with the release of his album, It Just Comes Natural. The album was recorded in Key West, Florida, at Jimmy Buffett's Shrimp Boat Sound Studio. The first single, "Give It Away," reached number one, making "Whispering Bill" Anderson the first songwriter to have a number-one hit in five decades. The title track, "It Just Comes Natural" also became a Billboard number one.

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2007: "Wrapped" reaches Number One and Arena Tour

In 2007, George Strait's "Wrapped" reached number one on the Mediabase 24/7 country music charts, making it his 55th overall number-one single. From January through April of 2007, he headlined a 23-date arena tour with Ronnie Milsap and Taylor Swift.

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April 1, 2008: Troubadour Album Release

On April 1, 2008, George Strait released Troubadour which contained 12 tracks, including duets with Patty Loveless and Dean Dillon. "I Saw God Today," the lead single, debuted at number 19 on the charts and the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.

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April 2009: Artist of the Decade Award

In April 2009, George Strait was honored with the Artist of the Decade Award by the Academy of Country Music, presented by Garth Brooks.

May 28, 2009: "Living for the Night" Release

On May 28, 2009, George Strait released "Living for the Night," co-written with his son Bubba and Dean Dillon. It was the lead single from his album Twang.

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August 11, 2009: Twang Album Release

On August 11, 2009, George Strait released the album Twang, which was later certified gold.

2009: "River of Love" Reaches Number One

In 2009, George Strait's "River of Love", the third single from Troubadour, became his 57th number-one song.

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2010: Billboard's Top Country Artist Ranking

In 2010, Billboard ranked George Strait number one in the top-25 country artists of the past 25 years.

2010: Spokesman for Wrangler National Patriot Program

Since 2010, George Strait has been the spokesman for the Wrangler National Patriot program, supporting wounded and fallen military veterans and their families.

September 6, 2011: Here for a Good Time Album Release

On September 6, 2011, George Strait released the album Here for a Good Time, which included the number-one singles "Here for a Good Time" and "Love's Gonna Make It Alright", bringing his total to 59 number-one singles.

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September 26, 2012: Retirement Announcement

On September 26, 2012, George Strait announced his retirement from touring, with his Cowboy Rides Away Tour set to be his last.

October 2012: "Give It All We Got Tonight" Single Release

In October 2012, George Strait released the single "Give It All We Got Tonight," as part of a "60 for 60" movement to achieve his 60th number-one single.

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January 18, 2013: The Cowboy Rides Away Tour Start

On January 18, 2013, George Strait's Cowboy Rides Away Tour commenced in Lubbock, Texas, with Martina McBride as the opening performer.

May 14, 2013: Love Is Everything Album Release

On May 14, 2013, George Strait released his album Love Is Everything, which included the single "Give It All We Got Tonight."

May 2013: "Give It All We Got Tonight" Reaches Top of Charts

In May 2013, George Strait's song "Give It All We Got Tonight" reached the top of the Mediabase charts.

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November 2013: Billboard Legend of Live Honor

In November 2013, George Strait was honored with Billboard's Legend of Live award, recognizing his contributions to the concert industry. He is the first country artist to receive this accolade.

January 9, 2014: Second Leg of The Cowboy Rides Away Tour

On January 9, 2014, George Strait began the second leg of his Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which featured various opening performers including Jason Aldean, Eric Church, and many others.

June 7, 2014: The Cowboy Rides Away Tour End

On June 7, 2014, George Strait's Cowboy Rides Away Tour concluded in Arlington, Texas.

August 29, 2014: George Strait: The Cowboy Rides Away CMT Concert Special

On August 29, 2014, Country Music Television (CMT) broadcast a two-hour concert special of George Strait's The Cowboy Rides Away concert, featuring music and interviews.

September 16, 2014: The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium Album Release

On September 16, 2014, George Strait released the live album The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium, recorded from his final concert in Arlington.

November 10, 2014: The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium DVD/CD Release

On November 10, 2014, George Strait released DVD/CDs of The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium, with Walmart exclusively releasing a deluxe edition.

April 19, 2015: Guest Appearance at ACM Awards

On April 19, 2015, George Strait made a guest appearance at the 2015 ACM Awards, where he performed "All My Ex's Lives in Texas" and his new single "Let it Go".

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2016: Performance on "Forever Country"

In 2016, George Strait was selected to perform on "Forever Country," a mash-up track celebrating 50 years of the CMA Awards.

2018: "Codigo" Single Release

In 2018, George Strait released a single called "Codigo", named after a brand of tequila he invested in.

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June 15, 2024: Record-Breaking Concert Attendance at Kyle Field

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, George Strait broke the record for most fans at a U.S. concert by a single headlining act, with 110,905 fans at Kyle Field at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

July 27, 2025: Relief Concert in Boerne

On July 27, 2025, George Strait organized a relief concert in Boerne to aid communities affected by the July 2025 Central Texas floods, raising $6.25M.