Rise to Success: Career Highlights of George Strait
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how George Strait made an impact.
George Strait is a highly successful American country music singer, songwriter, actor, music producer, and rancher. He's one of the best-selling music artists globally, having sold tens of millions of records. Strait is a major figure in the country music scene.
February 1981: Signing with MCA Records
In February 1981, George Strait signed a recording contract with MCA Records. This opportunity came after considering giving up on music, but his wife convinced him to pursue it for one more year.
December 5, 1981: Rolling Stones concert at the New Orleans Superdome
On December 5, 1981, The Rolling Stones held a concert at the New Orleans Superdome, drawing 87,500 fans. This was the "largest indoor concert ever" before George Strait surpassed it in 2014.
1981: First top 10 single
In 1981, George Strait had his first single, "Unwound", peak at number six on the Hot Country Singles chart, marking the first of 30 consecutive years with a top 10 hit on a Billboard chart.
1981: Release of "Unwound"
In 1981, George Strait released his first single for MCA Records, "Unwound", which reached number six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
1981: First Major Label Single Release
In 1981, George Strait's first major label single "Unwound" was released and became a minor hit, marking the beginning of his commercial success.
1982: First Number One Country Radio Hit
In 1982, George Strait achieved his first number one country radio hit with "Fool Hearted Memory", introducing the neotraditional country style to the mainstream audience.
1982: Bit part in 'The Soldier'
In 1982, George Strait had a bit part in the film 'The Soldier'.
1982: Release of Strait from the Heart and First Number One Single
In 1982, George Strait released his second album, Strait from the Heart, which featured his first number-one single, "Fool Hearted Memory."
1983: Number One Album with Right or Wrong
In 1983 George Strait's album 'Right or Wrong' reached number one, marking the beginning of a string of five number-one hits.
1983: First Appearance at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
In 1983, George Strait made his first appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, replacing Eddie Rabbitt, who was sick. Performing at the rodeo has since become a mainstay throughout his career.
1983: The George Strait Team Roping Classic founding
In 1983, George Strait started hosting The George Strait Team Roping Classic, a prestigious, annual team-roping event.
1984: Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind Album
In 1984, George Strait's album 'Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind' reached number one and won the CMA award.
1985: Establishment of Endowment Fund
In 1985, George Strait established an endowment fund at Texas State University for the development and operation of the Freeman Ranch for agricultural purposes, land and wildlife management, and scholarships.
1985: CMA Top Male Vocalist and First Greatest Hits Compilation
In 1985, George Strait won the CMA award for top male vocalist and released his first greatest hits compilation, featuring songs from his first three albums. He also released 'Something Special', his third-straight number-one album, which featured the number-one single "The Chair".
1986: Release of "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her"
In 1986, George Strait released "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her", beginning a streak of 11 straight number-one hits.
1986: Repeated CMA Vocalist of the Year and New Album Release
In 1986, George Strait repeated as the CMA vocalist of the year and released his fourth number-one album '#7'.
1987: Release of Ocean Front Property Album
In 1987, George Strait released the album Ocean Front Property, which was the first country album to debut at number one on the charts.
1988: Release of If You Ain't Lovin' You Ain't Livin' Album
In 1988, George Strait released the album If You Ain't Lovin' You Ain't Livin', which reached number one on the country album charts.
1989: CMA Entertainer of the Year Award
In 1989, George Strait was named CMA Entertainer of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1990: Release of Livin' It Up Album and Multiweek Hits
In 1990, George Strait released his tenth studio album, Livin' It Up, which featured two number-one hits, including "Love Without End, Amen", which remained first for five weeks.
1990: Multiple Awards
In 1990, George Strait was named CMA Entertainer of the Year and ACM Entertainer of the Year.
1990: CMA Entertainer of the Year
In 1990, George Strait won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award.
1991: Release of Chill of an Early Fall
In 1991, George Strait released the album Chill of an Early Fall, which received positive reviews and produced the number-one songs "If I Know Me" and "You Know Me Better Than That".
1992: Release of Holding My Own Album
In 1992, George Strait released the album Holding My Own, which included two top-five songs, including "So Much Like My Dad".
1992: Starred in 'Pure Country'
In 1992, George Strait starred in the film 'Pure Country'.
1992: Starring in Pure Country and Soundtrack Release
In 1992, George Strait starred in the film Pure Country and released the film's soundtrack, which became his most successful studio album. The soundtrack produced hits such as "Heartland", "I Cross My Heart", and "When Did You Stop Loving Me".
1993: Release of Easy Come, Easy Go Album
In 1993, George Strait released the album Easy Come, Easy Go, which reached the top five on the Billboard 200 and featured the hits "I'd Like to Have That One Back", "The Man in Love with You", and the number-one title track.
1994: Release of Lead On Album
In 1994, George Strait released the album Lead On, which charted at number one.
1995: Release of Strait Out of the Box
In 1995, George Strait released a four-disc box set career retrospective, Strait Out of the Box, which included new songs and became the second-best selling box set ever.
1996: Release of Blue Clear Sky Album
In 1996, George Strait released the album Blue Clear Sky, which debuted at number one.
1997: Release of Carrying Your Love with Me Album
In 1997, George Strait released the album Carrying Your Love with Me, which peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 for the first time in his career.
1997: CMA Top Male Vocalist and First George Strait Country Music Festival
In 1997, George Strait was named as the CMA's Top Male Vocalist and began headlining the George Strait Country Music Festival, which featured other artists.
1998: Release of One Step at a Time Album
In 1998, George Strait released the album One Step at a Time, which charted at number one.
1998: CMA Top Male Vocalist
In 1998, George Strait was named as the CMA's Top Male Vocalist.
1998: Ninth-Biggest Grossing Tour
In 1998, the George Strait Country Music Festival tour became the ninth-biggest grossing tour of the year, despite only playing a small number of dates.
1999: Release of "Always Never the Same" album
In 1999, George Strait released the album "Always Never the Same", which achieved significant success, peaking at number two on country charts and reaching number six on the Billboard 200. The album featured hit songs like "What Do You Say to That", "Meanwhile", and "Write This Down".
2000: Release of self-titled album
In 2000, George Strait released a self-titled album. While it reached number one on the country charts and number seven on the Billboard 200, it did not produce any number-one singles and was the first of his studio albums not to be certified platinum.
May 2001: Release of "The Road Less Traveled" album
In May 2001, George Strait released "The Road Less Traveled". The album received mostly positive reviews, and it featured three singles, including "She'll Leave You with a Smile" and "Living and Living Well", both of which reached number one.
2001: End of George Strait Country Music Festival
In 2001, George Strait's Country Music Festival, which he had headlined since 1997, came to an end.
2002: Appeared in 'Grand Champion'
In 2002, George Strait appeared as himself in the film 'Grand Champion'.
2003: Release of "For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome"
In 2003, George Strait released "For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome", a recording of the last Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to occur in the Astrodome. The performance set a record for paid attendance at the venue, with 68,266 people.
2004: Release of "50 Number Ones" and Reliant Stadium performance
In 2004, George Strait's performance at Reliant Stadium set a new rodeo attendance record with 68,679 spectators. He also released the greatest hits package "50 Number Ones," chronicling his number-one hits, and included a new track, "I Hate Everything," which became his 51st number one in 2004.
October 3, 2006: Release of "It Just Comes Natural" album
On October 3, 2006, George Strait released his album "It Just Comes Natural", marking his 30th year in the music industry. The album, recorded in Key West, Florida, featured 15 new songs and received positive reviews. The first single, "Give It Away," reached number one.
2006: Elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 2006, George Strait was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, performing his number-one hit "Give it Away" at the 40th CMA Awards.
2007: "Wrapped" reaches number one and Arena Tour
In 2007, George Strait's song "Wrapped" reached number one on the Mediabase 24/7 country music charts. Also from January through April of that year, Strait headlined a 23-date arena tour with Ronnie Milsap and Taylor Swift.
April 1, 2008: Release of "Troubadour" album
On April 1, 2008, George Strait released the album "Troubadour", which featured 12 tracks, including duets with Patty Loveless and Dean Dillon. The lead single, "I Saw God Today", debuted at number 19 and the album itself debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.
October 2008: Academy of Country Music Awards named Strait their Artist of the Decade for the 2000s
In October 2008, the Academy of Country Music Awards named George Strait their Artist of the Decade for the 2000s.
April 2009: Academy of Country Music 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 to him by Garth Brooks.
May 28, 2009: Release of "Living for the Night"
On May 28, 2009, George Strait released "Living for the Night", as the lead single from his album "Twang". The song was written by Strait, his son Bubba, and Dean Dillon.
August 11, 2009: Release of "Twang" album
On August 11, 2009, George Strait released his album "Twang", which was later certified gold for selling over 500,000 copies.
2009: Most CMA awards
As of 2009, George Strait holds the record for the most CMA awards.
2009: Grammy Award for Troubadour
In 2009, George Strait won his first and only Grammy Award for Best Country Album for his album "Troubadour".
2009: "River of Love" becomes his 57th number-one song
In 2009, George Strait's song "River of Love", the third single from the "Troubadour" album, became his 57th number-one song.
June 8, 2010: Named top country-music artist of the past 25 years by Billboard
On June 8, 2010, George Strait was named the top country-music artist of the past 25 years according to Billboard.
2010: Billboard ranks Strait number one
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
In 2010, George Strait became the spokesman for the Wrangler National Patriot program, a campaign to raise awareness and funds for wounded and fallen military veterans and their families. He also appeared in commercials for Tractor Supply Company.
September 6, 2011: Release of "Here for a Good Time" album
On September 6, 2011, George Strait released the album "Here for a Good Time", which produced two number-one singles, "Here for a Good Time" and "Love's Gonna Make It Alright".
September 26, 2012: Announcement of retirement from touring
On September 26, 2012, George Strait announced his retirement from touring, with the Cowboy Rides Away Tour to be his last.
October 2012: Release of "Give It All We Got Tonight"
In October 2012, George Strait released the single "Give It All We Got Tonight", which was later included on his album "Love Is Everything".
2012: Vaqueros Del Mar Invitational Golf Tournament and Concert creation
In 2012, George Strait, along with Tom Cusick, created the Vaqueros Del Mar Invitational Golf Tournament and Concert to raise money for David Feherty's Troops First Foundation, benefiting wounded servicemen, servicewomen, and their families.
January 18, 2013: Start of "Cowboy Rides Away Tour"
On January 18, 2013, George Strait's Cowboy Rides Away Tour began in Lubbock, Texas, with Martina McBride as the opening performer for the first leg of the tour.
May 14, 2013: Release of "Love Is Everything" album
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 number one
In May 2013, George Strait's song "Give It All We Got Tonight" reached the top of the Mediabase charts.
June 1, 2013: Farewell concert at the Alamodome
On June 1, 2013, George Strait performed at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, before 70,000 fans in the last concert of the first half of his two-year farewell tour. May 18, Strait's birthday, was announced as George Strait Day in Texas each year.
November 2013: Billboard Legend of Live honor
In November 2013, Billboard presented George Strait with its Legend of Live honor during the 10th annual Billboard Touring Awards ceremony.
2013: CMA Entertainer of the Year Award
In 2013, George Strait was named CMA Entertainer of the Year.
January 9, 2014: Start of the second leg of "The Cowboy Rides Away Tour"
On January 9, 2014, George Strait initiated the second leg of his "The Cowboy Rides Away Tour", which featured multiple opening performers, including Jason Aldean, Eric Church and many others.
June 7, 2014: End of "Cowboy Rides Away Tour"
On June 7, 2014, George Strait's Cowboy Rides Away Tour concluded in Arlington, Texas.
August 29, 2014: CMT broadcasts "George Strait: The Cowboy Rides Away"
On August 29, 2014, Country Music Television (CMT) broadcasted a two-hour concert special of George Strait's event titled "George Strait: The Cowboy Rides Away".
September 16, 2014: Release of "The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium" live album
On September 16, 2014, George Strait released a live album titled "The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium", recorded from his final concert in Arlington.
November 10, 2014: Release of "The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium" DVD/CDs
On November 10, 2014, DVD/CDs of George Strait's concert, "The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium", were released, with Walmart exclusively releasing a deluxe edition including two CDs.
2014: ACM Entertainer of the Year Award
In 2014, George Strait was named ACM Entertainer of the Year.
2014: The Cowboy Rides Away Tour Finale
In 2014, George Strait's final concert for The Cowboy Rides Away Tour at AT&T Stadium drew 104,793 people, setting a new record for the largest indoor concert in North America.
April 19, 2015: Guest appearance at the 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".
2016: Performance on "Forever Country"
In 2016, George Strait was selected as one of 30 artists to perform on "Forever Country", a mash-up track celebrating 50 years of the CMA Awards.
2017: The George Strait Team Roping Classic last edition
In 2017, George Strait hosted the last edition of The George Strait Team Roping Classic, a prestigious, annual team-roping event.
January 2018: Named 2018 Texan of the Year
In January 2018, George Strait was named the 2018 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference for his fundraising efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
2018: Release of "Codigo" single
In 2018, George Strait released a single called "Codigo", named after a brand of tequila in which he had invested.
June 15, 2024: Record-breaking concert 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 in College Station, Texas.
2024: Largest Ticketed Concert Record
In mid-2024, George Strait set the record for the largest ticketed concert for a single act in U.S. history, with over 110,905 people at Kyle Field 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. The concert raised $6.25M.
December 2025: John F. Kennedy Center Honoree
George Strait is to be presented with the John F. Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in December 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
2025: Induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2025, George Strait will be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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