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, and producer. Known for his traditional country sound and consistent hit-making ability, he has released numerous platinum-selling albums and topped the charts with dozens of singles. Strait is often referred to as the "King of Country" and is considered one of the most influential and respected figures in the genre. His career has spanned decades, earning him countless awards and a dedicated fan base.

Sections (4)

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

1981: Debut Single Enters Top 10

In 1981, George Strait's debut single "Unwound" peaked at number six on the Hot Country Singles chart, marking the beginning of his 30 consecutive years with at least one single entering the top 10 of a Billboard chart.

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1982: Bit Part in 'The Soldier'

In 1982, George Strait had a bit part in the film 'The Soldier'.

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1983: Inauguration of The George Strait Team Roping Classic

From 1983, George Strait hosted a prestigious, annual team-roping event; The George Strait Team Roping Classic.

1989: CMA Entertainer of the Year Award

In 1989, George Strait won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award.

1990: CMA Entertainer of the Year Award

In 1990, George Strait won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award.

1992: Starred in 'Pure Country'

In 1992, George Strait starred in the film 'Pure Country'.

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2000: Release of Self-Titled Album

In 2000, George Strait released his self-titled album, which reached number one on the country chart and number seven on the Billboard 200 chart. Although the album was successful, it was the first studio album of his career to not be certified platinum and did not produce any number-one singles. The singles "Go On" and "If You Can Do Anything Else" were released from the album.

May 2001: Release of The Road Less Traveled

In May 2001, George Strait released the album 'The Road Less Traveled', which received mostly positive reviews. The album featured vocal processing and was considered experimental by some critics. Three singles were released, including "She'll Leave You with a Smile", Strait's 50th on combined charts, and "Living and Living Well", both reaching the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. The single "Run" peaked at number two.

2002: Appeared in 'Grand Champion'

In 2002, George Strait appeared as himself in the film 'Grand Champion'.

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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 final Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Astrodome. The performance drew 68,266 people, setting a record for paid attendance at the venue.

2004: Attendance Record and Greatest Hits Package

In 2004, George Strait set a new rodeo attendance record at Reliant Stadium with 68,679 spectators. He also released '50 Number Ones', a greatest hits package that chronicled his number-one hits, including 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 titled "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 generally positive reviews. The first single from the album, "Give It Away", reached number one.

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2006: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame

In 2006, George Strait was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, performing "Give it Away" at the 40th CMA Awards before accepting his Hall of Fame plaque.

2007: "Wrapped" Reached Number One

In 2007, George Strait's song "Wrapped" reached number one on the Mediabase 24/7 country music charts, marking his 55th overall number-one single. From January through April, he also 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 his album titled 'Troubadour'. The CD contained 12 tracks, including duets with Patty Loveless and Dean Dillon. The lead single, "I Saw God Today", debuted at number 19 on the Radio and Records and Billboard charts. 'Troubadour' debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.

October 2008: ACM Artist of the Decade

In October 2008, the Academy of Country Music Awards named George Strait their Artist of the Decade for the 2000s, with the award presented by Garth Brooks.

April 2009: ACM 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. The award was presented to Strait by Garth Brooks.

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

On May 28, 2009, George Strait's single "Living for the Night", co-written by Strait, his son Bubba, and Dean Dillon, was released. The song served as the lead single from his album Twang.

August 11, 2009: Release of Twang Album

On August 11, 2009, George Strait released his album 'Twang'.

2009: Holds Record for Most CMA Awards

As of 2009, George Strait holds the record for the most CMA awards.

2009: "River of Love" Reached Number One

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

June 8, 2010: Named Top Country Artist of the Past 25 Years by Billboard

On June 8, 2010, Billboard named George Strait the top country-music artist of the past 25 years.

2010: Billboard 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 served as a spokesman for the Wrangler National Patriot program, which raises awareness and funds for America's 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", bringing his total to 59 number-one singles.

September 26, 2012: Retirement Announcement

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

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

In October 2012, George Strait released the single "Give It All We Got Tonight", which was included on his album Love Is Everything.

2012: Vaqueros Del Mar Invitational Golf Tournament and Concert Inauguration

In 2012, George Strait and Tom Cusick initiated the Vaqueros Del Mar Invitational Golf Tournament and Concert at Tapatio Springs Resort in Texas, raising funds for the Troops First Foundation.

January 18, 2013: Start of Cowboy Rides Away Tour

On January 18, 2013, George Strait started his Cowboy Rides Away Tour in Lubbock, Texas. The tour was divided into two legs: 21 concerts in 2013 and 26 concerts in 2014.

May 14, 2013: Release of Love Is Everything Album

On May 14, 2013, George Strait released his album 'Love Is Everything'.

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

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

June 1, 2013: Final Concert of Farewell Tour's First Half

On June 1, 2013, George Strait performed before 70,000 fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, for the last concert of the first half of his two-year farewell tour, and May 18 was declared George Strait Day in Texas.

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. Strait is the first country artist to receive this accolade.

2013: Entertainer of the Year Award

In 2013, George Strait won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award, making him the only artist to win the top honor in three different decades.

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

On January 9, 2014, George Strait initiated the second leg of his Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which featured opening performances by several artists 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 Broadcast of Concert Special

On August 29, 2014, the Country Music Television channel broadcast a two-hour concert special of George Strait's 'The Cowboy Rides Away' event.

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

On September 16, 2014, the live album recorded from George Strait's final concert in Arlington, titled 'The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium,' was released.

November 10, 2014: Release of Cowboy Rides Away Concert DVD/CDs

On November 10, 2014, DVD/CDs of George Strait's The Cowboy Rides Away concert were released, with Walmart exclusively releasing a deluxe edition.

April 19, 2015: ACM Awards Appearance

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

2016: Forever Country Performance

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: Last year of The George Strait Team Roping Classic

From 1983 through 2017, Strait hosted a prestigious, annual team-roping event; The George Strait Team Roping Classic. It was originally held in Kingsville, Texas, but then took place for several years at the San Antonio Rose Palace.

January 2018: George Strait named 2018 Texan of the Year

In January 2018, George Strait was honored as the 2018 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference for his fundraising efforts following 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.