George Strait's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of George Strait. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

George Strait is a highly celebrated American country music singer, songwriter, actor, music producer, and rancher. Known for his traditional country sound, he has achieved immense success throughout his career, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Strait has released numerous chart-topping albums and singles, earning him the title 'King of Country.' His contributions to the genre have solidified his status as an icon and a major influence on subsequent generations of country musicians.

Sections (4)

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

February 1981: Signing with MCA Records

In February 1981, George Strait signed a recording contract with MCA Records after considering giving up on music, marking a turning point in his career.

1986: Start of 11 Straight Number-One Hits

In 1986, George Strait began a streak of 11 straight number-one hits with "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her", despite the tragic loss of his daughter.

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1990: Consecutive CMA Entertainer of the Year Award

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

May 26, 2006: Honorary Doctoral Degree

On May 26, 2006, George Strait was presented with an honorary doctoral degree by Texas State University in San Marcos.

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

On October 3, 2006, George Strait celebrated his 30th year in the music industry with the release of his album "It Just Comes Natural". Recorded in Key West, Florida, the album featured 15 new songs and received positive reviews. The lead single, "Give It Away", reached number one, making songwriter "Whispering Bill" Anderson the first to have a number-one hit in five decades. The title track, "It Just Comes Natural," became his 42nd Billboard number one.

2006: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame

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

October 2008: Named Artist of the Decade by ACM

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 Academy of Country Music Artist of the Decade Award. Garth Brooks, the previous recipient, presented him with the award.

2009: Most CMA Awards

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

June 8, 2010: Named Top Country-Music Artist of the Past 25 Years

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

2010: Billboard ranked Strait number one

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

November 2013: Billboard Legend of Live honor

In November 2013, Billboard honored George Strait with its Legend of Live award during the 10th annual Billboard Touring Awards ceremony, recognizing his concert industry achievements based on Billboard's Boxscore chart and box-office performance. He is the first country artist to receive this award.

June 15, 2024: Record for most fans at a U.S. concert by a single headlining act

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 attending his concert at Kyle Field at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. This event also set a new record for Texas A&M’s Kyle Field for most fans at a single event.

December 2025: Kennedy Center Honoree

In December 2025, George Strait will be presented with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Honoree for Lifetime Artistic Achievement at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.