Cowboy and Country Music Icon
Sixty No.1 singles through more than four decades in the music industry. More than 84 million albums sold — 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, trailing only The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades, plus more than 60 major entertainment awards. George Strait revitalized country music in the ‘80s by bringing it back to its roots of simple guitar licks and classic cowboy vocals. Today, his songs are played everywhere, from every little honky tonk bar by night to Amarillo by morning.
Born in Poteet, Texas in 1952 and raised in nearby Pearsall, Strait and his brother were brought up by their father, a math teacher who became the operator of the family’s cattle ranch in Big Wells, Texas. It was here that Strait developed his love for ranching and life in the country, spending many weekends riding horses and working cattle.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Norma Voss, Strait joined the Army in 1971 and was stationed at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as part of the 25th Infantry Division. There, he was inspired by the sounds of Hank Williams Jr. and Merle Haggard to teach himself how to play and sing, eventually becoming the lead singer of the Divisions' band.
When Strait returned to Texas in 1975, he and other musicians formed a band and called it “Ace in the Hole.” Before long, Strait and the Ace in the Hole Band caught the attention of MCA Records, beginning a run of chart-topping success over the course of 30 studio albums and 100 entries on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, earning him the honor of induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
From movies like "Pure Country" to his George Strait Music Festivals, his historic record-setting Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2013-2014, and his Strait to Vegas exclusive worldwide arena engagements, to his stadium, shows today, Billboard magazine dubbed Strait Legend of Live as he continues to bring fans together from around the world.
The beauty behind Strait’s career and life is consistent authenticity – straight-up, natural country music from someone who is as symbolic in Western culture as cowboy boots are. No matter the pressure from the outside world, Strait has never detoured from his classic Western style, image, and life.
Strait partnered with Justin Brands almost 35 years ago and has consistently supported the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (JCCF) providing need-based financial assistance to athletes injured through their participation in professional rodeo.
We are incredibly proud to continue this decades-long partnership with George Strait. He not only writes and performs songs about country culture, but also he proudly embraces and lives it. The George Strait collection is made for those who brave the ever-changing world and are proud to stick to their roots, the same way Strait has done throughout his storied career.