Biography
Who is George Strait?
Early life and family
Born in Poteet, Texas, George Strait was the son of John Byron Strait Sr. And Doris Jean Couser. He spent his youth in the town of Pearsall, located in Frio County. His father worked as a junior high math teacher while managing a large cattle ranch outside of Big Wells. George and his brother John Jr. Grew up working on the ranch during summers and weekends. After his parents divorced in his youth, he remained with his father.
During his high school years, he played in rock bands influenced by the Beatles, such as a group called the Stoics. His musical tastes eventually shifted toward country music icons like Hank Thompson, Merle Haggard, and George Jones. It is also noted that he is a second cousin of billionaire businessman Jeff Bezos.
Military service and education
After graduating from high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Norma Voss, in 1971. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a finance clerk while stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as part of the 25th Infantry Division. During this time, he joined an Army-sponsored band called Rambling Country, which allowed him to perform while serving his country. He concluded his service in 1975 with the rank of corporal.
Upon returning to civilian life, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State University, which is now known as Texas State University. He graduated with a degree in agriculture. He remains a loyal alumnus of the college and established an endowment fund for the Freeman Ranch to support agricultural development and student scholarships.
Rise to country stardom
During his college years, he joined a band called Stoney Ridge, which he later renamed the Ace in the Hole Band. They performed in various Texas venues while he continued to manage ranch work during the day. He struggled to find a major record label deal for several years, often turning to bar owner and former MCA executive Erv Woolsey for help. Woolsey eventually used his Nashville connections to help him secure a contract with MCA Records in 1981.
His debut single, Unwound, reached the top ten, which paved the way for his debut album, Strait Country. He became a pioneer of the neotraditional country style, which contrasted with the pop-heavy country sounds of that era. His success grew throughout the 1980s as he released multiple number one hits.
Records and recognition
Throughout his career, he accumulated a big discography, including 33 albums certified platinum or gold by the RIAA. He holds the record for the most number one songs by any artist across all genres, with 60 tracks reaching the top spot. His touring career was also historic, featuring a 360-degree stage design. In 2014, his final concert for The Cowboy Rides Away Tour at AT&T Stadium set an indoor concert record with over 104,793 attendees. He further broke records in 2024 with a big show at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, drawing over 110,905 people.
Over the years, he has received the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors. He was also elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame and named Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music.
Birthday and age
George Strait was born on May 18, 1952, which makes George 74 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. George shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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