George Strait Biography

George Strait is a country music artist. He was born in Poteet, Texas and grew up in Pearsall, Texas. He began playing with a rock band in high school, but his taste in music turned to country. After high school he enrolled in college, but dropped out and eloped to Mexico with his high school sweetheart, Norma. A few weeks after the elopement they renewed their vows in a Texas church. In 1971, Strait enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his service years he played in an Army sponsored band, Rambling Country, when he was stationed in Hawaii. In 1972, while in Hawaii Norma and George had their first child Jenifer. Strait left the Army in 1975 and went back to school and ended up graduating with a degree in Agriculture in 1979. While attending the university he joined Ace in the Hole Band and played in honky tonk bars around south and central Texas. The band gained a following and opened for national acts. In the late 1970's the band recorded several singles with Dallas, Texas based "D" record label, but the band ultimately failed (although the band does still play as George Strait's touring band under the same name).






An operator of one of the bars that the band played had connections at MCA Records. In 1981, Strait went to Nashville to team up with MCA and try a solo act. Strait has stayed with MCA throughout his career. Also, in 1981 Norma and George had their second child, George Jr. "Unwound" was his first single and his first Top 10 hit. This single was followed by "Down and Out" and then a series of number one hits like "Fool Hearted Memory" in 1982. Strait was one of the best selling country artists of the 1980's. As of April 2006 Strait has had 40 number one country singles on the Billboard chart. If you include Radio and Records chart he has had a total of 52 number one songs. He also has a record for the most Country Music Association nominations with 73. Strait is one of the most played country artists on radio.

Not only is George Strait a talented country singer, but actor as well. He had a bit part in The Soldier in 1982 and starred in Pure Country in 1992. He has also appeared in The Horse Whisperer and Grand Champion. Since 1983, Strait has appeared at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He recorded his album "For the Last Time: Live From the Astrodome" the last time the rodeo was staged at the Astrodome in 2002. Strait enjoys fishing, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He and George Jr. are avid team ropers with Strait hosting the annual George Strait Team Roping Classic. George and Norma live in San Antonio as well as on a ranch near Cotulla, Texas. Strait's daughter, Jenifer, was killed in a car accident in 1986 at the age of 13.