George Strait has been one of country music’s most consistent hit makers for decades, but he was just another young singer looking for a break on Sept. 4, 1981. That’s the day he released his debut album, Strait Country.
What Was George Strait’s First Single?
Unlike many of his contemporaries in country music, the Texas native was a real-life cowboy who had a working ranch before launching his career as a country singer. His debut single, “Unwound,” did well enough that MCA Records offered him the chance to record an entire album.
Why Doesn’t George Strait Do Interviews?
Strait had some unusual rules for an aspiring country star. He wanted his private life with his family to remain as private as possible, refusing to do the usual rounds of interviews and promo appearances to sell his work.
He also insisted on remaining on his ranch in Texas instead of moving to Nashville to be closer to the music business, and though those were potential strikes against him, that approach ended up working so well that Strait went on to score 60 No. 1 hits over the course of the next several decades, more than any other artist in country music history.
He realized early on the importance of touring, he recalls in Mark Bego’s biography George Strait: The Story of Country’s Living Legend.
“I mean, hearing your first record on the radio, when it was something that you had been trying to get to for so long, and then finally having it happen, it was wild,” Strait says.
“Here I was driving around the ranch there, and I’d hear it go up the chart, and I’m saying to myself, ‘What’s wrong with this picture? I’ve got a hit record. I need to go out on the road and go play some concerts.'”
What Was George Strait’s First No. 1 Hit?
Strait placed two more hits from Strait Country with “Down and Out” and “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home),” but he would not score his first No. 1 hit until he released “Fool Hearted Memory,” the lead single from his second album, Strait From the Heart, in 1982.
PICTURES: Look Inside George Strait’s Spectacular Mansion
George Strait has sold his one-of-a-kind mansion in Texas, and it was actually a real deal. The country legend asked $6.9 million for his 7,925-square-foot home that includes three bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half-baths on a hilltop in a very exclusive area of San Antonio. The final selling price was not disclosed.
The house sits on 12.2 acres and includes a gourmet kitchen, separate his and her bathrooms and closets and 14 hand-sculpted masonry fireplaces. The main house is wired for surround sound throughout, and it also features outdoor living spaces including a patio with built-in grill, sink, icemaker and refrigerator. There’s also an infinity pool/spa and a sports court, a workout room with a private bathroom and sauna, and a walk-in safe room.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
40 Photos of George Strait Young
George Strait is the undisputed King of Country. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has charted more than 60 No. 1 country songs and has more No. 1 hits than any other artist in a single genre.
Gallery Credit: Evan Paul
