George Strait Facts That Put The King’s Legacy Into Perspective
I have to admit, I was irritated by the Luke Bryan fans' reactions on social media over George Strait beating the country star out for ACM Entertainer of the Year. You see, there's a reason that the country icon's farewell tour sells out at every stop (reminder - you can still win a trip to see George Strait's Dallas concert!). I think it's important for people to get a little perspective before spouting off their ignorant opinions. So here is some factual perspective.
- 1
George Strait Had a String of 11 Consecutive #1 Hits
From April 1986 through July 1989, everything George Strait did turned to gold. During this time, all eleven of his singles released to country radio topped the Billboard charts.
Perspective: Kenny Chesney hasn't had more than 4 consecutive #1's. Luke Bryan? Two. Garth Brooks has had five straight chart-toppers, bringing the total consecutive #1 records for these three combined to...say it with me...eleven.
- 2
George's 'Pure Country' Has Sold More Than 6 Million Copies
The 'Pure Country' soundtrack has been George's most successful album of his legendary career (not including his box set, which sold over 8 million). The soundtrack for the movie which starred Strait has tallied more than six million in album sales to date.
Perspective: Luke Bryan's first 5 albums (including his compilation 'Spring Break...Here to Party') has had U.S. album sales total just over 5.7 million. Not too shabby, when you compare that total to anyone - except George.
- 3
Strait Has Had 9 Albums Reach #1 Since 2000
Since 'George Strait' (I think he was running out of original album titles) topped country album charts in September 2000, Mr. Strait has had nine #1 country albums.
Perspective: Mr. Strait has only released 9 studio albums since 2000. They've all gone #1. All of them.
- 4
King George Has 6 Entertainer of the Year Awards
If you think his 2014 ACM Entertainer of the Year Award was a fluke, he has five more "flukes" in his trophy room that also includes around 80 major awards, honors and acknowledgements from the ACM, CMA, ACA, Billboard, and - oh yeah - the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Perspective: The dominance George Strait has had over the past three decades goes above and beyond any level of success that any other country artist has ever attained. His record for the most #1 country singles in a career is not in jeopardy of being surpassed by any current artist. If it happens, it won't be for another 20 years.
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