LEGENDS OF THE LONGHORN
George Strait: The King Of Country Music
George Strait, the iconic Texas troubadour with an astounding 60 number-one hits, has rightfully earned the title of “King of Country Music.” With his captivating charm, powerful vocals, and rugged good looks, one early radio promoter famously remarked that Strait could make a “cowgirl’s jeans twitch from a hundred yards.” To this day, he remains the quintessential cowboy heartthrob.
Strait burst onto the country music scene in 1981 with his debut album, Strait Country. His career quickly skyrocketed, leading to five consecutive number one hits within just a couple of years.
Before being crowned, Strait paid homage to one of his biggest musical influences, Bob Wills. who famously was “Still the King”. First in 1982 and again in 1984, Strait played the Longhorn Ballroom, originally known as Bob Wills’ Ranch House.
During his initial performance at the Ballroom in 1982, Strait delivered a rendition of “Amarillo by Morning,” closely following the arrangement of the in-house band. His mesmerizing performance entranced the audience, and in 1983, Strait released his own version of the song, which became a massive hit, climbing to number one. He also covered Wills’ “Right or Wrong,” which similarly topped the charts.
Those who attended the early shows at the Longhorn Ballroom can claim to have witnessed the making of a King.