George was born in the old hospital in Poteet Texas near Pleasanton. At the time his parents lived in a little yellow house on Goodwin near the corner of Bryant in Pleasanton proper. The nearest hospital was in Poteet so that's where George was born. George's father moved the family to Pearsall a few years later and took over the family's 2000-acre ranch outside Pearsall. As a young boy he went to school in Pearsall, and worked on his family's cattle ranch along side his big brother Buddy on the weekends. Buddy was two years older then George. George is a fourth generation Texas Rancher. He currently owns multiple properties in Texas, with his home ranch being in South Texas brush country.
His father, John Strait, taught junior high math during the week. His sons Buddy and George were among his students. On weekends, George and his older brother Buddy helped their father and their grandparents tend cattle on the family's 2000-acre ranch 40 miles southwest of Pearsall in Big Wells.
George's mother and father divorced when he was in fourth grade; he and Buddy stayed with their Dad. Their younger sister Pency went with her Mother. George's mother currently resides in a suburb outside Dallas.
Mr. Strait dedicated his life to raising his two spirited sons. It wasn't until both boys had left home to start families and lives of their own that John started going out and met Anna, someone to share his life with.
I have met the Straits several times, and it's obvious where the Strait boys got their sense of humor.
George's vital statistics and interests:
Naturally wavy chestnut brown hair, now graying at the temples, awesome eyes that are a great shade of piercing emerald green. Let me tell you they don't miss much.
His height -and I have stood toe to toe with him- is around 5 ft. 10 inches... in boots. And let me tell you, he is ten feet tall on that stage.
George is an excellent golfer, with a handicap in 2006 of 8.4. He is an avid fisherman and hunter; loves the outdoors, and excels as a team roper. He enjoys roping with his son Bubba, which is his passion when not on tour. He also travels with Norma to watch Bubba compete. Bubba is now on the pro-rodeo circuit after graduating from A&M.
George ranches, and enjoys riding out to check his cattle and horses. He has a foreman, and hands on his ranches, but you can find George working right along beside them. He enjoys raising and taking care of his quality quarter horses, which are another passion. Norma and George also have a boat that they enjoy when the weather is fair.
Mr. Strait carries himself with assurance and determination. It took stubbornness and perseverance to carve out the career he has enjoyed. That and the right kind of woman beside him. This is an intelligent witty man who knows who he is, and knows his capabilities.
George as Dusty in 1992's "Pure Country." These are a few of my favorite pictures from the movie. He's got that intense determined look on his face that I have seen so often throughout the years, and just look at those eyes.
I decided to add some more PC pictures here since it was this movie and the award winning album that gave a punch to George's career in 1992. For fans like me who had been around for years it was suddenly harder to get concert tickets, and when you got there the audience was full of people from 5 years of age to 80, and they were all having a great time, and loving George!
Things have never slowed down either, there are still country music lovers out there who see Dusty in PC and go to their first Strait concert, getting roped in by the Texas Troubadour.
Norma Strait; is the person who has been with him through it all, she is his anchor. George married Norma in 1971, a shy quiet girl he had grown up with in Pearsall whom he had known in high school. After George graduated they had their first date. After some time went by it hit George that he was "missing out on a good thing." He asked Norma out again, and soon they eloped to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to get married. They repeated their vows for their families in church back in the states a few weeks later on December 4th, 1971. At the time of this update, the Straits are looking forward to their 38th Wedding Anniversary. As one of George's love songs reveals..."They must be doing something right."
Following is a wav, part 1 and part 2, of young George laughing and talking about getting married twice to Norma - once when they eloped to Mexico, and again when they wed in Texas with parents and family present.
"I do."
"I do too."
Norma has been the strength behind the man, and was the motivation encouraging George to try music one more time when he was ready to give it up for a steady job in order to support his family by designing cattle pens in Uvalde Texas. She has said that after George gave his band notice he was moping around the house, and was not himself. She couldn't bare to see him that way and let him give up when he wanted a career in music so badly. She talked him into giving it one more year. Six months later George had signed with MCA Records-Nashville for a recording contract. Norma is the first person George's fans have to thank for his career, his music, and the many moments of pleasure he has given us in concert.
"We've learned to cope with the fact that the George Strait on stage is an image. And the one at home with my wife and Bubba is a family-loving man. You've got to keep the stage world and your real world separated or you're headed for trouble. In other words, you can't live out the songs you sing."
~ George Strait
Dallas Reunion Arena, New Year's Eve, 1993, what an awesome way to bring in the New Year, it was great. Norma walked on stage with two glasses of champagne at two minutes to midnight. And yes, she got several kisses before he let her walk off the stage. He looked back at her as she was leaving, then quickly caught her and planted another kiss on her. My friend and I got a big grin when he heard us giggling at him.
In 1981 with the support and help of his friend and long-time Manager Erv Woolsey, George received his chance with MCA Records-Nashville, and a few months later "Unwound" climbed up the charts to number six giving George a firm hold in Country Music that he has never lost. I remember I was washing my car in the driveway the first time I heard "Unwound." My boxer pups were playing around my feet, I leaned against the car and listened, and I was loving what I was hearing. That voice! - honest to God Country music! That was the start of my Strait fever, and that's my handle today.
At the time of this update, at 57 years of age George is celebrating his 28th Anniversary in the business, and his 57th No. 1 Record with "River of Love." He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on November 6th, 2006. The Academy of Country Music recognized George as the Artist of the Decade, the day after the 2009 ACM Awards by taping a two hour tribute from his peers, a TV special, to be aired on CBS on May 27th, 2009. George still has the same people working for him, the same Manager, the same band members, the same studio musicians, and his biggest fans have grown older right along with him. All of this shows you clearly what kind of man George Strait is.
The Straits stepping out in style on Derby Day.
George Strait Jr. (Bubba) was born on May 14th, 1981. The song "Love Without End" was written - and sung - with Bubba in mind.
1993, a year after his acting and singing debut on his Dad's movie "Pure Country" Bubba was on the road with his Dad.
Fifth generation Texas cowboy, and now a professional Team Roper on the Pro Rodeo circuit, Bubba Strait graduated with an Agricultural degree from Texas A&M University.
Attending Award Shows with his parents, and roping at the George Strait Team Roping Classic. Bubba has alot of his Dad's mannerisms.
Daughter Jenifer was the first child born to the Straits while George was stationed in Hawaii in 1972.
Jenifer died in an auto accident in 1986 at age 13. Please see her page for more information.
Education: After a stint in the Army in Hawaii George graduated from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, with a degree in agricultural education.
Influences: Country Music: Merle Haggard, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Hank Williams, George Jones, and Conway Twitty. George also admired Frank Sinatra as a singer. His duet of "Fly Me To The Moon" with Mr. Sinatra can be found on George's Record Setting Box Set.
Former jobs: Foreman, managed a cattle ranch in Martindale Texas from sunrise to sunset, played south Texas honky-tonks at night. Was working with cattle in a pasture the first time he heard "Unwound" being played on the radio in his Chevy pick-up.
Backup band: The great Ace in the Hole Band, formed in 1975, one of the best Western Swing Bands there is. (See my Page for The Ace In The Hole Band - the link is on my Main Page in the index file.)
Hobbies: Team-roping (though Roping is more of a daily life style for him rather than a hobby), George is a card-carrying member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, hunting elk, fishing for that record setting big-mouth bass, deep sea fishing on his 'Good Ship Strait,' downhill skiing, and golf, to name a few. He goes to NBA games to see his favorite team the San Antonio Spurs, and he enjoys football, with his favorite team being the Dallas Cowboys.
Annual event: The George Strait Team Roping Classic had been held in Kingsville, Texas annually since 1983. George, Bubba, and George's Brother Buddy and his sons Walker and Trey competed each year at the event. It is a family affair, a gathering of friends, Rodeo Champions - the best ropers in the world - and of hardcore George Strait Fans who are a special breed.
In July 2000 the Roping was moved to The San Antonio Rose Palace and the concert was dropped in favor of concentrating on what has become one of the best Team Roping competitions there is. By dropping the concert it has allowed George to concentrate on his roping, and as a fan I have to say that I like it better this way because it allows me to concentrate on the roping, enjoy George's efforts, and not be concerned about the concert. I love watching George and Bubba rope.
I attended the 25th Anniversary George Strait Team Roping Classic at the San Antonio Rose Palace and I can tell you it was a wonderful experience. The Team Ropers love the new site and George and family have done themselves proud. It's been improving every year, and I look forward the entire year to the annual event at the San Antonio Rose Palace. In March 2009 they celebrated the 27th Anniversary of the George Strait Team Roping Classic.
The Strait Brothers, Buddy and George
Sadly, on April 10th, 2009 Buddy Strait passed on. His funeral and burial were private. The family asked for and received respect and privacy.
John Byron Strait Jr. "Buddy," was a good man, and will be deeply missed. Buddy was two years older then George, and was his only brother.
I always looked forward to seeing Buddy at the roping, watching him with his family and his brother George. I had the opportunity a few times to tease him, and his response was that big smile and laugh. I will always remember Buddy with that smile. It was always wonderful at the end of the roping when he would turn and wave good-bye to us with that big smile on his face.
My personal condolences to Buddy's children, to Mr John Strait, to George, & the entire Strait family.
Movies:
George and the Ace In The Hole Band had twenty seconds exposure on 1982's "The Soldier."
in 1992's "Pure Country" which was specifically written for George he starred as Dusty Chandler, a Country Music Super Star who after confronting an overbearing female manager walks out on the bright lights, smoke, and fame to go back to his roots where he finds himself and regains his values. If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend it. George did a great job in the role and it is pure joy to watch him in this movie.
I was at the final filming at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and it was a wonderful experience having George just a few feet away for so long as they filmed him singing 'I Cross My Heart." George is just as you see him, he is the real deal.
"Pure Country" not only has a wonderful soundtrack but it was a special gift for George's fans to be able to watch George on the big silver screen doing what he does exceedingly well.
Personality: He is a private man, a man of few words unless you get him talking about Africa or one of his favorite subjects. He is a cowboy at heart with a captivating smile and charm; known for quality over quantity, and down-to-earth values. He is a man of constants -- he's worked with the same people, and had the same friends for many, many years.
For these same reasons and because of his wonderful voice and talent George has continued to have the love and support of his special fans for over twenty eight years.
Personally I have found him to be a kind, caring, and gentle soul, with a good memory, and a great sense of humor. He is who he is, does not try to be something he is not, and is comfortable being himself. He has a quick witty mind, and that wonderful sense of humor - and can be a huge tease. His talent is natural but he has worked hard for what he has, he is a competitor, and has been careful with his career. This is an entertainer with natural charisma that reaches out far beyond those stage lights. He touches people, they feel drawn to him, and close to him, because he is one of them.
Along with his phenomenal success in life George has had his tragedies, hard times, and sad times like the rest of us. Faith, and the love and support of Norma, Bubba, and long time friends have helped him persevere.
You might hear women talking about George, women of all ages, fantasizing and daydreaming about Mr. Strait. There is no denying his handsome sensual manliness along with his boyish good looks, and gentle ways. These qualities along with his steadfast loyalty to his family make the Man. There also is the fact that he is a genuine Rancher with Texas history and tradition in his upbringing; he is "the real deal," a Cowboy. That entire Strait package is appealing to women of all ages.
The Strait reality here is that there is only one woman in George Strait's life - Norma. Norma has handled George's success very well, and has been his constant motivator and supporter. She has been there beside him through the good times, and the bad. I have alot of respect and admiration for the way she has handled both George's success and the constant desire from his fans for more of him. She (in George's words) "takes good care of him, and he is spoiled." He deserves it, he has worked hard, lost and given up much in his lifetime. What counts is what he has done with his life, and how he has affected others.
This fan in particular appreciates and respects the Straits, and their private family life, and wishes them continued happiness,good health, and love in the years to come.
In regards to his career George has said that "he's not done until we say he's done" I expect George has quite a while before his fans will allow him to retire on that south Texas ranch.
For more information on George, his Fan Club and Strait Talk Newsletter; for current news & concert tour information:
1979, at 27, Graduating from Southwest Texas State with a degree in Agricultural Education. He was playing clubs at night with the Ace in the Hole Band, working full time as a ranch foreman in Martindale Texas, and finishing school
George Strait, at 30, 1982, "The Fireman" was just beginning to create and fan the heartfires in female fans.
His friend Erv Woolsey helped get him a contract with MCA Records in 1981 - where he is still under contract. Life changed forever for George, and his family.
George at 19 in 1971 during his three year stint in the Army
Mr Strait is "a man's man," respected for his talent, business savvy, and the way he has managed to live a somewhat normal life while steering and enjoying a phenomenal success - doing it his way. He never did take off the hat as Nashville producers requested. He is himself, in all ways.
George and his family live in South Texas not far from his birthplace, and own a big piece of South Texas brush country acreage where he has his main ranch breeding and raising Quarter Horses. They also have several other homes in chosen places, including one just north of San Antonio.
Some of my favorite pictures of Norma and George
At the Pure Country Premiere in Nashville, Oct. 1992
That's Bubba peeking over his Dad's shoulder.
A Quarter Horse given to George by MCA
A sense of humor -- you bet! Many thanks to Rick Henson for this picture, it's priceless.
Enjoying the San Antonio Spurs, and yes, Norma was at his side.
George teasing his fans with a bare foot while showing the premiere of his music video for "Seashores of Old Mexico at his George Strait Team Roping in March of 2006. I about fell down laughing at him.
George in NYC for the 2005 CMAs.
George has said that he rarely picks up a guitar at home, except for ads like this one. Bubba has somewhat changed that recently by becoming interested in playing guitar himself.
George on Chorizo, another one of his favorite horses, and one of my favorites too.
Thank you for visiting my website for George Strait. I hope you enjoyed the experience as much I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Nov. 4th, 2006 Update,
added Guestbook.
Bubba has developed his own "following" so I added a webpage for him.
I've added some candid shots here, collected thru the years, so you can see more of "The Man."
This page is being updated/edited and was last updated: October 15, 2009
What is it about George Strait anyway? What keeps his fans screaming for more, and how does he continue to outdo himself? Along with his awesome voice and style we know his handsome cowboy looks and that wonderful smile have a lot to do with us wanting more Strait. He is the real deal, his voice is reassuring and warming. He has superlative stage presence, and a great ability to connect with his fans. Simply put it's not a simple thing, because it's the entire package. These are my words; my expression as best I can of my thoughts and feelings regarding a huge talent, and a kind human being, Mr. George Strait.
His Fans love his rich buttery baritone, that handsome face, the piercing green of his eyes, and the witty mind behind them. That heart fluttering palpitating "warm you to the toes" smile is an image that remains with you for years. Within his hint of a strut walk there saunters the Wranglered fineness of a genuine cowboy living his life his way, in the deep tradition of a fourth generation Texan. Men and women alike respect and love the Man for who he is -- the real deal, a genuine cowboy, an excellent rider and roper, a Texas rancher, dedicated proud father, loyal husband and steadfast friend with an easy smile and contagious laugh.
He's done it his way and walks the talk. George Strait knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin. He has nothing to prove. What ego he has filters down to his slim hips from where it quietly resides in his witty subtle mind. When this man saunters on stage he owns it. A superb entertainer and a master vocalist George's warm baritone and relaxed phrasing so pleasing to the ear and reassuring to hear on radio continue to keep him at the top of the industry charts, and more importantly, deeply imbedded within his fan's hearts -- who sigh and clamor for more Strait anything.
George continues to amaze me, and I expect that he always will. He made me extremely happy when on August 8, 2008 he released a music video for the title cut of his current album "Troubadour." The video was made in the hill country north of San Antonio, directed by the same director who did my other favorite video "Seashores of Old Mexico." I have to say that this song and the video for "Troubadour" are my #1 favorites out of everything he has recorded, until his next album at least. He has recorded a new album titled "Twang," was released August 11, 2009. He has completed a summer tour, which included four Texas dates, and has been receiving wonderful reviews. The Man is amazing, and is leaving a wonderful legacy.
Mr. Strait is competing only against himself. He is beyond the usual awards, and has nothing to prove. He has only to do what he has been doing his entire career - be himself.
This page is dedicated to the Man residing within the Country Music Legend, King George Strait.
My view of George during the final filming of Pure Country at the Mirage in Las Vegas. This was when he would lean close to the camera and sing "I Cross My Heart" to Harley. They were filming her crying scene for the end of the movie. I can't help but think of the experience I had there, having George in front of me for so long, every time I hear that song. I won't go into what I went through in order to go to this filming. Suffice it to say that it was worth everything I did without.
Enjoying the ACM "Artist of the Decade" award show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, April, 2009
George heading, and Bret Beech heeling.
I'm in the crowd in back behind the HEB sign.
Champion Roper and good friend of George's -Roy Cooper and George. With the temptation of a racetrack in front of them they couldn't resist. They broke into a race during an opening parade at Ruidoso Downs Race Track in New Mexico. George won by a nose, Roy was laughing too hard to win.
Please feel free to sign my Guest Book, and leave your messages.
Thank you so much for the kind comments, I really appreciate it. If you have ideas or suggestions please let me know.
Sentiments regarding the loss of Buddy Strait are welcome.
In his Nashville office, working hard.
Talking with a buddy at the team roping.
At the Dallas concert with Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, 2004, George was real proud of his shirt.
Even fishing with a friend, somebody wants a picture.
One of my favorite pictures of George, from the Troubadour Video photo session.
Little George, what a babydoll
I finally remembered to add his baby picture, 'You musta been a beautiful baby, 'cause baby look at you now...'
