George Strait – Net Worth, Money and More
Net Worth: $300 million
Profession: Country Singer
Who is George Strait?
George Strait is an American country singer, actor and music producer. He is considered a living legend, an icon in the music world and has been titled the “King of Country” and “King George”. He is a prominent figure in the world of country music and has been credited for being one of the pioneering artists to bring country music back to its roots.
Early Life
George Harvey Strait, popularly known as George Harvey Strait, was born on May 18, 1952 in Atascosca County, south of San Antonio in Texas to John Byron Strait, Sr. – a high school mathematics teacher – and Doris Strait. His parents got divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his father, who owned a cattle ranch.
His interest in music began in school where he played for a rock and roll band and was influenced by country singers like Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and Hank Thompson. In 1971, he enlisted in the US Army and later performed with a U.S. Army-sponsored band, “Rambling Country”.
In 1975, he enrolled in Southwest Texas State University and soon became the lead vocalist of a band called “Ace In The Hole Band”. They managed to find a small following but could never achieve wide recognition.
Things took a fortuitous turn when George’s friend, an ex-employee of MCA Records, convinced the company to listen to George and his band play and this lead to a recording contract in 1981 for him
Career
In 1981, George released his first single “Unwound” which ended up on the Top 10 Country Songs chart that year. He then released his debut album Strait Country which is considered a traditionalist breakthrough breaking the trend of pop-influenced country prevalent at the time. The next year saw the release of Strait’s second album, the universally loved Strait From The Heart, listing several songs that are now considered the greatest country songs of all time. In 1987, Ocean Front Property became the first country album to ever debut at No. 1 on the charts by any artist.
The 90s marked a shift in Strait’s music from his trademark to trying out different styles. In 1992, Strait made his acting debut as the main character in the movie Pure Country, and released the film’s soundtrack which became his most successful studio album. He also was named the CMA’s Top Male Vocalist in 1997 and 1998. From 1997 to 2001, Strait pioneered the George Strait Country Music Festival, which included several renowned country artists such as Faith Hill and Tim McGraw and in 2009, the festival was voted the most important tour in the history of country music and the best selling country music tour of the 90s.
In 2001, George released his new album The Road Less Traveled, which received rave reviews.In April 2009, George Strait was honored by the Academy of Country Music with the Artist of the Decade Award. On September 26, 2012, Strait announced that he is retiring from touring, and that The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which will take place in 2014, will be his last.
Success and Money
In the United States alone, Strait has sold more than 70 million albums which include 13 multi-platinum, 33 platinum, and 38 gold albums. Pure County, the soundtrack for the movie he made his acting debut in, is his highest-selling album which sold 6 million copies. His highest certified album is Strait Out Of The Box, which sold 2 million copies but is certified 8× Platinum since it was a box set with four CDs. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Strait is the 12th best-selling album recording artist in the United States overall.
George Strait has made most of his money in the old fashioned way – touring. In 2005, George went on a tour and despite only 18 performances, ended up grossing over $15 million. He has made most of his earnings through 30-odd shows over a span of a number of months. Every concert that he performs makes him richer by a staggering figure of $ 1.5 million. More than thirty years of popular music ensures him millions in royalties every year.
Personal Life
When he was 19, Strait eloped with his high school sweetheart, Norma. They got married in Mexico on December 4, 1971, the very year he joined the Army. On October 6, 1972, the couple had their first child, Jenifer. In 1981, George’s and Norma’s welcomed their son, George Strait, Jr., known as “Bubba”, into the world.
Tragedy struck the family as their daughter Jenifer was killed in an automobile accident in San Marcos on June 25, 1986, at the age of 13. In her memory, the family set up the Jenifer Lynn Strait Foundation, which donates money to children’s charities in the San Antonio area.Strait’s song, “Baby Blue”, is rumoured to be dedicated to Jennifer. Bubba is pursuing a career as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association team roping competitor.
Property
Strait and his wife are the owners of two homes in Texas: one in Dominion County and a ranch outside Cotulla.
House in Dominion: Built in 1995, the house has 1 and a half stories, built on 12.2 Acres, with 4 bedrooms, 5 and 2 half bathrooms, 9 fireplaces, basketball court and a swimming pool. Worth : $3,000,000
The ranch, spread over more than 40-acres, in San Antonio, Texas.
George Strait was the proud owner of a Signet Red Corvette, which is now a part of the Bob McDorman collection. Price: above $100,000
Trivia
Has the most number one country hits of any recording artist ever. He has fifty number one hits, surpassing Conway Titty’s 49.
Was Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world
Is the recipient of a (USA) National Medal of Arts, 2003.
Was given the American Success Award by President George Bush.
