Tuesday, January 20, 2015

January 20, 2015--George Strait, Marina Del Rey

Artist:  George Strait
Song:  Marina Del Rey
Album:  Strait From The Heart



The one and ONLY George Strait.  The King of Country.  King George.  I'm sure I could keep on.  Typing that made me feel like the group of boys from the "Sandlot" trying to describe Babe Ruth.  But that's exactly what George Strait is.  He IS the Babe Ruth of country music. When I talk to someone who doesn't know George Strait I feel just like that group of boys who tried to describe the Great Bambino to their friend, Smalls.  Confused and appalled.



This is the man that brought country music back in the 80s and hasn't stopped.  I personally  hope that George will save country music in this decade of the 21st century like he saved it from pop-country back in the early 80s.  This man is Pure Country and I'm not just talking about the movie he starred in during the early 90s (which he OWNED, by the way).  

George Harvey Strait was born on May 18, 1952 (great birthday*) in the town of Poteet, Texas.  His father was a junior high teacher and he also managed the family farm, which has been in George's family for over 100 years.  I think it's safe to say that George was and is and will always be a traditional country man all the way to his deepest roots.  George's mother left him and his brother taking only their sister.  The boys were raised by their father.  George had always been drawn to music and attempted to form a rock band while still in high school.  He later made his way to country and started a group called Ace In The Hole while he was in college.



George dropped out of college and enlisted in the Army.  After being stationed in Hawaii, George began playing music for fellow troops with a group of his called Rambling Country.  Later George went solo.  He faced quite a bit of adversity whilst trying to make a name for himself in the country music scene.  Finally, in 1981, MCA Records signed George and he's been the biggest success in country music since!



I can't begin to name all of George's hits, but I can tell you some of my favorites.  "Carrying Your Love With Me" will always be a favorite, because it reminds me of my late Mema and Papa, along with "Check Yes or No", "Ocean Front Property", "Amarillo By Morning", "Write This Down", "Baby Blue", and so many more.

Mema and Papa, at my desk

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