George Strait is a Skilled Team Roper and True Texas Cowboy

Few country stars inspire as much devotion as country music legend George Strait. At 70 years old, the King of Country has sold over 100 million records worldwide. But how did Strait go from being a small town Texas dreamer to one of the most legendary country superstars of all time? Well...with a lot of hard work and talent. Through it all, Strait has remained down to earth, still putting his family first and practicing the skills he grew up learning, such as team roping. 

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Here are 12 Strait facts you may not have known about the country music star. 

12. He's from small town Texas

Though he was born in Poteet, Texas George Strait grew up on a ranch in Pearsall, Texas, where he grew up learning the value of hard work.

11. ...and he still makes his home in the Lone Star State

It should come as no surprise that the man who's sang about Texas in classics such as "All My Ex's Live in Texas," "Amarillo By Morning" and "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" is still devoted to his beloved home state. He is known for being Texan through and through, preferring to live close to his family in South Texas instead of in Nashville among some of the other great country superstars. 

While accepting the honor of "2018 Texan of the Year," given to him by the Texas Legislative Conference, Strait reflected on what being Texan means to him.

"I'm so proud to have grown up in the great state of Texas and so proud to be here today to accept this unbelievable honor," he explained. "Texas is a big place filled with amazingly talented, smart people. How'd I end up here?"

10. He eloped with his high school sweetheart

Strait met Norma Voss in high school and it was love at first sight. The two married in Mexico on December 4, 1971. Over forty years later, the country singer and Norma are still going strong. He leads a quiet life with his wife in their San Antonio home located in the Dominion area. The casita is absolutely stunning, with the main house situated on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the Texas Hill Country.

9. He served in the U.S. Army

Shortly after he married Norma, Strait enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Hawaii as part of the 25th Infantry Division. Strait's time in the service helped further his music career. Although he had formed a garage band in high school, Strait's taste of country fame for the first time was with his U.S. Army-sponsored band, Rambling Country.

8. He has a degree in agriculture

There's a reason Strait is so convincing in those Tractor Supply Co. commercials. The King knows his stuff when it comes to ranch livin'.  In 1975, Strait enrolled at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) and earned a degree in agriculture.

7. His son is a songwriter

George Sr. isn't the only musically-inclined member of his family. His son George Jr., known as "Bubba," has co-written several songs with his famous dad, including "Arkansas Dave" and "Living for the Night."

6. His mother left when he was young

Strait's parents divorced when he was in the fourth grade. His mother Doris moved away with Strait's sister. George and his brother Johny Jr., also known as "Buddy," were raised by their father, a math teacher.

5. He holds the record for the largest indoor concert in North America

Even the Rolling Stones are no match for George Strait. At his 2014 concert in Arlington, Texas, Strait broke the Stones' record for the largest indoor concert when 104,793 fans crowded in the AT&T Stadium. Strait's innovative tours are just part of the reason his net worth is over $300 million.

4. He played his first shows in his college town bar

Strait cut his country music teeth in San Marcos, Texas at the Cheatham Street Warehouse. He found a flyer for a country band that needed a lead singer and a Texas star was born. Strait and his band gained a huge following throughout central Texas, playing regular slots at Cheatham Street and nearby Gruene Hall. Cheatham Street proprietor Kent Finlay even drove Strait to Nashville to record his first demos.

3. He's a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

George Strait doesn't just sing about being a cowboy, he lives the life. Strait, along with his son Bubba, is a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Strait and his brother Buddy started the George Strait Team Roping Classic competition.

"Team roping is my passion," Strait has said (quote via Team Roping Journal.) "It plays a huge role in my life. When I'm home, which is more and more these days, I try to rope every day and as long as I'm able. I'll always try to improve my roping, because you only get out of it what you put into it, and it's a constant effort to get better."

2. He's not a member of the Grand Ole Opry

Despite being the King of Country and a Grammy winner multiple times over, Strait is not a member of the Opry. Strait reportedly turned down an invitation to become a member of the historic organization. We're not sure why Strait hasn't joined, but we're guessing it's because the Opry requires a certain number of appearances per year and Nashville is a long way from Texas.

1. He holds the record for most CMA awards in country music history

By now, the fact that George Strait holds the record for the most number-one singles on the Billboard country charts is pretty common knowledge. But did you know that Strait has also racked up more Country Music Association awards than anyone in country music history? The King has 83 CMA nominations and 23 wins, including three wins for Entertainer of the Year.

This article was originally published in July of 2017. It was updated on Sept. 28, 2022. 

READ MORE: 12 Best George Strait Love Songs for a Wedding Reception or a Date Night