
Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ MCA Nashville) - Fans of
George Strait have given seven million reasons why he is the undisputed King of Country Music. His compilation album 50 Number Ones has just been certified 7X platinum by the RIAA. Released in 2004, it trails only his 8x platinum 1995 multi-disc set, Strait Out of the Box.
In his 26-year career, Strait has sold over 65 million albums, which have produced an unprecedented 55 No 1 singles - more than any other artist in any format. He has earned numerous accolades, including 73 CMA nominations, 71 ACM nominations (his 18 wins is an all-time record), and armfuls of AMA and Billboard awards. Strait recently took home the CMA's Album of the Year award for It Just Comes Natural and earlier this year, he reached the genre's highest pinnacle when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
And just last week, Strait received word of two Grammy nominations, including Best Country Album for his 34th studio release, It Just Comes Natural, and Best Male Country Vocal Performance for "Give It Away," off that same album. "Give It Away" was also nominated for Best Country Song (awarded to the songwriters). With all of these career accomplishments and accolades, insiders are amazed that Strait has never taken home one of the recording industry's most prestigious awards - a Grammy.
"What an honor to be nominated for two Grammies," says Strait. "Thank you very much and I'm looking forward to the evening."
Strait's recently released 22 More Hits is the perfect companion piece to his multi-platinum 50 Number Ones. The disc contains 22 fan favorites and well known Strait hit singles that despite not quite reaching number one at country radio made a timeless impression on country music fans across the country.
Strait's highly-anticipated nationwide arena tour kicks-off January 10 in Austin, TX. Once again, the Texas Troubadour gives his fans all over the nation a chance to see firsthand why country music fans keep coming back for more.
2008 ARENA TOUR DATES TO DATE
Visit www.georgestrait.com for more information and updates as they become available.
10-Jan Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
11-Jan Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
12-Jan Little Rock, AR Alltel Arena
17-Jan Birmingham, AL BJCC
18-Jan Gwinnett, GA Gwinnett Arena
19-Jan Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum (Tampa Bay Arena)
24-Jan Jacksonville , FL Veterans Memorial
25-Jan Columbia, SC Colonial Center
26-Jan Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
31-Jan Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
1-Feb Fresno, CA Save Mart Center at Fresno State
2-Feb Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand, Garden Arena
15-Feb Charleston, WV Charleston Civic Center
16-Feb Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
28-Feb Richmond, VA Richmond Coliseum
29-Feb Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
1-Mar Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
6-Mar Albuquerque, NM University Arena (The Pit)
7-Mar Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena