George Strait's 2008 CD, Troubadour, photo courtesy of MCA Nashville.

April 1, 2008 — With more than 25 years of hits behind him, George Strait has established one of the most unique careers in any genre of music. He’s amassed more than 50 No. 1 hits, more than 30 platinum albums and more nominations in the Country Music Association awards than any other performer.

Even more impressive, George landed a home in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first artist inducted while he was still making Top 10 hits. And he keeps on making them. His latest single, "I Saw God Today," debuted at No. 19 on the national charts, the best first-week number he’s ever attained. Count on George to launch at least two or three more hits off his new album, Troubadour.

In recognition of all he’s accomplished, George is GAC’s Artist of the Month for April. Here’s a summation of what’s become the Strait Life:

1950s
• May 1952
George is born in Poteet, Texas, the son of a junior-high math teacher and a rancher. He learns to play trumpet and forms a garage band in high school, but doesn’t seriously consider music as a potential career until age 21.

1970s
• Dec. 1971
Having already tied the knot in Mexico seven months prior, George and his high-school sweetheart, Norma Voss, remarry in Texas.
• 1972
He joins the Army, where he becomes part of a military band while stationed in Hawaii.
• Oct. 1975
George makes his first appearance with the Ace In The Hole Band in San Marcos.
• 1976
He makes his first recordings, for D Records in Houston.
• 1979
George graduates from college with an agricultural degree.