The old “needs no introduction” trope comes to mind when thinking of George Strait, the consistently brilliant troubadour who has been comfortable at the top of country music’s heap for the better part of four decades. It certainly applies when thinking of how enthusiastically C&I readers have responded to Strait over time – he’s graced five covers since the magazine’s birth 30 years ago (when Pure Country was giving the singer a much-deserved Hollywood boost).
To further speak to his longevity, it’s been 10 years since Strait’s historic Cowboy Rides Away Tour had legions of fans crying into their beers. Thankfully, the end of touring didn’t mean the end, period. In the last decade, the Texas legend has expanded his recorded catalog, performed in-demand annual concerts at Wrangler NFR and in other arenas, and launched his Código 1530 premium Tequila brand. He’s welcomed a second grandchild to the family and stayed active in his outdoor pursuits including riding, roping, hunting,
