It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Landmark. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2009.

A designated landmark is an officially recognized historic building or structure. For historic landmarks or places in the United States, the terms "designated" and "designation" have official meanings,^[1][2] as determined by U.S. government agencies or a local Landmarks Preservation Commission or similar agency. The procedures for approving a designated landmark involve specific activities in each case.

Within the U.S., National Historic Landmarks are officially designated^[1][2][3] by the Secretary of the Interior after a lengthy nomination and selection process to determine eligibility. The properties are chosen due to their broad historic value from a nationwide perspective across the entire United States.^[1][2][3] By 1999, almost 2,300 properties had been designated as U.S. National Historic Landmarks.^[3]

Local properties, with only limited historic impact, can be listed instead on the National Register of Historic Places.^[1][2] Owners of a property can refuse a nomination and prevent that property from being designated.^[1] Once designated, a property retains its original ownership, and the owner can make any changes without restriction. However, if a property is heavily modified, to lose its historic value, then the designation can be removed.^[1] There are U.S. federal funds available to help maintain designated properties, or help to guide privately funded changes, so as to not ruin the historic value of a designated landmark.^[1][2]

Types of National Historic Landmarks[link]

U.S. National Historic Landmarks are buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that have been determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be nationally significant in American history and culture.^[1][2][3] Many of the most renowned historic properties in the U.S. are Landmarks. Examples: Mount Vernon, Pearl Harbor, the Apollo Mission Control Center, Alcatraz, the Martin Luther King Birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia, Fair Lane,^[2] and Mackinac Island (the site of Fort Mackinac and the northern headquarters of Astor's American Fur Company until 1840)^[2] are U.S. landmarks that illustrate important contributions to U.S. historical development.

NHL selection process for designation[link]

Potential Landmarks are identified primarily through theme studies^[1][2] undertaken by the National Park Service; these studies provide a comparative analysis of properties associated with a specific area of American history, such as Labor or Women's History. The historic importance of these potential Landmarks is evaluated by the National Park Service and the National Park System Advisory Board,^[1][2] twice yearly at meetings that are open to the public. The Advisory Board includes citizens who are national and community leaders in the conservation of natural, historic, and cultural areas. Recommendations by the Advisory Board are made to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on potential National Historic Landmarks. Final decisions regarding National Historic Landmark designation are made by the Secretary of the Interior.^[1][2] In most cases, designation by the Secretary occurs six to eight weeks following the Advisory Board's recommendation. Designation may be delayed if questions regarding the significance, physical condition, or boundaries of a potential Landmark are raised by the Advisory Board or the Secretary of the Interior. Nominations prepared by other Federal agencies, State Historic Preservation Officers, and individuals are accepted for review and represent an increasing number of nominations reviewed each year.^[1]

NHL criteria in designation[link]

The quality of national significance is ascribed to districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects^[1][3] that possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States in history, architecture, archeology, technology, and culture;^[1][3] and that possess a high degree of integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and meet any of the following criteria:

1. Are associated with events that made a significant contribution to, and are identified with, or that outstandingly represents, the broad national patterns of United States history, and from which an understanding and appreciation of those patterns may be gained
2. Are associated importantly with the lives of persons nationally significant in the history of the United States
3. Represent some great idea or ideal of the American people
4. Embody the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type specimen exceptionally valuable for the study of a period, style or method of construction, or that represent a significant, distinctive and exceptional entity whose components may lack individual distinction
5. Are composed of integral parts of the environment not sufficiently significant by reason of historical association or artistic merit to warrant individual recognition but collectively compose an entity of exceptional historical or artistic significance, or outstandingly commemorate or illustrate a way of life or culture
6. Have yielded or may be likely to yield information of major scientific importance by revealing new cultures, or by shedding light upon periods of occupation over large areas of the United States. Such sites are those that have yielded, or which may reasonably be expected to yield, data affecting theories, concepts and ideas to a major degree.^[1]

Ordinarily, properties not eligible for designation include: ^[1] cemeteries, birthplaces, graves of historical figures, properties owned by religious institutions or used for religious purposes, structures that have been moved from their original locations (see exceptions below), reconstructed historic buildings and properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years. Such properties, however, qualify if they fall within the any of the following eight categories.

1. Religious property that derives its primary national significance from architectural or artistic distinction, or historical importance
2. Buildings or structures moved from its original location but that is nationally significant primarily for its architectural merit, or for association with persons or events of transcendent importance in the Nation's history and the consequential association
3. Sites of buildings or structures that no longer stand, but the person or event associated with it is of transcendent importance in U.S. history and the consequential association
4. Birthplaces, graves, or burials, if of a historical figure of transcendent national significance and no other appropriate site, building, or structure directly associated with the productive life of that person exists
5. Cemeteries that derive primary national significance from graves of persons of transcendent importance, or from an exceptionally distinctive design, or from an exceptionally significant event
6. Reconstructed buildings or ensembles of buildings of extraordinary national significance, when accurately executed in a suitable environment and presented in a dignified manner as part of a restoration master plan, and when no other buildings or structures with the same association have survived
7. Property primarily commemorative in intent, if design, age, tradition, or symbolic value has invested it with its own national historical significance
8. Properties that have achieving national significance within the past 50 years if of extraordinary national importance^[1]

National Landmarks versus other Historic Places[link]

Landmarks have been recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as possessing national significance.^[1][2] Nationally significant properties help citizens understand the history of the U.S. and illustrate the nationwide impact of events or persons associated with the property, its architectural type or style, or information potential. A nationally significant property is of exceptional value in representing or illustrating an important theme in the history of the U.S. properties listed on the National Register are primarily of State and local significance.^[1][2] With a State or locally significant property, its impact is restricted to a smaller geographic area. For example, many historic schools are listed on the National Register because of the historically important role they played in educating individuals in the community or State where they are located. Central High School, in Little Rock, Arkansas, is nationally significant because it was the site of the first major confrontation over implementation of the Supreme Court's 1954 decision outlawing racial segregation in public schools. The city's resistance led to President Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision to send Federal troops to enforce desegregation at this school in 1957.^[1]

All National Historic Landmarks are included in the U.S. National Register,^[1][2] which is the official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Landmarks constitute more than 2300^[1][3] of almost 76,000 entries in the National Register; the others are of State and local significance. The process for listing a property in the National Register is different from that for Landmark designation, with different criteria and procedures used. Some properties are recommended as nationally significant when they are nominated to the National Register, but before they can be designated as National Historic Landmarks, they must be evaluated by the National Park Service's National Historic Landmark Survey, reviewed by the National Park System Advisory Board,^[1][2] and recommended to the Secretary of the Interior. Some properties listed in the National Register are subsequently identified by the Survey as nationally significant; others are identified for the first time during Landmark theme studies or other special studies. Both the National Historic Landmarks and the National Register programs are administered by the National Park Service under the Secretary of the Interior.

NHL review period for designation[link]

The owners, highest local elected officials, State Historic Preservation Officers, and members of Congress representing the area where the potential Landmark is located are notified by the National Park Service of the opportunity to comment in writing to the National Park Service on the potential designation. These parties are provided 60 days to comment before the meeting of the Advisory Board's National Landmarks Committee. This Committee meets prior to the Advisory Board meeting to review the nominations in detail and provide a report to the Advisory Board on those properties that meet the criteria. Written comments are included in the documentation available to the Committee and the Advisory Board. Interested parties may also attend the National Landmarks Committee and Advisory Board meetings, and upon request may be given an opportunity to address the Committee and Board concerning a property's significance, integrity, and proposed boundaries. The regulations outline this aspect of the procedure in more detail; for more information refer to 36 CFR 65.5 'Designation of National Historic Landmarks"(c)(1)(h)(6).

Making changes to designated properties[link]

Listing of private property as a National Historic Landmark or on the National Register does not prohibit, under U.S. Federal law or regulations, any actions that may otherwise be taken by the property owner with respect to the property. The National Park Service may recommend to owners various preservation actions, but owners are not obligated to carry out these recommendations. They are free to make whatever changes they wish if Federal funding, licensing or permits are not involved. (Questions regarding Federal involvement are answered in the next section.) Federal laws that involve National Historic Landmarks are listed in the Federal regulations governing this program, specifically in 36 CFR 65.2 "Effects of Designation" (c)(1-7).

Owners should keep in mind that State laws or local ordinances may affect National Historic Landmarks if these legal mechanisms recognize and protect Landmarks, independent of Federal law.

Refusing to allow designation[link]

If a private owner, or the majority of private owners of a potential Landmark with multiple owners, object to Landmark designation, then the Secretary of the Interior cannot designate the property.

Retaining private access to designated properties[link]

There is no requirement to grant public access, as a result of National Historic Landmark designation. The overwhelming majority of Landmarks are privately-owned properties. Some grant sources, however, may require that recipients of funding make their property available to the public under very restricted circumstances.

Maintaining properties for historic value[link]

The National Park Service monitors the status of Landmarks, and often contacts owners to discuss preservation needs. But while the NPS encourages owners to use the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation Projects, owners are under no requirement to follow that guidance.

Federal, State, and local government-owned properties as well as private schools, institutions, and non-profit organizations are often recipients of Federal funding, and, therefore, would be affected by Federal laws. Surface mining, especially surface coal mining, is subject to Federal laws. There is also Federal legislation that affords some degree of protection to archeological sites and the artifacts contained in them. Private property owners of commercial or residential buildings are less likely to be directly affected. However, federally funded construction of highways, utility lines, or buildings may affect adjacent, privately-owned historic properties.

Federal funding for designated properties[link]

Federal funding or licensing of activities that affect historic properties are regulated principally by Sections 106 and 110(f) of the U.S. National Historic Preservation Act. Other Federal effects are listed in 36 CFR 65.2. Under Sections 106 and 110(f) of the Act, Federal agencies must "take into account" the effects of their undertakings on historic properties, and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on the undertaking and its effects. Implementing regulations of the Council may be found in 36 CFR Part 800, "Protection of Historic Properties," which establish a process of consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Council leading, in most instances, to agreement on how the undertaking proceeds. Steps in the process include identification and evaluation of historic properties that may be affected, assessment of the effects of the Federal action, and resolution of any adverse effects that would occur. If a Federal activity "directly and adversely affects" a Landmark, Section 110(f) of the Act also calls for Federal agencies to undertake 'such planning and actions as may be necessary to minimize harm to such Landmark.' As with Section 106, the agency must provide the Council with a reasonable opportunity to comment in accordance with 36 CFR Part 800. These regulations are available at no cost from the Council; see the reading list at the end of this leaflet for ordering information.

Section 106 Process for designated properties[link]

Many property owners of Landmarks and National Register properties have found the Section 106 process useful in ensuring that incompatible development projects or other actions funded, licensed, or initiated by Federal agencies are reviewed and modifications made when possible to avoid, minimize, or mitigate possible harm to historic properties. Examples of undertakings that would receive Section 106 review might include levee construction and other flood control measures that could destroy archeological sites; construction of a new four-lane, limited-access road through a rural historic district; and demolition, alteration, repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated homes in a historic neighborhood funded by Community Development Block Grant monies to local governments.

The Advisory Council has no veto authority over Federal agencies. It is important to keep in mind that the law does not forbid specific actions, even those damaging to historic properties. The purpose of the law is to require Federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on the nation's historic properties. Once this has been accomplished, Federal agencies may choose to proceed with the undertaken as originally planned, modify it to mitigate damage to the property, or not undertake the project.

Section 106 duration[link]

The time varies depending on the historic property, the anticipated effect, the proposed undertaking, the complexity of consultation and negotiation, and the extent of public interest or controversy. The regulations do, however, provide specific time limits for both State Historic Preservation Officer and Council action in response to agency requests for comment.

Section 106 use without designations[link]

The law was specifically designed to extend Section 106 protection to historic properties not designated as National Historic Landmarks or listed on the National Register. Section 106 requires the implementation of Advisory Council review for properties listed on or determined eligible for listing in the National Register. Evaluations of historic significance are made for all properties potentially affected by Federal undertakings in the Section 106 process. If the property meets National Register criteria for listing, a determination of eligibility is made and the property becomes subject to the Section 106 process.

A determination of eligibility for National Historic Landmark status may also be made by the Secretary of the Interior when an owner objects to Landmark designation. This action is equivalent to a determination of eligibility for listing in the National Register. In other words, Federal undertakings are still reviewed.

Some potential Landmarks are already listed on the National Register, and thus an owner's objection to Landmark status does not halt implementation of Section 106. Section 110(f) of the law requires a higher level of attention for Landmarks adversely affected by Federal undertakings; this Section, however, does not apply unless the property is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Federal funds for preserving designated properties[link]

Limited U.S. Federal grants through the Historic Preservation Fund are available;^[1][2] Landmark owners should check with their State Historic Preservation Officer to find out about the availability of Federal and State funds. Often State and local governments have grant and loan programs available for historic preservation; these funds tend to be for small amounts. National Register listing is a condition for receiving grants and loans from many State and local governments, as well as private sources. Some funding sources give National Historic Landmarks higher priority for funding than other National Register properties. There are also Federal income tax incentives available^[1][2] for donating easements and for rehabilitating income-generating historic buildings.

Other benefits for designated properties[link]

If they wish, Landmark owners are provided with a bronze plaque^[1][2] to display at the Landmark. Plaques identify the name and Landmark status of the property and the date of designation. These are available at no cost to the owner.^[1][2]

The National Park Service provides technical preservation advice to owners of National Historic Landmarks. Questions regarding preservation issues are routinely answered by phone or letters, or during on-site visits by NPS staff. The following are other forms of assistance the NPS provides to owners:

• The National Park Service publishes and distributes information available to Landmark owners and administrators on a variety of preservation subjects.^[1][2] The NPS publications catalog is listed in the reading list and is available online at www.cr.nps.gov.

• From time to time, the National Park Service contacts Landmark owners about the condition of their properties and may ask for permission to visit. The NPs is responsible by law for monitoring the condition of National Historic Landmarks. Information on the condition of landmarks and potential threats to them is aggregated in an update published online at www.cr.nps.gov/nhl. This update and individual downloadable information sheets on each NHL are valuable tools for stewards to use in fundraising and influencing policy affecting their landmarks. The information is also used by the National Park Service to plan its assistance programs, and helps in grant-making decisions.

• Each year, as funding permits, a limited number of Landmark buildings may be selected to receive in-depth site inspections funded and coordinated by the National Park Service regional offices. The purpose of these inspections is to analyze the specific condition of the Landmark, identify and prioritize recommended work treatments, and estimate the costs for carrying out this work. If funding permits, information derived from the in-depth inspection may be compiled in a building condition assessment report available to owners, preservation organizations, and interested public and private groups.

See also[link]

• National Historic Landmarks Program
• List of United States submarines designated as memorials
• Bayer designation, the brightest star in many constellations is designated as Alpha (α).
• United States Department of Defense aerospace vehicle designation
• List of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks
• List of Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks

Notes[link]

References[link]

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Park Service.

• "National Historic Landmarks, Questions & Answers", U.S. National Park Service, June 2009, webpage: NPS-gov-NHL-QA:
• "Introduction to Michigan's National Historic Landmark Program", Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries, October 2002, webpage: Mich-gov-HAL-124.

Alan Jackson
Jackson in April 2010
Background information
Birth name	Alan Eugene Jackson
Born	(1958-10-17) October 17, 1958 (age 53)
Origin	Newnan, Georgia USA
Genres	Country, Neotraditional country
Occupations	Singer-songwriter
Years active	1989–present
Labels	Arista Nashville EMI Nashville/Alan's Country Records
Associated acts	Keith Stegall, George Strait, The Wrights, Zac Brown Band, Jeff Foxworthy, The Bellamy Brothers, George Jones
Website	www.alanjackson.com

Alan Eugene Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American country music singer, known for blending traditional honky tonk and mainstream country sounds and penning many of his own hits. He has recorded 13 studio albums, 3 Greatest Hits albums, 2 Holiday albums, 1 Gospel album and several compilations, all on the Arista Nashville label. More than 50 of his singles have appeared on Billboard's list of the "Top 30 Country Songs". Of Jackson's entries, 35 were number-one hits, with 50 in the Top 10. He is the recipient of 2 Grammys, 16 CMA Awards, 17 ACM Awards and nominee of multiple other awards. Jackson is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

Early life[link]

Jackson was born to Joseph Eugene Jackson and Ruth Musick in Newnan, Georgia, and has four older siblings. Jackson is of English descent.^[1][2] As a youth, Jackson listened primarily to gospel music. Otherwise he was not a major music fan. However, a friend of his introduced him to the music of Gene Watson, John Anderson and Hank Williams Jr. Jackson attended the local Elm Street Elementary and Newnan High School, starting a band after high school. After a time, he and his wife of six years, Denise Jackson, moved from Newnan to Nashville where Jackson hoped to pursue music full-time.^[3]

Jackson sang in church as a child. He, his father, mother, and four sisters lived in a small home. At one point, his bed was in the hallway for lack of room. His mother lives in the home to this day. His first job, at 12, was in a shoe store. He wrote his first song in 1983. He worked as a car salesman in his 20s.

Career[link]

This section requires expansion with: More info on each individual album, critical reception, etc. etc..

In Tennessee, Jackson got a job in The Nashville Network's mailroom.^[3] Denise connected him with Glen Campbell, who helped jumpstart his career.^[4] Jackson eventually signed with Arista.^[3] By 1989, he became the first signee to the newly-formed Arista Nashville branch of Arista Records.^[5]

Arista released Jackson's debut single, "Blue Blooded Woman", in late 1989. Although the song failed to reach top 40 on Hot Country Songs, he reached number three by early 1990 with "Here in the Real World".^[6] This song served as the title track to his debut album, Here in the Real World, which also included two more top five hits ("Wanted" and "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow") and his first number one, "I'd Love You All Over Again".^[6]

Don't Rock the Jukebox was the title of Jackson's second album. Released in 1991, it included four number-one singles: the title track, "Someday", "Dallas" and "Love's Got a Hold on You", and the number three "Midnight in Montgomery".^[6] Jackson also co-wrote several songs on Randy Travis' 1992 album High Lonesome.^[5]

A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'bout Love), his third album, accounted for the number one hits "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)" (which Travis co-wrote) and "Chattahoochee", plus the top five hits "Tonight I Climbed the Wall", "Mercury Blues" and "(Who Says) You Can't Have It All". "Chattahoochee" also won him the 1994 Country Music Association (CMA) awards for Single and Song of the Year.

In 1994 Jackson left his management company, Ten Ten Management, which had overseen his career up to that point, and switched to Gary Overton.^[7] His fourth album was titled Who I Am, and it contained four number one hits: a cover of the Eddie Cochran standard "Summertime Blues", followed by "Livin' on Love", "Gone Country" and "I Don't Even Know Your Name". An additional track from the album, a cover of Rodney Crowell's "Song for the Life", made number six. In late 1994, Clay Walker reached number one with "If I Could Make a Living", which Jackson co-wrote.^[8] Alan also appeared on an episode of Home Improvement, singing his hit song Mercury Blues in 1996, appearing on Tool Time to sing about his 1950 Mercury.

Mid-late 1990s[link]

"The Greatest Hits Collection" was released on October 24, 1995. The disc contained 17 hits, two newly-recorded songs ("I'll Try" and "Tall, Tall Trees"), and the song "Home" from "Here in the Real World" that had never been released as a single.^[9] These first two songs both made number one.

Everything I Love followed in 1996. Its first single was a cover of Tom T. Hall's "Little Bitty", which Jackson took to the top of the charts in late 1996. The album also included the number one hit "There Goes" and a number two cover of Charly McClain's 1980 single "Who's Cheatin' Who". The album's fifth single was "A House with No Curtains", which became his first release since 1989 to miss the top 10.^[6]

High Mileage was led off by the number four "I'll Go On Loving You". After it came the album's only number one hit, "Right on the Money", co-written by Phil Vassar.

With Jackson's release of Under the Influence in 1999, he took the double risk on an album of covers of country classics while retaining a traditional sound when a rock- and pop-tinged sound dominated country radio.^[10]

When the Country Music Association (CMA) asked George Jones to trim his act to 90 seconds for the 1999 CMA awards, Jones decided to boycott the event. In solidarity, Jackson interrupted his own song and launched into Jones's song "Choices" and then walked offstage.^[11]

2000s-present[link]

Jackson performing in 2002

After country music changed toward pop music in the 2000s, he and George Strait criticized the state of country music on the song "Murder on Music Row". The song sparked debate in the country music community about whether or not "traditional" country music was actually dead or not.^[12] Despite the fact that the song was not officially released as a single, it became the highest-charting nonseasonal album cut (not available in any retail single configuration or released as a promotional single to radio during a chart run) to appear on Hot Country Singles & Tracks in the Broadcast Data Systems era, beating the record previously held by Garth Brooks' "Belleau Wood." The duo were invited to open the 2000 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMAs) with a performance of the tune.^[13] Rolling Stone commented on Jackson's style remarking, "If Garth and Shania have raised the bar for country concerts with Kiss-style production and endless costume changes, then Alan Jackson is doing his best to return the bar to a more human level."^[14] After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Jackson released "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" as a tribute to those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The song became a hit single and briefly propelled him into the mainstream spotlight.

At the 2001 CMA Awards, Jackson debuted the song "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning". The performance was generally considered the highlight of the show, and Jackson's site crashed the next day from server requests.^[15] The song came to Jackson suddenly, and had not been scheduled for any official release, but the live performance began receiving radio airplay and was soon released as a single.

Jackson released a Christmas album, titled Let It Be Christmas, October 22, 2002.^[16]

Jeannie Kendall contacted Jackson to do a duet, and he suggested the song "Timeless and True Love". It appeared on her first solo album, released in 2003.^[17]

In early 2006, Jackson released his first gospel music album entitled Precious Memories. He put together the album by the request of his mother, who enjoys religious music. Jackson considered this album a "side project" and nothing too official, but it was treated as such. Over 1.8 million albums were sold.

Only mere months after the release of Precious Memories in 2006, Jackson released his next album Like Red on a Rose, which featured a more adult contemporary/folk sound.

Unlike his previous albums, Like Red on a Rose had a different producer and sound. Alan's main producer for his music, Keith Stegall, was notably absent from this album. Instead, Alison Krauss was hired to produce the album. She also chose the songs.

Despite being labeled as "country music" or "bluegrass", Like Red on a Rose had a mainstream sound to it, upsetting some fans, even making some of them believe that Jackson was abandoning his traditional past and aiming toward a more mainstream pop sound.

However, for his next album, he went back to his country roots. Good Time was released on March 4, 2008. The album's first single, "Small Town Southern Man", was released to radio on November 19.

"Country Boy", "Sissy's Song" and the final single from the album, "I Still Like Bologna", were also released as singles.

"Sissy's Song" is dedicated to a longtime friend of the Jackson family (Leslie "Sissy" Fitzgerald) who worked in their house everyday. Fitzgerald was killed in a motorcycle accident in mid-2007.

His sixteenth studio album, Freight Train, was released on March 30, 2010. The first single was "It's Just That Way", which debuted at #50 in January 2010. "Hard Hat and a Hammer" is the album's second single, released in May 2010.

On November 23, 2010, Jackson released another greatest hits package, entitled 34 Number Ones, which features a cover of the Johnny Cash hit "Ring of Fire", as well as the duet with Zac Brown Band, "As She's Walking Away".

On Jan. 20, 2011, it was announced that Jackson and his record label, Sony, parted ways.^[18]

On March 23, 2011, Jackson announced his new deal with Capitol's EMI Records Nashville. It is a joint venture between ACR (Alan's Country Records) and Capitol. All records will be released and marketed through Capitol's EMI Records Nashville label.^[19]

Jackson has since released two singles, "Long Way to Go" and "So You Don't Have to Love Me Anymore." Both videos were directed by Steven Goldmann. Both songs are to be included on his upcoming studio album for his own label, Thirty Miles West, which will be released on June 5, 2012.

Awards, nominations and induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame[link]

In 1989 he was nominated for a total of six Country Music Association awards (CMAs).^[4]

He was nominated for four 1994 CMAs, including Entertainer of the Year.^[2]

Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1991; he was inducted by Roy Acuff and Randy Travis.^[20]

Jackson was the most nominated artist at the 29th annual TNN/Music City News Country Awards that was broadcast June 5 from the Grand Ole Opry House. His six nominations included best entertainer, male artist, vocal collaboration, album, single, and video (two nominations in this category).^[21]

At the 2002 CMAs, Jackson set a record for having the most nominations in a single year – ten – many rising from the song "Where Were You". It also brought his career total up to the second number of most nominations ever, after George Strait.^[22] "Where Were You" also was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year. The song was also subsequently parodied in the South Park episode "A Ladder To Heaven".

At the 2003 Academy of Country Music Awards, Jackson won Album of the Year for Drive and Video of the Year for the video to "Drive (For Daddy Gene)."^[23]

Jackson was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on October 22, 2001 in Atlanta.^[24]

Alan Jackson was selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010

Alan Jackson Collection at Cracker Barrel[link]

In 2009, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. started to carry the "Alan Jackson Collection" which included a special release CD available exclusively at Cracker Barrel, cowboy style shirts and t-shirts, baseball caps, home goods (candles, kitchen goods) including an old-fashion wooden rocking chair that has a metal plate of Alan's autograph on the headrest; toys, spices and BBQ sauces/rubs and a replica of his own personal cowboy hat.^[25]

Ford trucks endorsement[link]

Ford's agency J. Walter Thompson USA in Detroit, in 1997, worked out with Jackson a multimillion-dollar, multi-year contract for his sole endorsement of Ford trucks. In his video for "Who's Cheatin' Who" he was behind the wheel of a "Big Foot" Ford F-150 pickup truck, and Ford's five NASCAR vehicles (at the time) were prominently featured. Additionally, he changed the lyrics "Crazy 'bout a Mercury" of the song "Mercury Blues" to "Crazy 'bout a Ford truck" in a TV ad for the Ford F-series.^[26]

Touring[link]

Jackson headlined the 1995 Fruit Of The Loom Comfort Tour, a deal worth $40 million. It began January 20 in New Orleans and ran for a hundred dates.^[27]

Alan Jackson's 2004 concert tour launched January 23 in Fort Myers, Florida and was sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts in a deal that included Jackson's endorsement in TV spots. The tour included more than 50 U.S. dates. Martina McBride was the opening for some of the shows.^[28]

In March 2011 he visited Australia to perform for the CMC Rocks The Hunter music festival where he was the headline act for Saturday night.^[29]

Band[link]

Alan Jackson's backup band (since 1989) is "The Strayhorns". The current line-up of musicians is:

• Monty Allen – acoustic guitar, harmony vocals
• Scott Coney – acoustic guitar, tic tac bass, banjo
• Robbie Flint – steel guitar
• Danny Groah – lead guitar
• Mark McClurg - fiddle, harmony vocals
• Bruce Rutherford – drums
• Joey Schmidt – keyboards
• Roger Wills – bass guitar

Personal life[link]

Jackson with his family at a ceremony to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April 2010

Jackson married his high school sweetheart, Denise Jackson, on December 15, 1979. They are the parents of three daughters: Mattie Denise (born June 19, 1990), Alexandra Jane "Ali" (born August 23, 1993), and Dani Grace (born August 28, 1997). Although the couple separated for several months in 1998 due to the strains of Jackson's career as well as his infidelity;^[30] they have since reconciled. Their story is referenced in several of Jackson's songs, including "She Likes It Too" and "Remember When". Denise and their daughters appear in the latter song's video.

Denise Jackson wrote a book that topped The New York Times Best Seller list that covered her life with Jackson, their relationship, separation over his infidelity, and recommitment to each other, and her commitment to Christianity, the book was titled It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life, which was published in 2007. In May 2008 she released a Gift Book titled "The Road Home."

Jackson's nephew, Adam Wright, is also a country music singer-songwriter. Adam and his wife, Shannon, perform together as a duo called The Wrights.^[31] The Wrights co-wrote two songs and sang harmony vocals on Jackson's What I Do album.

Jackson is a cousin of Major League Baseball player Brandon Moss.^[32]

In June 2009, Jackson listed his 135-acre (0.55 km²) estate just outside of Franklin, TN for sale. The asking price was $38 million. The property sold in late May 2010 for $28 million, one of the highest prices ever for a home sale in the Nashville area.^[33] In 2010, after Alan Jackson said goodbye to Sweetbriar, his estate just outside of Franklin, the singer then moved into a slightly smaller but equally luxurious home in the same Nashville suburb. The singer and his wife paid $3.675 million for the estate in June 2010, but less than a year later, they’ve listed the home for $3.995 million. ^[34]

Jackson maintains a close friendship with fellow country singer, George Jones. Jones has been mentioned in songs such as "Don't Rock the Jukebox" (Jones also appeared in the video which accompanied it) and "Murder on Music Row". The song "Just Playin' Possum" is dedicated to Jones and talks of how Alan only wants to lie low and play possum, possum referring to George Jones. Jones can also be seen in the video for "Good Time". In 2008, Jones was a surprise guest at Jackson's "CMT Giants" ceremony, where he thanked Jackson for his friendship. He's also close friends with George Strait, who sang "Murder On Music Row" with him. Besides his associations with big stars, Alan also maintains his connections to his roots and old friends.^[35] From his early days of playing the guitar with his old high school friend and fellow musician David "Bird" Burgess, on the Burgess' family front porch, it was evident Alan was going to be Newnan's rising star.^[35] While Bird Burgess has left the country music scene to pursue other avenues, the two have remained friends.^[35] As further evidence to his strong connection to his roots, Alan has given back to the community of Newnan, and in response the city of Newnan dedicated a major thoroughfare the Alan Jackson Highway.

As of February 2012, Jackson's introduction paragraph along with the Early Life paragraph from this Wikipedia article are repeatedly printed in the showroom books in the IKEA store in the municipality of Tianjin in The People's Republic of China.

Discography[link]

Awards[link]

American Music Awards

• American Music Award for Favorite Country Single 1993; "Chattahoochee"
• 1993 Favorite Country Album – "A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'bout Love)"

Academy of Country Music

• 1990 Top New Male Vocalist
• 1991 Album of the Year – "Don't Rock the Jukebox"
• 1991 Single of the Year – "Don't Rock the Jukebox"
• 1993 Album of the Year – "A Lot About Livin' (And a Little 'bout Love)"
• 1993 Single of the Year – "Chattahoochee"
• 1994 Top Male Vocalist
• 1995 Top Male Vocalist
• 2001 Single of the Year – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
• 2001 Song of the Year – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
• 2001 Top Male Vocalist
• 2002 Album of the Year – "Drive"
• 2002 Video of the Year – "Drive (For Daddy Gene)"
• 2003 Single of the Year – "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"
• 2003 Vocal Event of the Year with Jimmy Buffett – "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"

Country Music Association

• 1992 Music Video of the Year – "Midnight in Montgomery"
• 1993 Music Video of the Year – "Chattahoochee"
• 1993 Single of the Year – "Chattahoochee"
• 1993 Vocal Event of the Year - "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair"
• 1994 Song of the Year with Jim McBride – "Chattahoochee"
• 1995 Entertainer of the Year
• 2000 Vocal Event of the Year - "Murder on Music Row"
• 2002 Album of the Year – "Drive"
• 2002 Male Vocalist of the Year
• 2002 Entertainer of the Year
• 2002 Single of the Year – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
• 2002 Song of the Year – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
• 2003 Entertainer of the Year
• 2003 Male Vocalist of the Year
• 2003 Vocal Event of the Year with Jimmy Buffett – "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere"

Grammy Awards

• 2002 Best Country Song – "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)"
• 2011 Best Country Collaboration with Vocals- "As She's Walking Away", with Zac Brown Band

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Alan Jackson website
• Official Music Videos
• http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0603581/

George Strait
Background information
Birth name	George Harvey Strait
Born	(1952-05-18) May 18, 1952 (age 60)
Origin	Poteet, Texas
Genres	Country
Occupations	Singer, record producer, Actor
Instruments	Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Years active	1975–present
Labels	MCA (MCA Nashville)
Associated acts	Ace in the Hole Dean Dillon
Website	www.georgestrait.com

George Harvey Strait (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend.^[1] He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional Country music. George Strait holds the world record for more number-one hit singles than any other artist in the history of music on any chart or in any genre, having recorded 59 number-one hit singles as of 2012.

Strait rocketed to success after his first single "Unwound" was a hit in 1981. While contributing to the neo-traditional movement of the 1980s, he amassed seven number one albums in the decade with his most popular hits including "Fool Hearted Memory" and "Ocean Front Property". By the 1990s, Strait had influenced a new breed of performers while continuing his own successes, having charted upwards of 20 number-one hits including "Heartland" and "Blue Clear Sky". In the 2000s, Strait was named Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music, was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and won his first Grammy award for his hit album Troubadour. Strait continued his previous successes throughout the decade, producing a more contemporary sound with moderate cross-over hits including "She'll Leave You with a Smile" and "You'll Be There".

Strait was named CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1989 and 1990, and ACM Entertainer of the Year in 1990. He has been nominated for more CMA and ACM awards and has more wins in both categories than any other artist. As of 2011, he holds the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts with 44 number one singles. Counting all other music charts, Strait has amassed a total of 59 number-one hits overall, breaking a record previously set by Conway Twitty.

Strait has sold more than 68.5 million albums in the United States and his certifications from the RIAA include 13 multi-platinum, 33 platinum, and 38 gold albums. His best-selling album is Pure Country (1992), which sold 6 million (6× Multi-platinum). His highest certified album is Strait Out of the Box (1995), which sold 2 million copies (8× Multi-Platinum due to being a box set with four CDs). According to the RIAA, Strait is the 12th best-selling album recording artist in the United States overall.

Early life[link]

George Harvey Strait was born May 18, 1952, in Pearsall, Texas, just south of San Antonio, to John Byron Strait and Doris Couser Strait. He grew up in Pearsall where his father was a junior high school mathematics teacher, who owned a two-thousand acre (8 km²) cattle ranch outside of Big Wells, Texas. The family worked at the ranch on the weekends and in the summers. When George was in the fourth grade, his father and mother were divorced, and his mother moved away with his sister, Pency. George and his brother John Jr. were raised by their father.^[2]

Strait began his musical interest while attending Pearsall High School, playing in a rock and roll garage band. His musical preference soon turned to country with singers Hank Thompson, Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Bob Wills, Hank Williams and Frank Sinatra influencing his style. Strait didn't tune to the country music radio often as a youth, usually listening to the news and the farmer's report. His introduction to country music came mostly by way of live performances, which, according to Strait, could be heard in every town in Texas.^[3] He eloped with his high school sweetheart, Norma. The couple initially married in Mexico on December 4, 1971, but repeated their vows in a church in Pearsall, Texas, a few weeks later.^{[citation needed]} In 1971, Strait enlisted in the US Army. While stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as a part of the 25th Infantry division (light), he began performing with an Army-sponsored band, "Rambling Country", which played off-base under the name "Santee".^[2] On October 6, 1972, while still in Hawaii, George and Norma welcomed their first child, Jenifer.^[4] After Strait was honorably discharged from the army in 1975, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and received a degree in Agriculture. During his college years, he joined the country band Stoney Ridge, answering a flyer the band posted around campus looking for a new vocalist. Strait renamed the group the Ace in the Hole and quickly became the lead, they began to perform at different honky tonks and bars around south and central Texas, traveling as far east as Huntsville and Houston.^[5] They gained a regional following and opened for national acts such as The Texas Playboys. Soon, his band was given the opportunity to record several Strait-penned singles including "That Don't Change The Way I Feel About You",^[6] for the Houston-based D label. However, the songs never achieved wide recognition, and Strait continued to manage his family cattle ranch during the day in order to make some extra cash.^[5][7]

While he continued to play with his band without any real connections to the music industry, Strait became friends with Erv Woolsey, who operated one of the bars in which the Ace in the Hole band played, and who had previously worked for the major label MCA Records. Woolsey convinced some of his Music Row connections to come to Texas and to listen to Strait and his band play. Impressed with the performance, MCA quickly signed Strait to a recording contract in February 1981.^[8] The Ace in the Hole remained with Strait, performing as the backup and touring band for the now solo act.^[7]

Music career[link]

1980s[link]

In the spring of 1981, Strait released his first single for MCA Records, entitled "Unwound", which climbed into the top ten of the Hot Country Songs chart that year, and was included on his debut album Strait Country. The record featured two more singles including "Down and Out," a #16 hit for Strait, and "If You're Thinking You Want a Stranger (There's One Coming Home)", which reached number three early in 1982, sparking a string of Top Ten hits that ran well into the '90s.^[9] Strait Country was hailed by critics as a traditionalist breakthrough that broke the trend of pop-influenced country prevalent at the time.^[10] The year 1982 also saw the release of Strait's second album, the critically acclaimed Strait from the Heart, which featured the first number one of his career, "Fool Hearted Memory" and the top five "Amarillo by Morning", regarded by many as one of the greatest country songs of all-time.^[11][12] In 1983, Strait made his first appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when the headlining star, Eddie Rabbitt came down sick with the flu. Strait has since become a mainstay throughout his career, making more than twenty appearances at the Rodeo, and playing to a total of more than one million fans. Strait recorded 17 subsequent #1's in the decade, including a string of five that lasted from 1983-84 ^[13] from his next two albums Right or Wrong, his first number one album and the CMA award winning Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind. The next year, he won the CMA award for top male vocalist, and released his first Greatest Hits compilation, which featured songs from his first three albums. Also in 1985, Strait released Something Special, the third straight number-one album of his career, featuring the number-one single "The Chair".^[14] In 1986, Strait repeated as the CMA vocalist of the year and released his fourth #1 album #7. Strait and his family were struck with tragedy when his 13-year-old daughter, Jenifer, was killed in an one-car non-alcohol related accident. She was riding in a Ford Mustang driven by Gregory Wilson Allen, 18, of Staples, Texas. He was subsequently charged with a Class A misdemeanor for vehicular homicide. Mike Cox, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin said "The responding trooper determined the cause of accident to be excessive speed and that the car did not negotiate the turn properly. Jenifer was riding in the front passengers seat and none of the four occupants were wearing seat belts at the time.^[15] When the vehicle flipped over onto its passengers side, Jenifer was partially ejected causing her to be dead upon impact. The incident did not hinder Strait's performance, as he went on to release 11 straight #1 hits, starting with "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her" in 1986 and ending with "Ace in the Hole" in 1989.^[13] The singles spanned four albums, including #7, Ocean Front Property in 1987, If You Ain't Lovin' You Ain't Livin' in 1988 and 1989's Beyond the Blue Neon, all of which reached the number one spot on country album charts. Ocean Front Property was the first Country Album to ever debut at #1 on the charts by any artist. The streak included such songs as "Ocean Front Property", "All My Ex's Live in Texas", "Famous Last Words of a Fool" and "Baby Blue", which is rumored to have been dedicated to his daughter.^[16] Strait finished the decade by winning the CMA entertainer of the year award in 1989. A year later, he won the award again.^[9]

1990s[link]

Strait began the decade with the release of his tenth studio album, Livin' It Up, which featured two #1 hits including "Love Without End, Amen", his first multi-week hit, and "I've Come to Expect It From You". Both songs remained #1 for five weeks in 1990. Chill of an Early Fall shortly followed in 1991, and received positive reviews. Entertainment Weekly noted that the album marked a shift for Strait from "repeating himself" in his previous works to producing different material.^[17] It produced the #1's "If I Know Me" and "You Know Me Better Than That", but ended his streak of 31 straight top ten hits with the cover of "Lovesick Blues", which peaked at #24.^[13] The record blocked his run of eight top charting albums with its peak of #4. In the spring of 1992, Holding My Own was released. It did not produce any #1s but did include two top five songs including "So Much Like My Dad". Later in 1992, Strait played the main character in the movie Pure Country, and released the film's soundtrack. It was his most successful studio album, producing such hits as "Heartland," "I Cross My Heart" and "When Did You Stop Loving Me," and peaked at #1 and #6 respectively on the country and Billboard 200 album charts. The success continued with his next album, Easy Come, Easy Go in 1993, which reached the top five on the Billboard 200 and featured the hits "I'd Like to Have That One Back", "The Man in Love with You", and the #1 title track. His next four albums—including Lead On in 1994, Blue Clear Sky in 1996, Carrying Your Love with Me in 1997 and 1998's One Step at a Time--all charted at #1, with Blue Clear Sky claiming the spot on its debut week, and Carrying Your Love with Me peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200 for the first time in Strait's career. This series of albums produced eight number one singles for Strait, including "You Can't Make a Heart Love Somebody" "Carried Away", "One Night at a Time", and "I Just Want to Dance with You".^[9] During this period, Strait also released a four-disc box set career retrospective, Strait Out of the Box in 1995, which became the second best selling box set ever with shipments of 8 million in the United States. He also was named as the CMA's Top Male Vocalist in 1997 and 1998.^[7] Starting in '97, and continuing until the first year of the 21st century, Strait headlined the George Strait Country Music Festival, which included artists such has Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson and others. In an effort to introduce these acts to as many fans as possible, the festival promised not to visit any market more than twice. It played only a small number of dates, usually no more than twenty a year, but still managed to be the ninth biggest-grossing tour of 1998. In 2009 the George Strait Country Music Festival was voted the most important tour in the history of country music and the best selling country music tour in the 90s .^[18]

Strait completed the decade with the album Always Never the Same in 1999, which peaked at #2 on country charts and matched the cross-over success of Pure Country by reaching #6 on the Billboard 200. The record produced the hits "What Do You Say to That", "Meanwhile" and the #1 "Write This Down". Reviews of the album's material were generally moderate, but Entertainment Weekly observed that at this point in his career, Strait could record the "most lightweight" material and "make it soar" on the radio with his "grace".^[19] All in all, Strait scored 17 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country airplay charts in the decade, and carried his successes into the next century.^[20]

2000 – present: Career today[link]

Strait released a self-named album in 2000, which despite a #1 and #7 showing on the country and Billboard 200 album charts, produced no #1 singles, and was the first studio album of his career to not be certified as platinum. The singles "Go On" and "If You Can Do Anything Else" were released from the record, with both peaking in the top five. In May 2001, The Road Less Traveled was released. Reviews for the album were mostly positive, Rolling Stone described it as sticking to the formula "but adds a few twists that make it superior to his last few releases." ^[21] It featured "vocal processing," and was considered by some critics as an experimental album.^[7] Three singles were released from it, two of which reached #1, including "She'll Leave You with a Smile", his 50th on combined charts and "Living and Living Well", both of which reached the top 30 of Billboard Hot 100, with the former peaking at #23, Strait's highest rank on the chart. The single "Run" peaked at #2 and reached #34 on the Billboard 100. Strait released two records in 2003. For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome was a recording of the last Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to take place in the Astrodome. The performance itself, set the record for paid attendance at the venue, with 68,266 people, breaking Latin superstar Selena's previous record of approximately 67,000 in 1995.

George Strait performing at the MCI Center in 2003

His next album, Honkytonkville was described as "a fiery set of hard country", and was praised "for its mixture of the old Strait with his modern, superstar self." ^[7] It didn't produce any #1's for Strait but included the hits "Cowboys Like Us" and a cover of Bruce Robison's "Desperately". His 2004 performance at Reliant Stadium set a new Rodeo attendance record, with 68,679 spectators. That year he issued a Greatest Hits package billed as 50 Number Ones, chronicalling the #1 hits of his career from all charts, starting with "Fool Hearted Memory" and ending with "She'll Leave You With a Smile." The next year, Somewhere Down in Texas arrived, which produced the hit "You'll Be There," marking Strait's first appearance on the Adult Contemporary chart. The next year, he embarked on a tour that included only 18 performances but grossed over $15 million. He attributed this success to the fact that he and his band are "musically very tight," have a large pool of songs to draw from, and perform those songs very similarly to how they sound on their albums.^[22]

On October 3, 2006, Strait marked his 30th year in the music industry with the release of a new album titled It Just Comes Natural. It featured fifteen new songs. Strait's long-time friend and songwriter, Dean Dillon co-wrote two of the songs on the album. It received generally positive reviews from critics. People, in their four-star review, remarked that "If ever there was a natural in country music, it's Strait," while USA Today raved that "he continues to make such consistent quality look easy."^[23] The first single off the album, "Give It Away" reached #1 and the title track, "It Just Comes Natural" became his 42nd Billboard #1. In 2007, "Wrapped" reached No. 1 on the Mediabase 24/7 country music charts, giving Strait his 55th overall number-one single. From January through April of that year, Strait headlined a twenty-three date arena tour with country music legend Ronnie Milsap and newcomer Taylor Swift. He released a new album titled Troubadour on April 1, 2008. The CD contained 12 tracks, including a duet with Patty Loveless and another with long-time songwriter Dean Dillon. The lead single off the album, "I Saw God Today", debuted at #19 on the Radio and Records and Billboard charts. It is the highest debut ever for a single from Strait and the fourth highest debut for a song in country music history. Troubadour debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts, selling over 160,000 copies in its first week of release. "River of Love" the 3rd single from the album became his 57th number-one song in 2009.^{[citation needed]}

In April 2009, George Strait was honored by the Academy of Country Music with the Artist of the Decade Award. The artist of the decade award was presented to George Strait by the previous ACM Artist of the Decade Garth Brooks. In June of that year he headlined the first event at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Strait's single, "Living for the Night" was released on May 28, 2009, and was written by Strait, his son Bubba, and Dean Dillon. The song was the lead single off of his album Twang, released on August 11, 2009. Twang has been certified gold status, for selling over 500,000 copies. In 2010, Billboard ranked Strait #1 in the top 25 country artists of the past 25 years.^[24] Never one to rest, Strait's newest album, Here for a Good Time, was released on September 6, 2011. So far "Here For A Good Time" has yielded two #1 singles (the title track and "Love's Gonna Make It Alright") bringing Strait's #1 singles total to 59, the most by any artist in any musical genre.

Personal life[link]

Strait at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in 2005

In 1981, Strait and Norma welcomed son George Strait, Jr., known as "Bubba." Their daughter Jenifer was killed in an automobile accident in San Marcos, Texas, on June 25, 1986, at the age of 13. The family set up a foundation, The Jenifer Lynn Strait Foundation, which donates money to children's charities in the San Antonio, Texas area.^[25] Bubba, who is a graduate of Texas A&M University, is pursuing a career as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) team roping competitor.^[26] Strait was able to watch his son compete at the Houston Rodeo in 2006 shortly before taking the stage for his own performance.

Strait enjoys hunting, fishing, skiing, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. Along with his son, he is a member of the PRCA and partners in team roping competitions. George and his elder brother Buddy, who died in April 2009, hosted the annual George Strait Team Roping Classic, in which they competed against some of the best team ropers in the world. Strait has also said that he very seldom picks up a guitar when not in the studio or touring. He and his wife live in far north-west San Antonio in the wealthy gated community, The Dominion, as well as on a ranch near Cotulla, Texas, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of San Antonio. He is also a big fan of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs and can be seen court-side at many of the Spurs' home basketball games.

Strait also is known for driving Chevrolets, as he is the spokesman for a local Texas Chevrolet dealership, and often refers to Chevys in his songs.

Since 2010, Strait has served as spokesman for the Wrangler National Patriot program, a campaign designed to raise awareness and funds for America's wounded and fallen military veterans and their families.^[27][28] Strait states, "I've been a part of the Wrangler family for a long time... when they came to me with the idea for supporting fallen and wounded American veterans and their families, I knew I wanted to get involved."^[28]

On February 2, 2012, Strait became a grandfather, as his son George Strait Jr. and his wife Tamara had their first child, a son. According to reports, the infant was named George H. Strait III as a tribute to his famous grandfather.^[29]

Discography[link]

In more than 30 years of recording, all of which have been spent with MCA Records, George Strait has garnered 59 No. 1 songs on all country charts (including Mediabase 24/7, the former Radio & Records charts, and the now-defunct Gavin Report charts), and has more #1 hits than any other artist in any genre. His 44 Billboard magazine country No. 1's (to date) are a record, at the moment four more than previous record-holder Conway Twitty, who racked up 40, including several duets with Loretta Lynn.^[22] Additionally, Strait is also the first artist in the history of Billboard magazine to have at least one single enter the Top 10 of any given Billboard chart for 30 consecutive years, starting in 1981 when his debut single "Unwound" peaked at #6 on the Hot Country Singles chart. All of his Top 10 singles have been on that chart.^[30] Strait has sold more than 68.5 million albums in the United States^[31] and his certifications from the RIAA include 13 multi-platinum, 33 platinum, and 38 gold albums.^[32]

• Strait Country (1981)
• Strait from the Heart (1982)
• Right or Wrong (1983)
• Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind (1984)
• Something Special (1985)
• #7 (1986)
• Ocean Front Property (1987)
• If You Ain't Lovin' You Ain't Livin' (1988)
• Beyond the Blue Neon (1989)
• Livin' It Up (1990)
• Chill of an Early Fall (1991)
• Holding My Own (1992)
• Easy Come, Easy Go (1993)
• Lead On (1994)
• Blue Clear Sky (1996)
• Carrying Your Love with Me (1997)
• One Step at a Time (1998)
• Always Never the Same (1999)
• George Strait (2000)
• The Road Less Traveled (2001)
• Honkytonkville (2003)
• Somewhere Down in Texas (2005)
• It Just Comes Natural (2006)
• Troubadour (2008)
• Twang (2009)
• Here for a Good Time (2011)

Filmography[link]

Strait has acted in several films. He had a bit part in The Soldier (1982) and starred in Pure Country (1992). He also appeared as himself in Grand Champion (2002).

The film Pure Country featured George Strait in the lead role as Dusty Chandler, a famous country singer who strays too far from his country roots and traditional sound. It provided the opportunity for Strait to branch out from his own traditional country sound for a more rock-and-roll approach. The film saw little success at the box office, taking in only $15 million, but the soundtrack, also called Pure Country, produced several hit singles for Strait, and has become his best-selling album to date. Strait had a limited role in the sequel to Pure Country, Pure Country 2: The Gift.^[33]

Awards[link]

George Strait Country Music Hall of Fame plaque

Strait holds the record for most number one albums, gold albums, and platinum albums in the history of country music and is 11th in the most number one albums in all other genres. Strait is third only to Elvis Presley and The Beatles with the most gold and platinum albums in the history of music and currently is two away from passing them. He is also the seventh best selling artist in American music history,^{[citation needed]} and has recorded the most number one songs and top five songs in the history of music of any kind . Strait is the only artist in the history of music to have a top ten hit every year for thirty years. He also is second all-time in top ten hits in the history of music currently 8 away from breaking the all time record held by Eddy Arnold who had 92 in his historic career. Strait has also won 22 CMA Awards, including consecutive Entertainer of the Year honors in 1989 and 1990, and holds the career record for CMA nominations and as of 2008 holds the record for the most CMA awards. Strait also holds those same records for wins and nominations for the ACM Awards. Strait was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006, performing his then-latest No. 1 hit "Give it Away" right before accepting his replica Hall of Fame plaque at the 40th CMA Awards. He was only the second artist (after Eddy Arnold in 1966) to be inducted into the Hall of Fame while still actively recording and producing chart-topping hits and albums.

As of June 8, 2010, George Strait was named the top country music artist of the past 25 years according to Billboard magazine. In October 2008, the Academy of Country Music Awards announced that they named Strait their Artist of the Decade for the 2000s. He was presented the award by the previous winner Garth Brooks. Past winners of the award are Marty Robbins (1960s), Loretta Lynn (1970s), Alabama (1980s) and Garth Brooks (1990s).

See also[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: George Strait

• George Strait Country Music Festival
• List of best-selling music artists
• List of best-selling music artists in the United States
• Inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame (2006 Inductee)

Notes[link]

References[link]

• Bego, Mark (2001). George Strait: the Story of Country's Living Legend. Citadel Press. ISBN 978-0-8065-2258-6
• Dickinson, Chris. (1998). "George Strait". In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Editor. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 513–4.
• "Discography". George Strait's Official Web Site. Retrieved August 27, 2004.
• "Awards". George Strait's Official Web Site. Retrieved August 27, 2004.
• Billboard Magazine. "George Strait". http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?pid=2521&aid=91293. Retrieved 2007-01-24. 
• Universal Music Group Nashville. "George Strait - MCA". http://www.umgnashville.com/artist.aspx?ob=ros&src=lb&aid=8. Retrieved 2007-01-24. 

Further reading[link]

• Cantwell, David; Marsh, Dave; Strait, George (1996). George Strait. Penguin Group USA. ISBN 978-1-57297-121-9. 

External links[link]

• George Strait Online
• George Strait - biography, discography, lyrics, photos, videos
• Official UMG Nashville Artist Page
• George Strait at the Internet Movie Database
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• George Strait Team Roping Classic (GSTRC) homepage