Curious facts about singer George Strait that no one knows

George Strait, often dubbed the “King of Country Music,” has had an incredibly successful and enduring career, but there are indeed some less commonly known facts about him:

• He didn’t grow up immersed in country music. While he’s the epitome of traditional country, Strait actually listened to a lot of rock and roll as a teenager, even playing in a garage rock band called “the Stoics” in high school. His introduction to country music came more from live performances in Texas towns rather than radio.
• He almost gave up on music. After several unsuccessful attempts to get a record deal in Nashville, being turned down by every label, Strait considered quitting music altogether and even accepted a job designing cattle pens. His wife, Norma, encouraged him to give it one more try, which ultimately led to his breakthrough with MCA Records.
• He was in the Army and formed a band there. Before his music career took off, Strait enlisted in the United United States Army in 1971 as an infantryman. While stationed in Hawaii, he auditioned for and began performing with an Army-sponsored country music band called “Rambling Country.”
• He’s incredibly private and rarely gives interviews. Unlike many modern artists, Strait maintains a very low public profile and is known for his reserved demeanor. He rarely gives interviews, preferring to focus on his family, ranching, and music.
• His son helped him get back into songwriting. Strait has admitted that he regretted stopping songwriting early in his career. His son, George “Bubba” Strait Jr., encouraged him to start writing again, and they have co-written several songs together, including some on his album “Twang.”
• “Amarillo By Morning” was not a #1 hit and is a cover. Despite being one of his most iconic songs, “Amarillo By Morning” only reached number 4 on the country charts. It’s also a cover, originally recorded by Terry Stafford.
• He’s not a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Despite his immense success and traditional sound, George Strait has only performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage once (in a solo capacity, not counting a tribute to Loretta Lynn). It’s widely believed he’s declined membership because it requires a commitment to perform there a certain number of times annually, and he prefers to stay closer to his Texas ranch.
• He has a passion for team roping. Beyond music, one of Strait’s major hobbies is team roping. He’s been involved in it for decades and even established the annual “George Strait Team Roping Classic” with his father and brother.
• His first movie role was in a terrorist action film. While most know him from “Pure Country,” Strait had a small part playing a country singer in a honky-tonk in the 1982 movie “The Soldier,” which was a terrorist action film.