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Introduction
While George Strait isn’t dominating current weekly album sales charts like some of today’s younger artists, he absolutely remains a titan in country music and continues to have significant sales and a massive, dedicated fanbase.
Here’s a breakdown of why “King George” still holds immense influence:
- Overall Sales Legacy: George Strait is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, across all genres. He has sold over 120 million records worldwide, with over 70 million in the US alone. He holds the RIAA record for most certified albums by any artist, with 33 different albums certified platinum or gold. His 1995 box set “Strait Out of the Box” is certified octuple platinum.
- Recent Album Releases: He released his 31st studio album, “Cowboys and Dreamers,” in September 2024. While it might not hit the same numbers as his earlier work due to shifts in the music industry (streaming vs. physical sales), it still performed well on country charts. His previous album, “Honky Tonk Time Machine,” was the best-selling country album in pure sales for the first half of 2019.
- Continued Touring Success: Despite announcing his “retirement” from full-time touring in 2014, Strait continues to perform select stadium shows with fellow country superstar Chris Stapleton. These shows are incredibly popular, with a recent concert at Texas A&M Kyle Field setting a record for the largest single-ticketed concert in U.S. history with over 110,000 fans. He has additional stadium shows scheduled for 2025, demonstrating his enduring drawing power.
- Industry Influence: He has more #1 singles than any other artist in any genre (60) and more #1 albums in country music history. His impact on the genre is undeniable, and he’s frequently cited as an influence by current country artists.
Who are the top-selling country artists right now?
While George Strait maintains his legend status and strong sales, contemporary artists like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen are currently leading in terms of overall unit sales (which include streaming equivalents) and frequently top the charts. Luke Combs has recently become the second-highest selling country artist of all time, just behind Garth Brooks, in terms of total units sold (albums and singles combined, including streaming).
In conclusion, George Strait may not be topping daily or weekly sales charts in the same way he did during his peak chart dominance, but his extensive catalog continues to sell, and his live shows are massive events. He remains a critical and commercial force, revered as the “King of Country Music.”
Video