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George Strait remembers “Singing for the Army” and how it led to him becoming the King of Country

Country music fans may find it difficult to remember a time when George Strait wasn't the undisputed king of the genre. The “Amarillo by Morning” hitmaker has sent 60 singles to the top of the charts billboard Throughout his illustrious career, he landed on the Hot Country Songs charts. However, its beginnings were surprisingly humble. With Veterans Day just around the corner, the multi-platinum selling artist opens up about his time singing in the US Army.

George Strait served his country

George Strait was born on May 18, 1952 in Poteet, Texas, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971 after graduating from Pearsall High School. He served as an infantryman for four years, reaching the rank of corporal before his discharge in 1975.

In fact, Strait's first foray into country music came during his time in the Army. In high school, he performed in a rock and roll garage band called the Stoics, where he and his bandmates drew inspiration from British Invasion bands such as the Beatles.

“The last year I was in the Army, I started singing country music and the general, the postal command in general, started bands made up of military personnel,” Strait said 107.9 Coyote Country. “And I got the job as a singer in the country band. And that's exactly what I did. I sang country music for the army.”

[RELATED: Watch George Strait Perform His Debut Single in Front of a Record-Breaking Crowd in 2014]

The “Fool Hearted Memory” singer enrolled at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) after his discharge from the Army. There he joined a band called Stoney Ridge, which he quickly renamed Ace in the Hole. They remained with him as his backup and touring band throughout his solo career.

Why isn't Strait a member of the Grand Ole Opry?

Despite his numerous career achievements and his connection to “traditional country,” George Strait doesn't have much experience with that most traditional of country venues, the Grand Ole Opry.

The “Check Yes or No” singer took the Opry stage only once, in 1982, when he was promoting his second album Road from the heart. There appears to be no record of his performance online.

Grand Ole Opry historian Byron Fay narrated Save country music that George Strait's lack of connection to the Opry probably had more to do with logistics than bad blood. He has spent much of his career in Texas, making regular Opry appearances difficult.

Featured image by Tammie Arroyo/Shutterstock

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