Outside of selling over 12 million albums, holding numerous awards, and even setting records, George Strait seemed to be the living, breathing embodiment of country music. For nearly five decades, the singer watched as the genre drastically changed. Yet, he also remained true to the classic sound of country music. Gaining the nickname the “King of Country Music”, Strait recently took a moment to meet a few fans waiting for him on the road. And when seeing how young they were, he wasted no time offering them a piece of his legacy.
During a recent performance in Buffalo, Strait appeared to be leaving in a black SUV when he noticed a group of fans waiting for him. While some singers will gently pass by with nothing more than a wave, the country legend decided to stop the vehicle to sign a few autographs. And given the legacy of Strait, it seemed a few of the young fans brought guitars for him to sign.
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Even with the singer signing guitar after guitar, Strait never fought back as he simply enjoyed the moment, making sure he spoke with the younger fans. And online, fans showered the singer with praise, writing, “Always doing things that amaze me. Love from South Africa.” Another comment included, “Taking his time to show he appreciation to his loyal fans. King George! The GOAT.”
George Strait Discusses Retirement Plans
Throughout Strait’s career in the spotlight, he continuously thanked his fans for their support over the decades. Never imagining the life he would produce on stage, Strait went from serving in the military to selling out arenas.
While Strait’s legacy in country music will never diminish, the singer admitted he was getting close to the end. Wanting to enjoy his older age, he told fans last month in Philadelphia, “I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks. But hell, it’s been around 50 now and I still love it just as much as I ever did. When I hear ol’ John Michael say my name and I walk through those curtains and I see your smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again until I walk back out and get on that bus.”
Although not giving a straight answer about his plans to retire, he concluded, “I do want you to know though, when I do walk off this stage and I’m settled in far away from all of this, you won’t be far away. I’ll still hear your screams and cheers in my mind, and I will always remember you.”
(Photo by John Salangsang/Shutterstock)
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