On This Day in 1996, George Strait Released a Song that Would Earn Him a Rare Double CMA Nomination

On this day (June 3) in 1996, George Strait released “Carried Away” as the second single from Blue Clear Sky. It would become his 30^th No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Later, it would be one of two songs released by Strait to share a nomination for Single of the Year at the CMA Awards.

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Fans refer to Strait as King George due to his adherence to country music’s long traditions and his massive success in the genre. He has sold tens of millions of albums and has scored 60 No. 1 hits across multiple country music charts. Additionally, his concerts have set multiple attendance records. In 1997, he already had 30 No. 1 singles under his belt and would receive a rare double nomination at the Country Music Association Awards.

[RELATED: Watch George Strait Perform His Biggest Hit of the 1990s During a Record-Breaking Show at the Houston Astrodome]

Strait went into the 1997 CMA Awards with multiple nominations. He was up for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. Additionally, Carrying Your Love with Me was a contender for Album of the Year. Most impressively, though, both “Carried Away” and “One Night at a Time” were nominated for Single of the Year. He walked away with the Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year trophies.

George Strait Scores a Multi-Week No. 1 with “Carried Away”

Written by Steve Bogard adn Jeff Stevens, George Strait released “Carried Away” in 1996 as the second single from his album Blue Clear Sky. It debuted at No. 73 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated May 18, 1996. It reached No. 1 on the chart dated August 10 and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks, spending a total of 20 weeks on the survey.

“Carried Away” is an example of how Strait can take even a simple set of lyrics and turn them into a hit love song. Few other artists could make the lines of this song sound so touching and believable. As with most of his hits, the “Carrying Your Love With Me” singer’s delivery is heartfelt, making this a heartwarming hit worthy of Valentine’s Day playlists and date night dedications.

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