Finding success in the music industry is hard enough. However, what is harder than that is having continuous success. Out of the plethora of musicians in the world, only a select few have had a long and fruitful career. After all, the majority of musicians will typically score some success, though they will never break the threshold of becoming a “legend.” One musician who has unarguably scored the title of a “legend” is the country music icon, George Strait.
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George Strait is arguably the most successful country musician of all time. Both from a cultural and financial perspective, the man has seemingly broken every record in the country music record book. However, Strait couldn’t have achieved this goal if it weren’t for the influential country music greats, George Jones and Merle Haggard.
George Strait Wanted To Follow in the Footsteps of Jones and Haggard
In an interview with Cowboys And Indians from just a few years ago, George Strait revealed the nuances behind his legendary career and lasting legacy.
“Staying focused and believing that what you’re doing is good [and] is important,” he told the publication. “You have to believe in yourself. I always felt like I knew what worked for me and what didn’t. That might not be the key to longevity, but who can honestly even say what might be?”
Concerning his approach to a long-lasting career, Strait cited George Jones and Merle Haggard as two major influences.
“I just always knew that I wanted a career like Merle Haggard or George Jones,” he candidly revealed. “I wanted to still be relevant when I got older. Those guys are still relevant and always will be in my book.”
This ambition to have a career as long-lasting as Jones and Haggard has certainly worked out for George Strait. Since getting his start in the late 70s, Strait has procured 18 CMA awards, 60 no. 1 songs, and a Grammy award. Consequently, George Strait has become one of the most recognizable figures in all of American culture, and likely will continue to be for years to come.
Regarding pure statistics, Strait has passed both Jones and Haggard in some regards. However, in a more important sense, Strait has joined the two, as he is considered one of the greatest country musicians of all time, just like his idols. With all that in mind, Jones and Haggard jumped so George Strait could fly.
Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
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