George Strait, affectionately known as the “King of Country Music,” has now earned the title of “King of Concerts.” On Saturday, Strait broke the record for the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history when he performed at Kyle Field, Texas A&M in College Station.
Record-Breaking Concert
Strait performed for an impressive crowd of 110,905 fans, surpassing a record held for nearly five decades by the Grateful Dead. The previous record was set in 1977 when 107,019 fans gathered at New Jersey’s Raceway Park for the Dead’s performance. According to Billboard, Strait’s concert attendance exceeded this by almost 4,000 tickets.
New Music and Special Guests
Among the audience was Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who witnessed Strait debut two new songs from his upcoming album, “Cowboys and Dreamers.” The new tracks, “MIA in MIA” and “The Little Things,” were well-received by the massive crowd.
“Unbelievable concert by the King, George Strait,” Abbott shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Largest packed house for a concert in America. Ever.”
The evening’s lineup also featured performances by Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman, setting the stage for Strait’s historic show.
George Strait’s Legacy
George Strait’s career spans over four decades, during which he has consistently championed traditional country music. Rising to fame in the 1980s, Strait has always been a stalwart of classic country sounds, a stance that endeared him to legions of fans. His smooth vocals and relatable lyrics have led to an enduring legacy in the music industry.
Strait holds numerous records, including the most No. 1 Billboard country hits and the most platinum albums by any male country artist. Despite retiring from touring in 2014, his influence on country music remains profound. Strait is the only artist to chart a top 10 hit every year for 30 consecutive years, and he boasts the most No. 1 singles across all music genres.
Unmatched Achievements
George Strait’s accomplishments are unparalleled. He has the most No. 1 albums in country music history, with 20 out of his 60 No. 1 hits contributing to this record. His global record sales exceed 120 million, making him one of the best-selling music artists ever. Strait’s catalog includes 13 multiplatinum albums and 38 gold albums. His 1992 “Pure Country” album achieved six times platinum status, and his 1995 album “Strait Out of the Box” remains his highest-certified work.