George Strait?

[zombie no.one]

that name ring a bell? maybe it does, maybe you all know him. maybe I just entered a parallel universe.

but I was just reading the RIAA list of the biggest selling musical artists of all time, and this mystery guy 'George Strait' pops up at #11. he's sold more records than The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, U2, Simon & Garfunkel....

the thing is, it's not just that I've never heard any of his songs, I've literally never heard OF him... please someone else tell me they never have either, or else I think I might be going mad, or dreaming. thanks

here's that list if anyone wants to read
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2017/10/17/riaa-best-selling-artists-of-all-time/

[indianasmith]

He is one of the most popular country singers in the last 40 years.  I don't listen to country, but many of my friends do, and the man is a legend to them.

[Svengoolie 3]

I have heard the name,  don't know him at all.

Not too big into country but I kinda like Joe Bethancourt. R.I.P.

https://youtu.be/xjvNQJ8Rd9g

[Alex]

Never heard of him either. Kristi might have as she is quite into country music though.

[zombie no.one]

Never heard of him either. Kristi might have as she is quite into country music though.

well I'm not massively into country, but I do like some of it, and I'm aware of guys like Gram Parsons, Hank Williams, Jim Reeves...but apparently none of those guys come near the megastar that is George Strait!

also I'm pretty geeky about music. I used to buy NME and Melody Maker every week. also mags like Select, Uncut, Mojo, Q, Metal Hammer, Kerrang, Raw etc. every now and then. I know quite a lot about artists whose music I have no interest in...yet still never heard of him. 

[justme2013]

Never heard of him either. Kristi might have as she is quite into country music though.

You know me well And yes I've heard of him and used to listen to his music. At one point he was known to fans as King George. His wife is an actress Lisa Hartman.
I believe he is retired now but at one point he also did some acting. He was the star of the movie Pure Country

[chainsaw midget]

I don't listen to country, but I know who the guy is and have listened to a few of his songs.  It's not bad if that's the kind of thing you're into.. 

[316zombie]

he's headed back on tour soon, he'll be here  next year. tickets are mad crazy expensive!

[Allhallowsday]

Never heard of him either. Kristi might have as she is quite into country music though.

well I'm not massively into country, but I do like some of it, and I'm aware of guys like Gram Parsons, Hank Williams, Jim Reeves...but apparently none of those guys come near the megastar that is George Strait!

also I'm pretty geeky about music. I used to buy NME and Melody Maker every week. also mags like Select, Uncut, Mojo, Q, Metal Hammer, Kerrang, Raw etc. every now and then. I know quite a lot about artists whose music I have no interest in...yet still never heard of him. 

Selling more records does not make one more important than HANK WILLIAMS.  Reference to GRAM PARSONS is more towards Pop than Country music; many adherents to Country music do not embrace GRAM PARSONS (and he can't touch any sales record).  GEORGE STRAIT is probably the best selling living Country artist.  He's only 67. 

[zombie no.one]

I'm not suggesting he's more "important", I'm just amazed I've never even heard his name... he's sold more than the Rolling Stones?!

anyway. on the subject, my favourite ever country tune: (and not even by a country artist...)
http://youtu.be/9xf-_CXMqMk

[Allhallowsday]

I'm not suggesting he's more "important", I'm just amazed I've never even heard his name... he's sold more than the Rolling Stones?!

anyway. on the subject, my favourite ever country tune: (and not even by a country artist...)
http://youtu.be/9xf-_CXMqMk

Oh, don't mind me.  You're cool.  I am blessed with lots of opinions.    

I'm listening to your record now.  Z'alright.  Not a fan.  

http://youtu.be/wgBWGR0E83Y  

And to be clear, I love GRAM PARSONS. 

[justme2013]

Selling more records does not make one more important than HANK WILLIAMS.  Reference to GRAM PARSONS is more towards Pop than Country music; many adherents to Country music do not embrace GRAM PARSONS (and he can't touch any sales record).  GEORGE STRAIT is probably the best selling living Country artist.  He's only 67. 

Actually the best selling country artist is Garth Brooks, he's the top selling solo artist in the US, even ahead of Elvis. Overall he's second to the Beatles in record sales.

[zombie no.one]

^ that's another mindblower... bigger than Elvis 

but at least I've actually heard of Garth Brooks

[chainsaw midget]

^ that's another mindblower... bigger than Elvis 

but at least I've actually heard of Garth Brooks

Top selling. 

Nobody will ever be bigger than Elvis. 

[RCMerchant]

I live in Michigan...I know of George Strait.
Lots mamby pamby s**t gets more attention and sells better than other stuff because it's accepted by a larger audiance. You may hear more George Strait in a grocery store and on certain stations with elevator music- but IMHO, does not make him 'better' than Elvis or the Stones.
Kinda like why a movie with slam bang action sells more seats than an  thoughtful movie.
Or why McDonald's sells more burgers than a small wonderful diner.
Or mebbe it's just because people are stupid! I dunno!