George Strait will be honored at the upcoming CMA Awards. The 72-year-old will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, given to an “iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country music,” per a press release. Strait will also be honored with a star-studded performance of artists paying tribute to his music career, which has spanned more than 40 years.
“There have been few other artists as authentically Texas and authentically country as George Strait, and country music fans all over the world have been better for it,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and the most nominated artist of all time, he serves as an inspiration and icon to many of the great, new artists we know today. I am thrilled we are awarding him with this deserving honor.”
Strait has indeed far surpassed what any other artist has been able to do in country music, or in any other genre. The Texan is the only artist in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for three decades. To date, Strait has sold more than 70 million albums, and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards. Strait has recorded 31 studio albums, three live albums and 11 compilation albums. In addition, the Country Music Hall of Fame member is the most-nominated artist in the history of the CMA Awards, with 83 total nominations, winning 17 CMA Awards throughout his career, including three Entertainer of the Year trophies.
Other artists who have received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include Willie Nelson in 2012, followed by Kenny Rogers in 2013, Johnny Cash in 2015, Dolly Parton in 2016, Kris Kristofferson in 2019, Charley Pride in 2020, Loretta Lynn in 2021 and Alan Jackson in 2022.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Messina Touring Group
Strait’s career is still going strong, even after all these years. The King of Country Music, who will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025, just released a new album, Cowboys and Dreamers, in September. He also recently set a new attendance record, with 110,905 tickets sold, at his show at A&M’s Kyle Field.
“I’ve always said I’ve got the best fans in the world and Saturday night at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas says it all,” Strait said of his accomplishment. “Thanks to Parker McCollum and Catie Offerman who were both a huge part of that night and thanks to all of you Aggies out there who made this happen. What a special place!! I will always remember you.”
Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson will host the CMA Awards ceremony together this year. The 2024 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 20, on ABC. The ceremony will also stream on Hulu the next day.
Find Cowboys and Dreamers and all of Strait’s music and upcoming shows at GeorgeStrait.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Messina Touring Group