"Hey George, they asked me to come out here and present you with this and I was honored to do so. I think I speak for most all country singles, guys especially, that have been around for the last 25 years, or maybe not that long but a long time, since the early '80s, 'cause you inspired so many of us, including me. And you're just a class act and always have been."
"What I like about you -- I'll tell you what this is in a minute, but you know, you never had to tear holes in your jeans or grow a goatee or anything, you don't follow any trends." (Cheers from audience) "You don't have to because I figured out you're just naturally cool, you're just naturally cool."
"So anyway, the Academy of Country Music wants to honor Mr. George Strait with the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award for 50 #1 singles and great songs they were. Congratulations." Alan handed George the award, a bowl that George said he knew his wife would like.
Strait concluded his acceptance speech with a promise that all of his fans were aching to hear.
Perhaps it's the sincerity with which Strait delivers a song or maybe it's the reticent superstar's lack of flash and glitz that so many fans relate to. Whatever the case, his popularity is undeniable. Strait began his remarkable recording career 22 years ago with the release of Strait Country. To date, he has sold over 58 million records and is the #1 RIAA certified country artist with 26 platinum records. His most recent live CD, For the Last Time, Live From the Astrodome, (released February, 2003) marked the historic final concert at Houston's Astrodome and landed the #2 spot on the Billboard sales chart its first week out. His last studio release, The Road Less Traveled (released November, 2001) spawned three number one singles and was certified platinum by the RIAA. "She'll Leave You With A Smile" from that disc was Strait's 50th #1 radio single, a career achievement that surpasses every other single artist.
