How much is George Strait worth?
| Net Worth: | $300 Million |
|---|---|
| Profession: | Professional Singer |
| Date of Birth: | May 18, 1952 (age 70) |
| Country: | United States of America |
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
About George Strait
George Strait is an American country music singer as well as being a songwriter, actor and producer. Born in Poteet, Texas on May 8th 1952. The singer, known as the ‘King of Country’ is regarded as one of the most influential and famous artists off all time. Known for bringing country music back to its roots and taking it away from the pop-country era of the eighties.
At the height of his career, it is estimated that Strait earned income equal to a salary of $40-50 million dollars per year.
Growing up in Pearsall, in Frio County with his father, a mathematics teacher in junior high and the proprietor of a two thousand acre cattle ranch, George Harvey Strait attended Pearsall High School which is where he first showed an interest in music. He first ventured into music by joining a rock ‘n’ roll Garage Band, a raw, energetic style that was popular in the sixties.
George often listened to the famous artists of the time, including the Beatles, while he was growing up. Still, he turned to country music when the likes of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzel, Frank Sinatra, George Jones and others began to influence his style. Rarely listening to country music radio, he instead introduced himself to the scene by attending the many live performances that were taking place in towns all over Texas.
The top-selling artist enlisted in the military joining as an infantryman in 1971, after eloping with childhood sweetheart, Norma Voss. It was while based at Scholfield Barracks in Hawaii that he started performing with ‘Rambling Country,’ a military-sponsored band.
It was while Strait and his wife Norma were still in Hawaii, that she gave birth to their first child, Jennifer. Achieving the rank of Corporal, George Strait served in the army between 1971 to 1975. After leaving the military in 1975 Strait attended Southwest Texas State University where he gained his degree in agriculture.
After being turned down by what seemed every record label in Nashville, Strait considered giving up the idea of ever making it in the business altogether. After taking up a job offer to design cattle pens and giving notice to the band, Stoney Ridge, who he was playing with at the time, his wife Norma persuaded him to give music just one more year. Taking his wife’s advice paid off when in February 1981, Strait signed a recording contract with MCA.
The first single, ‘Unwound,’ was a success, making it to number six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. The song was included on Strait’s first album, ‘Strait Country,’ along with another two released singles, ‘Down and Out,’ which reached number 16 and ‘If You’re Thinking You want a Stranger,’ peaking at number three in the States. Hailed by critics as a traditionalist breakthrough, the album ‘Strait Country’ peaked at number six on the US Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. It was certified platinum after sales of over one million copies.
George Strait released his second album in 1982. The critically acclaimed recording, ‘Strait From The Heart,’ included the singers’ first number one hit ‘Fool Hearted Memory,’ as well as ‘Amarillo By Morning,’ which reached number five. Seven further albums were released during the eighties, and Strait recorded seventeen subsequent number ones during this period. By the year 1984, it is estimated that his net worth was close to $5-6 million dollars (not adjusted for inflation).
The release of his greatest hits compilation on March 4th 1985, coincided with CMA’s award for top male vocalist. ‘Something Special’ was the singers fifth album and third consecutive number one. Five more albums were released during the decade, as well as the second volume of greatest hits and a Christmas album. Barring the Christmas recording, which made it to number seventeen in the US Country charts, all the other records made it to the top spot.
Tthe American Country singer has amassed his fortune over a career spanning forty years. The first single, Unwound, released in the spring of 1981, was the springboard to a career that has seen the award-winning artist sell an incredible one hundred million records.
‘Strait Country’ was the moment he gained the recognition that his unique style warranted. The album, which contained his first number one hit, gained platinum status, as did the following release, Strait From The Heart. Right Or Wrong was the first number one album and the one that set off a tally of eight consecutive number ones, on the US Top county Albums.
Easy Come Easy Go, the singers’ fourteenth album, gained double-platinum recognition and number two in the Country Charts. Eight consecutive number one albums followed between 1983 and 1990, two of which made triple platinum, the other two double. Following on from 1990 to the present day, the singer has been awash with success. Fifteen number one studio albums, two number one compilation albums and sales that have amassed a fortune for the American country singer.
With country music in the realms of what was known as the ‘Pop Country Era, ‘ during the eighties, George Strait could have been seen as taking a risk by trying to bring it back to its roots. It was a risk that paid off and was embraced by millions of country music fans around the world. His neotraditionalist style has seen him gain award after award from the top awarding bodies in the industry.
It was in the very early eighties that George Strait nearly gave it up before it had even begun. It was his wife Norma that encouraged him to give it one more year, and we thank her for that because, without her support and belief in her husband, we would have missed out on something exceptional.
Strait’s Total Net Worth
George Strait has earned estimated total career income of $450 million dollars. He earned a reported $100 million in three years during the Strait Tours. He also earned $15 million in 2005 for 18 shows. As well as made the highest-grossing single-show concert earnings, $18-19 million dollars for a single performance in Arlington.
As Strait lives in the state of Texas, he will have had to pay around 43% in taxes on his career income. That is, considering he earned large sums while federal tax rates were higher. After tax, it is estimated that his career earnings are at around $256.5 million dollars, having paid $193.5 million dollars in taxes.
George Strait married Norma Strait in 1971 and they remain together. Their first born, Jenifer Strait, died as a teenager but they still have their son together, George Strait Jr.. In his personal life he has likely spent $10 million dollars of his career earnings but also earned $65 million dollars from his investments. He will have also had to pay around $10-12 million dollars in business costs, outside of his recording deals. Therefore, it is estimated that George Strait has a net worth of about $300 million dollars.
Summing-Up
A corporal in the army, and a major player in the country music scene. A resilience that has seen him amass millions in a career that has spanned over four decades. Knockback after knockback in his early days in Nashville would have seen many weaker willed men call it a day. Thankfully George Strait didn’t. With his wife’s advice and his undoubted talent, the son of a mathematics teacher from Texas has given joy to millions.
