How George Strait Became the King of Country
Published May 15, 2024
George Strait — or King George as he's called — was born in the little strawberry-producin' town of Poteet, Texas. But it was in San Marcos at a little honky tonk where the legend truly began.
After serving in the Army in Hawaii, Strait came back to Texas to study at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). Most nights he played at a little dance hall called the Cheatham Street Warehouse with his band, Ace in the Hole. That's where he honed the smooth, traditional country sound that would become his trademark.
His first single, Unwound, hit the airwaves in 1981 and quickly climbed the charts. Over four decades he's had more #1 singles than any artist in any genre — 60 and counting.
If you're ever in San Marcos, stop by Cheatham Street Warehouse. It's still there, still hosting live music, and still proudly displaying its connection to the King.
