George Strait recently revealed his secret to longevity.
In a new interview with Cowboys And Indians Magazine, the “King of Country Music” shared what has driven his long-standing career.
“Staying focused and believing that what you’re doing is good is important; you have to believe in yourself,” Strait told the magazine. “I always felt like I knew what worked for me and what didn’t. That might not be the key to longevity – but who can honestly even say what might be? I just always knew that I wanted a career like Merle Haggard or George Jones. I wanted to still be relevant when I got older. Those guys are still relevant and always will be in my book.”
Besides discussing his secret to longevity, Strait teased a potential documentary about his iconic career.
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When asked if he’s ever thought about writing a memoir or making a movie about his career, Strait told Cowboys And Indians Magazine he’d “given serious thought to a documentary.” The only problem, Strait said, is that he tends to “procrastinate these days.”
“Right now a thought is all it is,” Strait admitted, adding he “had not thought about [making] a movie.”
Although Strait may not quite be ready to make a documentary about his career, he is working on a new project. In the same interview, Strait said he’s getting ready to release a new album.
“I like making records and plan on doing another one soon,” he told the magazine. “I’m narrowing down my song choices now. I’ve always said I’m a melody guy. A great melody can sell a song the best. A great lyric with a lousy melody maybe not so much, but a great lyric along with a great melody is obviously what you’re looking to create.”
Later in the interview, Strait indicated he’s teaming up with his longtime collaborator, Dean Dillon on his latest project.
“I think he’s the best melody guy in the business. His lyrics are great as well, so there you go. There is no specific message or mood that I’ll be shooting for. I just want to put together a bunch of good songs that stand out individually,” the “Amarillo By Morning” singer said of working with Dillon.
In addition to Dillon, Strait also has a very special collaborator on his new album, his 41-year-old son, Bubba (George Harvey Strait Jr.). Strait told the magazine that Bubba has been involved in the songwriting process for his record.
“It’s been great to see Bubba get into songwriting, guitar, and performing,” he gushed. “I love writing with him and we’ll have some new things for the next record.”
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In the meantime, while Strait finishes up his next record, he’s getting ready to hit the road for a mini stadium trek with fellow country artist, Chris Stapleton. The eight-date tour runs from May 6 to Aug. 5 with stops in Arizona, Ohio, Seattle, and more.
“I love George’s shows. There’s nothing to compare it to,” Stapleton said of Strait in a clip posted to Instagram. “I love doing these shows with George probably more than anything. It’s really fun. It feels like a good thing all the way around. And, when the fans are winning, we’re winning.”
“When we talked about doing these shows next year with Chris, it was a no-brainer,” Strait agreed. “For me, I was all in. I love working with Chris, it’s a whole lot of fun,” he said.
For more information about Strait’s 2023 mini stadium trek with Stapleton or to buy tickets, click HERE.
