George Strait isn't particularly known for his skills as a songwriter.
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That doesn't mean that the "Write This Down" singer isn't worthy of his induction into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has 60 No. 1 hits, including 44 songs on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
He also has 27 No. 1 albums on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, 33 platinum or multi-platinum records, and over 100 million albums sold. Strait also set the U.S. indoor concert attendance record in 2014.
The King of Country does have a few credits in the liner notes. It's just that none of his big hits have been written by him. It was songwriters like Strait's fellow inductee, Keith Gattis, who led audiences to the Texan's decades of albums and sold-out concerts.
So Strait did what any thankful artist would do and paid tribute to Gattis the best way he knew how, with a performance of one of his Gattis' songs.
Keith Gattis Co-Wrote One of George Strait's Hits
Gattis was a prolific songwriter. In addition to penning hits for Strait, he also wrote songs for fellow Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Miranda Lambert. Willie Nelson, George Jones, Randy Travis, and Kenny Chesney are also on his resume.
Unfortunately, Gattis died in April 2023 at the age of 52 due to a tractor accident.
Strait could have performed any of his own songs at his induction into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame. But he chose to cover one of the hits Gattis wrote for him: "I Got a Car."
If you're having trouble remembering that one, that's ok. It wasn't a big hit for Strait. Released in 2013, the song peaked at #17 on the US Country Airplay chart.
Considering that Gattis couldn't be there to accept his honor, Strait once again proved why he is one of the classiest guys in country.
It's Another Huge Honor for George Strait
Back in December, Strait received a Kennedy Center Honor for his long, distinguished career in the arts.
"My whole story, I think, is kind of unbelievable," he said at the time. "I just wouldn't have ever believed that I would be standing here right now at the Kennedy Center."
