George Strait is in a rarefied category all by himself. He and his music are truly loved by country fans everywhere. What he has done in his amazing career and continues to do is the very definition of the genre. Per his bio on the Country Music Hall of Fame web site, "The Texas traditionalist is one of the most successful, enduring, and influential recording artists in any field." A proponent of honky-tonk and western swing, Strait leans toward being low-key and understated rather than going for over-the-top brashness. He could definitely be classified as a traditionalist who is also refreshingly contemporary.
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He notched 44 chart-topping country hits. Strait has more platinum- and gold-certified albums than anyone in the industry except the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
If you like George Strait, you may also like these vocalists who are reminiscent of his style, per lost. fm. Country music performers Mark Chesnutt, Clint Black, Keith Whitley, and Brooks & Dunn might be ideal additions to your playlist.
Mark Chesnutt
Described on his web site as a "honky-tonk legend," Chesnutt is a traditionalist who has made a considerable mark on the genre. "He has 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records to his credit...." Chesnutt's hits include "It Sure Is Monday," "Brother Jukebox," "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing," and "Almost Goodbye."
Clint Black
A genuine traditionalist, Black rejects gimmicks and fads in favor of what will endure. Per his web site, he said, "I try to make records that don't fit into a trend. I never wanted to start a trend, and I'm not going to chase a trend, either. To me, a great band will always sound great, today and in ten years. If you listen to this record, it's not about fitting into today's country, or yesterday's country, or tomorrow's country, it just is." Black's hits include "A Better Man," "Killin' Time," "A Good Run Of Bad Luck," and "Loving Blind."
Keith Whitley
Whitley died tragically young at the age of 34, but his brief country career was nevertheless impressive. He was deeply and truly passionate about his music. Per the Country Music Hall of Fame web site, he said, "Songs I do have to strike an emotional chord the first time I sing them. It's not uncommon for me to get so wrapped up in a song that I cry several times when I sing them." Among Whitley's hits are "I'm No Stranger to the Rain," "Don't Close Your Eyes," and "I Wonder Do You Think of Me."
Brooks & Dunn
The numbers tell the tale of this country duo's epic success over the years. Per their web site, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have sold in excess of 30 million albums, won more Grammys, CMA and ACM awards than any mantel could hold, and had 20 chart-topping hits. Tracks such as "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "My Maria," and "Hillbilly Deluxe" assured their place in country music history - and in fans' hearts.
