The King of Country Music, George Strait, to Receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 CMA Awards

Trying to sum up George Strait's career and legacy is a wholly impossible task.

Spanning more than four decades and creeping into nearly every corner of the world, his musicianship and authentic Texas country twang have been at the forefront of the country genre for as long as we can remember.

A truly unrivaled career, that boasts a jaw-dropping 60 No. 1 hit songs, a staggering 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum records and more sold-out, record-setting shows than we can count, it's hard to think how much more of a mark the Country Music and Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer can add to list of career achievements.

Yet, somehow, there's still more room on the mantel for the King of Country Music as he's been named the 2024 recipient of the CMA's Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Given only to iconic artists who have attained the highest degree of recognition in country music, Strait joins a list of who's who that includes Willie Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), Loretta Lynn (2021) and Alan Jackson (2022).

Meant to recognize those who have achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales and public representation at the highest level, the honorees have notably and positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years and proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.

Strait has become the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for more than three decades, helping him secure one of country music’s most decorated careers with three CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards. Notching 17 CMA Award wins in total, the Texas troubadour is the most-nominated artist with 83 total CMA nominations throughout the duration of his career thus far.

“There have been few other artists as authentically Texas and authentically country as George Strait, and country music fans all over the world have been better for it,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and the most nominated artist of all time, he serves as an inspiration and icon to many of the great, new artists we know today. I am thrilled we are awarding him with this deserving honor.”

The King will be on hand during the star-studded evening as fans and artists alike gather to celebrate and honor the genre's biggest achievements from the past year. Taking over Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and hosted by the trio of Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning, the show will air on ABC on Wednesday, November 20th at 7pm CT.

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