Walt's Vinyl Albums
Walt's Vinyl Albums is about vinyl albums from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. I have rebranded and changed the name from Vinyl Bound. In it, I explore the creation of some of the most iconic albums ever created. Just like before, I dive deep into the passion behind the music. Welcome.
Walt's Vinyl Albums
George Strait, The King of Country Music's Most Pivotal Album
George Strait had already established himself as country music royalty by 1987, but what happened behind the scenes of his landmark "Oceanfront Property" album reveals a depth of character and resilience few artists have ever demonstrated.
Just three months before entering the studio, Strait experienced the devastating loss of his 13-year-old daughter Jennifer in a car accident. In the face of unimaginable grief, he made two decisions that would define his career: to continue making music while retreating almost entirely from public life. "I just didn't feel like talking about it, so I quit," Strait later revealed in a rare 2017 interview. "If it's going to cost me my career, then so be it, but it's the only way I'm going to be able to cope with it."
What followed defied all industry logic. Without the promotional interviews and media appearances considered essential for success, "Oceanfront Property" became the first country album ever to debut at #1 on Billboard's charts. This historic achievement kicked off an unprecedented run of success - 11 consecutive #1 singles across four chart-topping albums between 1986-1989. All while Strait maintained his authentic neo-traditional sound during an era when pop-country crossovers dominated Nashville.
The album's impact reverberates beyond its commercial milestones. Strait channeled his personal tragedy into establishing the Jennifer Lynn Strait Foundation, supporting children's charities throughout San Antonio. His commitment to authenticity - both musically and personally - created a blueprint for generations of artists who value artistic integrity over celebrity. With over 120 million albums sold worldwide and the most platinum certifications of any artist in history, George Strait's legacy reminds us that true greatness often emerges from our darkest moments. Listen now to discover how the King of Country Music turned grief into his most enduring masterpiece.
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Welcome back to Walt's Vinyl Albums, where we dive deep into the stories behind music legends and their timeless albums. Today we're spotlighting a country music icon, george Strait, and a pivotal moment in his career that led to creating one of the most influential albums in country music history Oceanfront Property. Released on January 12th of 1987 by MCA Records, oceanfront Property. It's not only marked George Strait's seventh studio album, but also achieved a monumental milestone by debuting at number one on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. This was the first for any album in that genre. Its impact was so profound that it earned a two-times multi-platinum certification by the RIAA and secured its place as the fifth greatest album in country music on CMT's list in 2006.
Speaker 1:Now, just in case you were living in a cave or born under a rock, george Harvey Strait Sr was born on May 18, 1952. He is a luminary in country music, renowned for his neo-traditional style, authentic cowboy image and roots-oriented sound. At a time when country pop crossover acts dominated the Nashville music scene, strait stayed true to his roots, earning him the title of King of Country Music. His influence on the genre is undeniable, holding record for the most number one songs across all music charts. However, before the creation of Oceanfront Property.
Speaker 1:Tragedy struck the Strait family. In 1986, george's 13-year-old daughter, jennifer, lost her life in a devastating one-car accident in Texas. The incident, which was not alcohol-related, was caused by excessive speed. Jennifer, who was riding in the front passenger seat without a seatbelt, was partially ejected from the vehicle when it flipped, leading to her tragic death. This heartbreak event led George Strait to withdraw from the public eye, significantly limiting his media interactions for many years. Despite the immense personal loss, george channeled his grief into his music. Just three months after the accident, he entered the studio to begin recording Oceanfront Property. The album not only served as a testament to Strait's resilience, but also as a pivotal point in his career, reinforcing his place in the hearts of country music bands worldwide. George Strait's journey marked by both profound loss and remarkable achievements. Ocean Front Property stands as a beacon of Strait's enduring legacy in the music world. The loss of his daughter, jennifer Strait, was a devastating blow for George Strait and his family In their darkest hour. They found a way to honor Jennifer's memory by establishing the Jennifer Lynn Strait Foundation. This foundation supports children's charities throughout the San Antonio area, turning a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for many. Though its support of children's charity. The foundation embodies Strait's dedication to his community and his daughter's memory, reinforcing his impact beyond the music industry and into the realm of philanthropy. However, the impact of this tragedy extended beyond their philanthropic efforts.
Speaker 1:George Strait, known for his private nature, made a significant decision that would shape the rest of his career. He chose to step back from the public eye, deciding to rarely, if ever, give interviews. George's choice to remain in San Marcos, despite his skyrocketing fame, was a testament to his desire for a normal life away from the relentless media spotlight. The constant barrage of questions about his daughter's death made him retreat even further, opting for silence over the potential pain of public discourse. In a rare 2017 interview with the New Yorker, george opened up about his decision, saying I just didn't feel like talking about it, so I quit. I did want to keep singing, absolutely, but I was at the point where I'm like, all right, if I'm going to do, if it's going to cost me my career, then so be it, but it's the only way I'm going to be able to cope with it. It wasn't an international thing, it just kind of turned out the way it did. He said you know, georgeorge straight put up with a lot losing his daughter. It was devastating for him and his wife and his family and I believe that was the one reason, out of many smaller reasons, that his album was so successful because he went in there with the heartbreak and the passion and the resilience and the strength to put together that album so soon after his daughter's demise.
Speaker 1:His choice to prioritize his well-being and privacy over the conventional routes of music promotion was indeed a bold move, especially in a time before the internet. A bold move, especially in a time before the internet. Yet his fans' unwavering support even to this day and his undeniable talent even to this day ensured his place in the pantheon of country music legends. George Strait poured his soul into that album, resulting in a remarkable streak of success. From 1986 to 1989, he released 11 straight number one hits, starting with Nobody in His Right Mind Would Ever have Left Her. This streak of hits spanned across four albums, each of which climbed to the number one spot on country music album charts. Oceanfront Property, released in 1987, made history by being the first country album to debut at number one. We're talking about the album now. This streak included unforgettable songs like All my Exes Live in Texas and Baby Blue. George Strait didn't just stop there. He ended the decade by winning the CMA Entertainer of the Year Award in 1989 and again the following year.
Speaker 1:You know people deal with loss in different ways. Studies suggest that fathers in particular might throw themselves into work or activities moving forward in an unusual fast pace. It seems George Strait found solace in his music, allowing him to process his grief while reaching unparalleled professional milestones. Allowing him to process his grief while reaching unparalleled professional milestones. In a not-so-far-off sad turn of events, irv Woolsey, the legendary manager who played a pivotal role in George Strait's career for over five decades, passed away in March of 2024. Woolsey passed away at the age of 80 after complications from surgery. His legacy in shaping country music through his work with artists like Leanne Womack and Dierks Bentley, will not be forgotten. George Strait's journey through adversity, powered by his undeniable talent and the support of figures like Irv Wolsley, is a story of resilience that continues to inspire his music, marked by personal triumphs and tribulations, and it resonates with fans around the world.
Speaker 1:George Strait's impact on country music extends far beyond his success in the records that he set. His style and approach to music have influenced a generation of artists by adhering strictly to traditional country sounds and themes, strait countered the prevailing trends of his time, which leaned heavily towards pop and rock influences within the country music scene. This steadfast commitment not only carved a niche for Strait, but also provided a blueprint for future artists who sought to preserve the traditional aspects of the genre. Beyond the music itself, george Strait's approach to fame and handling his personal life have also set a standard. His choice to live away from the spotlight, remaining in Texas rather than moving to Nashville, speaks to a value system that prioritizes authenticity and privacy over celebrity. This choice has endured him to his fans, who see in Strait not just a musical icon, but a figure of genuine character, a normal human being like you and I. I imagine if George Strait was walking down the street and you were walking on the same sidewalk and you went to pass him, he would probably say howdy, just like the rest of us, treat us. And we would treat him just like a normal human being.
Speaker 1:As Strait's career continued into the 21st century, his relevance and influence did not wane. Albums like Twang in 2009 and here for a Good Time in 2011, continued to receive critical acclaim and commercial success, proving that enduring appeal of Strait's music. His Cowboy Rides Away tour, which marked his retirement from touring, sold out stadiums across the country, underscoring the deep connection between Strait and his fans. George Strait also had another particular talent. His approach to touring was innovative. He introduced a 360-degree configuration, bringing a festival-style atmosphere to his concerts, which significantly contributed to the Strait tour's earning $99 million in three years. His final concert of the Cowboy Rides Away tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, texas set a new record for the largest indoor concert in North America, drawing an audience of 104,793 people. Amazing. His tour's final show, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, texas, in 2014, was a historic event in country music. It featured a who's who of country music stars as special guests, insulating the high regard in which Strait is held by his peers. This event also set a record for the largest indoor concert in North America, a fitting accolade for the king of country music.
Speaker 1:George Strait's decision to continue recording and releasing music even after stepping down from touring has allowed him to maintain a presence in the industry country music. George Strait's decision to continue recording and releasing music even after stepping down from touring has allowed him to maintain a presence in the industry. His 2019 album Honky Tonk Time Machine debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Album Charts, proving that his music remains as relevant and beloved as ever. Throughout his career, strait has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He holds the RIAA record for the most certified platinum albums by any artist, with 33 certified platinum albums, and has received countless awards, including four American Music Awards, 15 Country Music Association Awards and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2002, he earned the ACM's Gene Weed Award for Special Achievement, recognizing his record-breaking 50 number one singles.
Speaker 1:His legacy is not in just the records he broke or the awards that he won, but in his influence on generations of country music artists and fans. His steadfast commitment to his roots and his ability to convey genuine emotion through his music has cemented his status as a country music icon. As we look to the future, it's clear that George Strait's legacy will continue to influence and inspire. His timeless music, character and contribution to the community have cemented his status as a true icon. George Strait's journey from a young artist influenced by the greats of country music to become the king of country himself is a story of talent, perseverance and integrity, and I can tell you.
Speaker 1:If you own that album, ocean's Front Property, like I do, you will be well served to play it over and over. It is one of his greatest accomplishments. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and a reminder of the enduring power of staying true to one's roots and values. George Strait's legacy is not just one of musical achievement, but of the profound impact one person can have through authenticity, generosity and commitment to their art and community and family and, I believe, most of all, commitment to God. Thank you for joining me today as I explored the story behind Ocho Front Property. I'm Waltz Vinyl Albums and don't forget to like, subscribe or whatever it is you need to do. That way you can hit the notification bell as I deep dive into the legends of music. As always, remember to spend those albums loudly and proudly. I will see you next time I'm out.