George Strait; Photo Credit: Terry Calonge
GEORGE STRAIT FIRST COUNTRY ARTIST TO RECEIVE BILLBOARD‘S LEGEND OF LIVE AWARD
Billboard Recognizes Honor with Largest Ever 60-Plus Page Spotlight Issue; On Stands Today
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — George Strait
has always pushed the envelope in his illustrious 30-plus year career
and as he prepares to embark on the final leg of his record-breaking
U.S. tour, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, and celebrates his 60th No. 1 single, he is continuing to expand on that foundation. In November, Billboard Magazine will honor him with their Legend of Live Award at the Billboard Touring Awards in New York City making him the first-ever country music singer to receive the award.
The Legend of Live Award is Billboard’s highest
accolade, honoring individuals or bands who have made significant and
lasting contributions to live music and the touring business. Previous
honorees include Neil Diamond, Sir Elton John, The Allman Brothers,
Journey and Rush among others.
Sharing his excitement with Billboard, Strait says,
“There’s nothing more rewarding than performing in front of a sold out,
pumped-up, loud crowd. That’s what keeps us coming back. I love it.”
In celebration, this week’s edition of Billboard is
the largest ever spotlight issue with a 60-plus page cover story
(hitting stands today; Aug. 24 issue date). The feature offers a rare
interview with Strait who talks about his career from his early days in
Texas honky-tonks to the upcoming final shows of The Cowboy Rides Away Tour.
The tribute includes in-depth stories on Strait’s record-setting
success as a recording artist and touring performer with comments from
his label, manager, promoter, producer, one of his key songwriters and
more. The issue also features exclusive recaps of Strait’s achievements
on the Hot Country Songs chart and the Billboard Boxscore touring chart
as well as favorite Strait memories from a host of Nashville stars.
Tour dates for the 2014 leg of The Cowboy Rides Away Tour are expected to be announced this fall.
