Twenty-five years ago today, George Strait went to No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart with his first studio album of the 2000s.

These three songs, all written by Dean Dillon, helped George Strait become a major superstar in country music.

Entertainer of the Year Strait poses backstage with his trophy at the CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 6, 2013. Photo by Terry Wyatt/UPI Terry Wyatt/UPI Celebrate the ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.

George Strait has been one of country music’s most consistent hit makers for decades, but he was just another young singer looking for a break on Sept. 4, 1981. That’s the day he released his debut ...