George Strait is known as the King of Country, and justifiably so. But throughout his rise to country super-stardom, he's had a lot of really unique experiences. Read on to find out 21 facts betcha didn't know about George Strait! George eloped his high school sweetheart, Norma in Mexico on December 4, 1971. Shortly after eloping, he enlisted in the Army. In 1992, George played the main character in a film called Pure Country. He also released the film's soundtrack, which is his most successful album. When George was stationed in Hawaii, he got his start playing music with the Army-sponsored band Rambling Country. Rambling Country would often play off-base, and when they did they were known as Santee. After being honorably discharged, George received a degree in agriculture from Southwest Texas State University. Upon completing college, George started a country group in Texas known as Ace in the Hole, who played their first show in 1975. Ace in the Hole's first tour van was recently put on display in San Marcos, TX, where George played his first show with the group. Merle Haggard is one of George's biggest influences. George was in a male/female country group known as Country Kings. Country Kings fired George after a gig, stating that he 'wasn't country enough', and that his heart wasn't really in country music. Well, I think it's safe to say he showed them! His first solo contract was with MCA Records in 1981. George has earned 60 number 1 hits, which is unprecedented in country music history. In 1996, George wrote a song 'Blue Clear Sky' inspired by a line from Forrest Gump. Harvey is the name of George Strait's grandson. On George's final tour in 2013, he was joined on a portion of it by his former 11-member band Ace in the Hole. His final show in Arlington, TX was in front of 104,793 fans, making it the largest attendance at a single-show concert in the US. Norma and George have a son, George Strait, Jr... but they call him Bubba. George had a daughter who was sadly killed in an auto accident in 1986. She was just 13 years old. George is an avid NBA watcher, and is regularly seen sitting court side at San Antonio Spurs games. George is a pilot and owns his own jet. So you can probably see now why George is the ultimate King of Country, right? Thought so. Love George Strait? FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST FOR GEORGE STRAIT LYRICS AND QUOTES If you are a big George Strait fan, you have to check out Country Rebel's George Strait Pinterest Boards for his best George Strait quotes, song lyrics, sayings and country music videos. We have I Cross My Heart Lyrics to Pin, I Cross My Heart Quotes, and tons of the best George Strait quotes you will absolutely want to save and share. Follow Country Rebel | Music - Clothing's board George Strait Songs on Pinterest Follow Country Rebel on Twitter for Latest News! Follow @CountryRebelCo