NASHVILLE, TN. (Universal records/ Country
Music Association) -
George Strait's new MCA release, "50 Number Ones," has landed him in the No 1 position on Billboard's Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts, beating out R&B sensation
Usher by over 7,000 units. With sales of 342,969 units this week, it marks the highest debut of Strait's illustrious 22-year recording career.
Ironically, as "I Hate Everything," Strait's current single and the only new song off his 2 CD set, jumps to No 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles and Tracks Chart this week, it becomes his 51st No 1 and leaves Strait with the unique problem of giving his fans more number one hits than they bargained for.
"This is the kind of problem you want to have," laughed Strait. "Country radio has been great to me my whole career. I can't thank those folks enough for making my album title a lie. It's because of their support and the great fans that I'm lucky enough to be able to make music and celebrate this milestone in my career."
"The success of this album is just another testimony to the continued vitality of an amazing career," said Luke Lewis, Co-Chairman Universal Music Group Nashville. "It is an honor for all of us at Universal Music to be associated with an artist that exhibits such enduring talent."
Ben Kline, Sr. VP Sales and Marketing UMG Nashville, called the record- breaking first week of album sales, "A huge week that exceeded our biggest projections. These numbers certainly cement George's place as one of the most important artists in any genre of music."
Strait also scored big ratings for his CMT television special. More than 8.4 million viewers tuned in to CMT's George Strait programming over the weekend (Oct. 9 and 10). CMT's brand new interview special, GEORGE STRAIT: CMT INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION was the week's top rated show among viewers age 18-49.
GEORGE STRAIT: CMT INSIDER SPECIAL EDITION contains an exclusive television interview with Strait as well as interviews with Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Buffett.
This year the Country Music Association has again honored George Strait with a nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. George Strait holds the CMA's all-time record for the most nominations with a total of 73 and has taken home 15 awards throughout his career including five Male Vocalist statues.
The awards show airs live on November 9 on CBS. On January 3, fans will get a chance to see George Strait live in person as he kicks off his U.S. Tour in Charlotte, NC. The 19-city tour will run throughout March 3.
