George Strait-20110825-46George Strait, now on his retirement tour, is one of the greats of country music. Combining pure country with a good measure of Texas swing, Strait had a distinctive voice and band sound, and his demeanor was always dignified and gentlemanly. I never saw him in concert, but I value his records in my collection, especially Ocean Front Property, Chill of an Early Fall, and Honkytonkville. I hope he’ll continue to make recordings in the years to come.

Florida-based writer Larry Thornberry appreciates Strait too, and has provided a nice tribute to him at The American Spectator site. It’s good reading.