What Makes George Strait the King of Country

George Strait turns 68 years old today. Everyone these days knows him as the "King of Country", but how did he get that title? And what separates the icon from his peers? Here are a few things that put George Strait in a class of his own.

George got his first hit on the country charts with Unwound in 1981. It was the beginning of a dominant run for Strait, who to date, has 87, yes 87 top 10 hits on the Billboard Country Charts. That's second only to Eddy Arnold, who had 92 songs hit the top 10 in his career.

Amarillo By Morning just may be the most beloved George Strait song, and that's saying something. If you look at most "best of" polls online, this song tops the list more than any other.

George Strait was also the king of the punchline. Not only does he have some Ocean Front Property for you in Arizona, but he's also steering clear of Texas, because of his exes. Smart thinking, George!

Not only did he score his 11th straight number one chart-topping single with Ace in the Hole, but he was also in a band with the same name as the legendary song. Strait was the lead singer of the band, The Ace in the Hole Band before going solo in the early '80s. I think it's safe to say he made the right decision.

George Strait songs just have a way of putting you in a good mood. There's nothing better than listening to this one with the top down on a cloudless day.