George Strait Garners 82nd Top 10 Hit

King of Country George Strait has accomplished what no other artist in the history of the Billboard charts has – 30 years of consecutive Top 10 hits. With his current single, “I Gotta Get to You,” reaching the No. 9 spot on Billboard’s radio airplay list, Strait’s number of Top 10 hits totals 82 and marks 2010 as the historic 30th year milestone.

“It just continues to be one heck of a ride that I'm enjoying every minute of,” said Strait. “Time does fly when you’re having fun. Thanks to all of my fans for their support. Long live Country Music!”
 
Strait landed his first Top 10 in 1981 with his first charting single, "Unwound."
 
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Strait has the most No. 1 singles of any artist in history. He has sold more than 68.5 million records and has the most RIAA platinum certifications in Country Music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley.
 
Strait’s more recent CD, Twang, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait's career that a new release has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.
 
Named the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade last year, George Strait is nominated this year for ACM Entertainer of the Year for the 12th time and Top Male Vocalist for the 20th time, bringing his all-time record to 81 ACM nominations.