More Metal for King George

12/19/2007 Stephen L. Betts   George Strait's double album, 50 Number Ones, released in 2004, has been certified seven-times platinum for shipments of 3.5 million copies. Both discs are counted individually toward the certification total. George released 22 More Hits in November. His 1995 four-CD set, Strait Out of the Box, remains his best seller, at eight-times platinum. His 2008 arena tour begins Jan. 10 in Austin, Texas. Just one month later, on Feb. 10, George is up for two Grammy Awards: Best Country Album for It Just Comes Natural, and Best Male Country Vocal for his hit “Give It Away.” “What an honor to be nominated for two Grammys,” he says. “I’m looking forward to the evening.”  The track is also nominated for Best Country Song, but if it wins the award will go to its writers, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson. In spite of countless other honors, George Strait has never won a Grammy. The 50th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on CBS-TV from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.