Introduction
4 of George Strait’s Most Pivotal Early Hits That You Might Have Forgotten About
By Gayle Thompson
January 11, 2026 – 12:00 pm
George Strait has spent more than four decades standing at the very center of country music, earning a legacy few artists in any genre can rival. Known around the world as the King of Country Music, Strait has released dozens of No. 1 singles, sold tens of millions of records, and shaped the sound of modern country without ever chasing trends. Yet before the sold-out stadiums and record-breaking charts, there were a handful of early songs that quietly—but decisively—set his career in motion.
Some of these tracks remain staples today, while others are often overshadowed by his later hits. Still, each played a crucial role in establishing George Strait’s identity, sound, and staying power. Here are four early songs that proved pivotal to everything that followed.
“Unwound” (1981)
“Unwound” wasn’t just another debut single—it was the song that introduced George Strait to country radio. Released in 1981 on his first album, Strait Country, the track was written by Dean Dillon and Frank Dycus. At the time, Dillon was already an established songwriter, and Strait was largely unknown.
Ironically, “Unwound” was originally written with Johnny Paycheck in mind, who was enjoying major success then. Dillon later admitted that giving such a strong song to an untested artist felt risky.
“In those days, you didn’t give your top drawer stuff to an unknown artist,” Dillon told Songwriter Universe. “You pitched them to Jones or Haggard or Cash, Dolly or Loretta.”
Yet Strait ended up recording not just “Unwound,” but several Dillon songs on his debut album. That trust paid off. “Unwound” climbed into the Top 10, immediately signaling that a new traditionalist voice had arrived—one who could balance heartbreak, grit, and authenticity with ease.
“Amarillo By Morning” (1983)
Few songs are more closely associated with George Strait than “Amarillo By Morning,” yet many forget it wasn’t an instant smash when first written. Composed by Paul Fraser and Terry Stafford, the song was originally released by Stafford in 1973, where it barely made a ripple.
Everything changed when Strait recorded it for his second album, Strait From the Heart, in 1983. His stripped-down delivery, anchored by fiddle and steel guitar, transformed the song into a quiet anthem of resilience and loneliness.
“Amarillo By Morning” became Strait’s first multi-platinum single and remains a defining moment in his live shows. More than a hit, it established the emotional depth and Western storytelling that would become central to his brand.
“The Chair” (1985)
By the mid-1980s, George Strait was already a star, but “The Chair” proved he could thrive without relying on flashy hooks or dramatic heartbreak. Written by Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran, the song appeared on Strait’s Something Special album in 1985.
Unlike most country singles, “The Chair” unfolds as a gentle conversation between two strangers in a bar. There’s no tragedy—just warmth, charm, and understated romance. The famous opening line, “Well, excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair,” immediately pulls listeners into the moment.
The song became one of Strait’s most beloved hits, reinforcing his reputation for sincerity and emotional restraint. It showed that subtlety could be just as powerful as spectacle.
“Fool Hearted Memory” (1982)
“Fool Hearted Memory” holds a special place in Strait’s history. Written by Byron Hill and Blake Mevis, it was released as the first single from Strait From the Heart—and it delivered a milestone moment.
The song became George Strait’s first No. 1 hit and his first Gold single, opening the door to a record-setting run of chart-toppers. Its instantly recognizable fiddle intro remains one of the most iconic openings in country music.
Hill later reflected on the song’s impact, admitting he hadn’t fully grasped its long-term power at the time. Decades later, that opening note still fills dance floors and sparks instant recognition.
Together, these four songs form the foundation of George Strait’s extraordinary career. Long before he became a living legend, they quietly proved what fans now know for certain: George Strait wasn’t just passing through country music—he was destined to rule it.