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Home , Academy of Country Music, Ace in the Hole Band, Adalida, All I Want Is a Life, Indian Outlaw, John Michael Montgomery

S T R A I T T A L K

George Strait A Double Winner At Academy Of Awards The 33rd Annual Country Music Awards at most prestigious awards. He won one of the Tim McGraw, and Lee Ann the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood, hat awards for his multi-platinum Womack also won trophies for their efforts. California certainly had a new look this year “Carrying Your Love With Me” and another In addition to his ACM Awards, Strait was as the show went off smoothly without any for “Male Vocalist of the Year.” It was the also chosen for four Golden Pick awards by hosts for the very first time. While the look second consecutive year that Strait has won the readers of Country Weekly Magazine. he and feel of the show was very different, some both trophies. was chosen for “Favorite Entertainer,” things stayed just the same as The awards show appeared to be a show- “Favorite Male Vocalist,” “Favorite Album” once again was the big winner. The talented case for the hugely successful George Strait and “Favorite Video Entertainer.” cowboy walked off with two of the Country Music Festival tour as tour mates,

George Strait Team Roping Just Around The Corner The 16th Annual George Strait Team Bud Light. tants. In addition to a substantial amount of Roping Classic is rapidly approaching as An estimated 200 or more teams are cash, the winning team will drive away in summer again raises its’ head. With less than expected to face off beginning on Friday two brand new Chevy Trucks pulling their six weeks to go before the 1998 edition gets morning, July 10th. Each team will pay $400 new Bruton Trailers. underway, anticipation is running high. in entry money while competing for more On Saturday night, following the finals, The 1998 Team Roping Classic will be held than $100,000 in cash and prizes that will be George Strait and his on July 10th and 11th at the J.K. Northway divided up after the Saturday morning finals. will be joined by in Arena in Kingsville, Texas and will once The fastest 25 teams after Friday’s first two entertaining more than 5,000 ropers and again be co-sponsored by Chevy Trucks and go-rounds will make up the Saturday contes- fans. S T R A I T T A L K Hotter Than Ever! George Strait’s Star-Packed Show Hits The Road

Written by Daniel P. Ray, got such an unbelievable amount of talent onstage As soon as she took the stage, huge ovation Country Weekly Writer today and we’re so glad you showed up on time.” went up, showing that fans had not forgotten her. Courtesy of Country Weekly Magazine It was a full-circle day for Asleep at the Wheel. “Lord, I have got the best fans in the world, I tell Two decades ago, the band hired an unknown you what,” she told the crowd. “It’s freezing cold, The George Strait juggernaut is on the road - young Texan - George Strait - to open for them. it’s raining and I love you. I’m so happy. I know and heading for a town near you. George, who always includes some swing songs it’s wet and rainy out there, but who cares? I’m The tour, so big that headliners like Tim in his live shows, is now returning the favor on getting wet with you, I’m losing my pants and my McGraw, John Michael Montgomery and Faith his stadium tour. hair is falling flat.” Hill play supporting roles, is one of the most The band played a quick chorus of “It Ain’t “I just want to say thank you so much for just anticipated events in country music history. Gonna Rain No Mo’” when the first sprinkles fell. roughing out this weather. You are the best!” And COUNTRY WEEKLY was at the mammoth “Don’t worry about it if it comes,” Ray said. “It’s John Michael Montgomery’s hit-filled set was show’s debut in Tempe, Arizona, to give you a just like taking a shower.We’ll pass out some played during the height of the storm, but that taste of what to expect as the event marches soap later.” didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. In fact, he played through its 18-city schedule (see panel on page The longest-running act on the bill was succeed- with the rain-slicked stage, taking a running start 20 for remaining dates). ed by the youngest, 16-year-old Lila McCann, and skimming across it on his boots. “Just having Even El Niño couldn’t conquer “El Jorge” at whose performance included her latest hit “I some fun up here,” he said. Tempe’s Sun Devil Stadium in suburban Phoenix. Wanna Fall in Love.” Tim McGraw drew the biggest pre-George An unexpectedly strong storm dropped tempera- If fans needed a break, the Straitland amusement cheers with two songs. On “It’s Your Love,” Faith tures 20 degrees and sent squalls of rain and wind area was a short walk away, set up in a parking returned onstage in a dry, orange outfit to sing her over the audience. But the overwhelming majori- lot outside the stadium walls. Concession booths part of the duet. ty of the 65,000 ticket-holders scrambled for tem- offered a variety of food and drink. Country radio On Tim’s “Don’t Take the Girl,” he fell silent porary cover, not the exits, so they could hear a stations ran drawings for a chance to meet George during parts of the song and let the crowd fill in Y’allapalooza of talent. backstage. Undiscovered singers could sing coun- the words. “There’s nothing like 60,000 people They were rewarded with 10 hours of great try karaoke - and buy a videotape of the perfor- singing the words to your songs, I tell you that,” country music on the main stadium stage. mance for $10. There were also plenty of booths he said afterward. “I love my job.” Newcomer band Big House was the top attraction set up by the tour’s sponsors - as you might Then it was George’s turn. From the moment he at a second stage in Straitland, an area of conces- expect from a festival whose official name is started with “Take Me Back to Tulsa,” he had the sion tents, midway rides and tour-sponsor booths. Nokia Presents the George Strait Chevy Truck audience standing. On this night, at least, George An exuberant George closed out the show with Country Music Festival brought to you be broke free from the “just stand there and sing” 29 songs in his first performance of 1998. “We’ve Wrangler. One of the most popular booths gave school of performing to which he is often said to been off five or six months, and this is our first away rain ponchos. They went fast. belong. He roamed the stage freely, saluted all night back. And this is a great place to start it all The rain started falling full force during Lee Ann corners of the stadium with smiles and waves, off,” George told his screaming fans. Womack’s performance. and clearly relished the moment. Despite the chill, fans in Tempe were the first to After thrilling the crowd with “Never Again, “I love to play big audiences,” he has said. “It confirm that this is country’s hot ticket. The Again,” and “You’ve Got To Talk To Me,” she really gets your adrenaline pumping. You are weekends-only tour is sold out - or close to it - at confessed backstage, “I had a new fiddle player under a lot of pressure, but at the same time, the every venue where tickets have gone on sale. who hadn’t rehearsed with us, so I was anxious to pressure makes you work harder. It’s a great feel- The Phoenix area is particularly warm for get one under our belt.” ing.” George - and all of country music. Country radio She also had something in common with the He even added a new skill to his resume - stations there pull in 18 percent of the area’s fans - she got wet. Lee Ann performed on a par- matchmaker. Between songs, he grabbed a piece radio advertising dollars - a larger percentage tially covered stage, and “every time I tried to of paper offered up by an audience member and than any other major market. Last year, rock’s U2 back up out of the rain, the monitor would start puzzled over it for a few moments. and The Rolling Stones both booked the same feeding back. So the band got to stand back there “Is this for real?” George asked. He read the stadium. Neither band could draw more than but I had to stand in the rain!” note aloud: “She won’t marry me unless you ask 40,000 fans. It was worth it, she said. “I always dreamed of for me. Jamie and Debby.” Stadium tours are extremely rare in country playing with George Strait. Always. I grew up in “Well, Debby?” George said, looking at the music, but this one is already meeting with great Texas worshiping George, so it’s a milestone for stunned woman in the crowd. “Are you going to success. The reasons? A relatively low ticket me.” marry this guy?” price that tops out at $45 ($47.50 in a few mar- Before her turn to take the stage, Faith Hill was She nodded. George smiled. The audience kets), the Straitland area as an extra attraction and thinking about her long layoff from performing, roared. country music - lots of it. dictated by the time off she had to take care of “That’s a first for me,” he confessed. “I always The entertainment on the main stage began with Gracie Katherine, the 11-month-old first child for heard that a captain of a ship could marry people. Asleep at the Wheel, the venerable Faith and her husband, Tim McGraw. She’s now I don’t know if it applies to stage-type situations.” band. pregnant with their second. The popularity of George hometown festival at “Get yourself comfortable,” lead singer Ray “I’ve done three shows since I’ve been off for a the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, persuaded Benson told the Sun Devil Stadium crowd. “It’s year and a half,” she said. “I’m very excited and Pace and George’s staff that a series of country going to be a long day and a long night. You’ve very honored to be doing this.” festivals could fill stadiums. The were right. S T R A I T T A L K Fest Served Strait Shot Of Country

Written by Jim Harrington of the Strait has too many hits and well-loved the new release. Strait rounded out the set Times Correspondent songs to play at one concert, so, no doubt, paying homage to two giants of country many people left wishing he had gotten music: and Merle Anyone who doesn’t believe that country around to playing this particular one or Haggard. His version of Haggard’s “Mama music has gone as commercial and that particular one. But the hits he did play Tried” was dead-on. endorsement-happy as professional sports well helped to showcase his versatility. In comparison to Strait, the rest of this obviously didn’t attend - now get this - the His classic rodeo song, “Amarillo by concert seemed trivial. Tim McGraw is an “Nokia Presents the George Strait Chevy Morning,” was as good as the first time I excellent entertainer who has obviously Truck Country Music Festival Brought to heard it, while “The Chair” can still break been to the school of how to You by Wrangler” music festival Sunday hearts with its hopeful message about two work a crowd. On a rock band-style stage, at Oakland Stadium. loners finding common ground for an complete with ramps and a raised drum And, for the most part, the performers on evening and maybe longer. He finished his set, McGraw paced the stage and won the the bill did their part to provide the target main set with a peppy “Unwound” and left crowd mostly with up-tempo tunes like market with easily digestible product. The little guesswork as to whether the fans “,” “” music was clean, professional, amazingly would call him back out again. and the ultracatchy “Down On The Farm.” similar and generally well received. It was The Texas troubadour also drew heavily On his fine ballad “Don’t Take The also sometimes a tad tedious. Although from 1997’s “Carrying Your Love With Girl,” one of the sweetest country songs to artists such as Faith Hill, John Michael Me” as well as his latest, “One Step At A be released in the last five years, the Montgomery and Lee Ann Womack clear- Time.” “I Just Want To Dance With You,” singer brought out his infant daughter to ly belong to the upper tier of this genre, “One Step At ATime” and, especially, face the crowd while daddy sang the last and each are talented and have plenty to “Maria” were all winners - and all from (Continued on following page) offer, one still gets the feeling that they came out of the same new country cookie cutter. Of course, the same can’t be said of the King. Country Fans Hear No, not Elvis. We’re talking the King of Country, which, as the 60,000 plus that filled the house that Al Davis wrecked Stars Play All Day Sunday will tell you, is George Strait. And it’s hard to argue with that. Strait is the Written by Curtis Ross of the Tampa ensemble work. only country artist besides Garth Brooks Tribune Strait also performed ’ who can sell out stadiums - and Brooks Submitted by Bill Siebold - Gibsonton, FL “Love Bug” and ’s “Mama hasn’t got anywhere near the longevity. Tried” in addition to hits from his own Strait has been a constant presence on the Superstar George Strait led a country catalog, such as the classic country weeper country charts since the release of his music caravan into Houlihan’s Stadium on “When Did You Stop Loving Me” and the 1981 debut “,” racking up Saturday, drawing a reported crowd of Cajun-inflected “.” 36 No. 1 singles and 18 platinum 53,589. “” featured some thick- along the way. The crowd was on its feet when Strait as-taffy pedal , while a new Strait isn’t country music’s best singer, and his Ace in the Hole Band took the song from the singer’s upcoming album nor does he represent its best body of stage at 8:45 p.m. - pretty amazing consid- was delivered with a rockabilly hiccup in work. Nobody could call this Texan an ering some people had been there since the the vocal. exuberant stage performer, and his guitar gates opened at noon. Strait’s no-nonsense set couldn’t have playing is fairly average. What he has is But Strait is a consistent hitmaker who been more different from Tim McGraw’s, an overwhelming sense of integrity and inspires that sort of adulation. So consis- which was reminiscent of ’80s arena rock honesty, which allows him to get away tent, in fact, that even Saturday’s 30-song, with its screaming guitar solos, histrionics with singing lyrics that from a lesser talent hour-and-45 minute set couldn’t include and flashy stage set. would sound hokey at best. But Sunday’s all of his hits. McGraw’s spouse, Faith Hill, preceded crowd had no problem biting on the lyric With the exception of video screens and McGraw’s set. She reappeared toward the “Sing a song about the heartland/Sing a a hyperkinetic light show, Strait made no end of his set to join him on their hit duet, song about my life” (from “Heartland,” on concessions to the stadium setting: no the- “It’s Your Love.” the “Pure Country” album). atrics, no rick-inspired bombast. Aaron Tippin spiked his show with props As the sun was setting on the other side The Texan’s music still nods in the direc- and corn-pone humor. of the Bay, Strait took the stage to deliver tion of Western swing. A slow, slinky ver- Promising newcomer Lee Ann Womack a 24-song main course (plus encore) to an sion of “Milk Cow Blues” illustrated just beat the heat of her 3 p.m. slot with a set audience that was so psyched, it had how much Strait cares about country that included her hit “You’ve Got To Talk moments earlier done the wave in an exu- music and its history. To Me” and a lovely version of Patsy berant fashion that would impress even It also gave the Ace in the Hole Band a Cline’s “Crazy.” Crazy George. showcase for some excellent solo and S T R A I T T A L K Strait’s Indelible Stamp Clear On “One Step At A Time” Written by Carole L. Philipps of the And “Neon Row” is another take on the Row.” Cincinnati Post seamy side of love, as Strait sings of “lonely Every song on “One Step At ATime” is pure high-heeled ladies” and the “one-night stands George Strait. he knows how to pick them. And With a minimum of hoopla and hand-wring- and all-night blues” they encounter. In the end, he has known how to sing them since his debut ing, country music’s reigning traditional practi- Strait sings, if the man can’t keep his wife at in 1981. tioner delivered his 23rd album to stores home, he’ll have to meet her “down on Neon Tuesday. Its arrival raises an interesting question: Are George Strait’s songs George Strait songs before he sings them, or could he take any old Fans Turn Big George’s tune and make it sound like a George Strait song? Whatever the answer, once Strait sings a Musicfest Into Lovefest song, it is his for all time, and that is the case Written by Mary Colurso of the 90 minutes and included Strait classics such as with the 10 songs on “One Step At ATime.” Birmingham News “Easy, Come, Easy Go,” “Lovebug,” “When Strait, perhaps the most dependable recording Did You Stop Loving Me,” “Heartland,” “The star in the Nashville firmament, delivers 10 With a knife-sharp crease in his jeans, a Chair,” “Adalida” and “I Can Still Make new songs about once a year, usually in the jewel-green shirt and a black cowboy hat Cheyenne.” spring. For his 1998 contribution, he has clamped firmly on his head, George Strait cut a Ticketholders whistled, cheered, danced and assembled a shade over 38 minutes of material natty figure Sunday night at Birmingham’s sang along for the entire length of Strait’s set, that includes good traditional country songs as Legion Field. which also featured a few tunes from his new well as some with a Tex-Mex flavor. But, lest but the hurricane of applause that greeted album, “One Step At ATime.” we become complacent, Strait has tossed us a Strait as he strode on stage at 8:55 p.m. wasn’t Strait was ably supported by his tight, nine- zinger. directed at his outfit; it was a happy, noisy trib- member Ace In The Hole Band. The team “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This” is a ute from ore than 50,000 fans who revere operates as a smoothly functioning unit, proba- way-rockin’-retro song that takes Strait’s bari- Strait’s legendary craftsmanship in country bly because these men know each other well tone vice deep into Big Bopper territory. The music. and have been running through selections from song, by edge-of-country writer/performer Jim That’s why all these people fought traffic, Strait’s extensive catalog for a long time. Lauderdale, is a whale of a good time and nice- struggled through crowds and bought pricey Big George comes from the traditional school ly placed as a change of tempo between a pair tickets for the Alabama stop of the 18-city of country music, which means he straps on a of ballads. George Strait Country Music Festival. The guitar, stands and sings. He doesn’t move Supporting Strait’s vocals throughout are a atmosphere at the all-day event transformed around much, except to wave at fans or point sterling set of musicians. As is his practice, from a freewheeling concert/party into an for emphasis. He doesn’t chat with the audi- Strait used studio musicians, not his touring intense love affair when the sun went down and ence much either, preferring to let his tunes do group Ace in the Hole Band, for the record- Strait showed up. the talking. In that respect, however, Strait’s ings. And behind him are some of Nashville’s The calm, smiling headliner roped ’em in eas- concert was highly eloquent. most talented session players, including gui- ily with his rock-solid show, which lasted about tarist extraordinaire , award-win- ning fiddler Stuart Duncan and background singer Liana Manis. (continued) Strait open with a sweet little south-of-the Fest Served Strait Shot Of Country border tune with a cha-cha beat, “I Just Want few lines. Still, sophomoric lyrics such as “I “” and, especially, “Life’s a to Dance With You,” by John Prine. Next like it/I love it/I want some more of it,” from - Dance.” comes the title song, a honky-tonker, “One you guessed it - “I Like It, I Love,” brought his Lee Ann Womack played “The Fool” and Step At ATime,” which lets Strait apply his performance down a notch or two. “Buckaroo” from her 1997 self-titled debut and vocal precision to a song about a true country McGraw’s lovely wife, Faith Hill, is also a had some luck conjuring up the spirit of Patsy topic: the vagaries of love. (More on this topic member of this corporate concert tour. She Cline with “Crazy.” later). wowed the audience during her set with a fine Still, it was rightfully George Strait that peo- “Maria,” penned by fellow Texas Robert Earl rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Piece Of My ple were talking about when they left the con- Keen Jr., is about a border romance. It has nice Heart,” which mainly served as a testament to cert to get into their Chevys and drive home. acoustic touches and vaguely titillating lyrics. how fine Hill’s voice is and how weak some of As one man said as he was trying to explain “Remember the Alamo,” another heartache her regular material is. the real appeal of the ultimate Texan to his song, gives the old Texas battle cry a twist. John Michael Montgomery is the best bal- female companion: “That’s the Breaks” takes a collection of ladeer out of these touring cowboys, and he “George Strait is George Strait and he always cliches and turns them into a melancholy coun- was greatly appreciated by the crowd for such will be.” try ballad with contemporary edges. slow and semi-slow number as “,” S T R A I T T A L K Fan Collectable Column June / July 1998 San Antonio Express-News - 4-22-98. • Country Weekly - 5-12-98. P. 17 G.S. • Modern Screen’s Country Music - July Story, section G pg. 1 and S.A. Life pg. Advertisement for “One Step at a Time” 1998, picture on cover, name mentioned 2, San Antonio, TX. (color copy) mentioned pg. 6, pgs. 68-72 on page 6, pictures and cover story, book Lebanon Daily News - TSC Flyer - 4-3- dates, p. 78 singles & LP’s. Nashville, review pages 16-17, picture and words to 98. Photo (Tractor Supply Co.) - TN. song “” on page 26, Myerstown, PA. • Star Tribune - 5-3-98. Pg. 72 Entertain- name mentioned page 80. Birmingham Weekly - City News, Views ment Section - Review of G.S. new • Country Music - May/June 1998. Page 4 and Entertainment - April 9-16, 1998. album “One Step at a Time.” Minnea- full page colored picture featuring his Photo and story pgs. 5-6. Birmingham, polis, MN. new album, “One Step At ATime.” AL. • Yest Magazine - Chronicle - 5- Name mentioned page 8, page 14 picture Florida Sun-Sentinel - 4-23-98. Story pg. 3-98. Sunday Edition. Article “One Step and record review of “One Step At A 16A. Fort Lauderdale, FL. at a Time,” pg. 6 cont. on 36. Houston, Time.” Page 54 and 58 name mentioned Kingsport Times-News - April 23, 1998. TX. in letters to Editor, page 64 “Round Story p. 2A. Kingsport, TN. • Billings Gazette - “Enjoy” section - 5-1- About Way” was #1 on Top 25, page 26 San Antonio Express-News - 4-21-98. 98. P. 3D article. Billings, MT. George Strait Live Video updated and Section 1E and 10E, issue #202 - music • Entertainment for Minneapolis / St. Paul, back in print, in The Journal insert, review. San Antonio, TX. MN. “Where” Twin Cities. 5-98. G.S. December 1997 Poll, it’s now ten in a Victoria Advocate - 4-23-98. Page 9A - mentioned, pg. 7. Minneapolis, MN. row for King of The Poll, Mr. George story. Victoria, TX. • Chicago Sun Times - May 5, 1998. P. 33. Strait - for more than a year and a half, The Telegraph - 4-23-98. Page B-4 - Photo and story and Review of New LP. he’s been Number One in Member’s story. Entertainment sect. Vol. 163, No. Chicago, IL. Choice for both album and single - this 99. Alton, IL. • The Wichita Eagle - May 1, 1998. P. 2B time for “Today My World Slipped Houston Chronicle - 4-18-98. Story - mentioned top LP, Top Country Singles Away” single and “Carrying Your Love photo, page 14D. Home Garden & and Article. Wichita, KS. With Me” album. Name also mentioned Entertainment - Section D. Houston, TX. • The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Arts & on page 16 of The Journal insert. Country Weekly - 4-14-98. Cover and Entertainment Section - 5-3-98. Pg. 2-I. • Star Watch - Memphis Publishing Co. - story w/photos. Pgs. 4, 17, 18-23 and Cleveland, OH. Review of LP. 5-5-98. P. 8 Memphis, TN. Photo of page 54. Nashville, TN. • Country Weekly Magazine - 5-5-98. Pgs. George Strait and Fan at rehearsal for the Commercial News - 4-19-98. Photo ad on 6, 8, 28, 29, 40, 45-47, 49, 53-54. ACM Awards. “Cellular One,” page 6D. Danville, IL. Review, mentioned, photo. Nashville, • Country Weekly - May 26, 1998. G.S. The Oakland Press - 4-17-98. Photo and TN. Front Cover Photo. Inside cover - Ad. story, p. E16 & 17. Oakland, Mich. • U.S. 101 Air Force Flyer - Spring, 1998. Pgs. 4 & 8 - mentioned. P. 20 - St. Louis Post - Dispatch - 4-19-98. Vol. 1 #3, pg. 7 - Calendar of Events, p. mentioned. P. 27 - photo - Golden Pick Story, p.D-3. St. Louis, MO. 26 ad for Atlanta, GA Festival. Atlanta, Awards. Pgs. 30-32 - mentioned. The Seattle Times - Music Section - 4- GA. 19-98. P. L4 Story. Seattle, WA.

The following George Strait Fan Club Members submitted to the Collectable Column - And We Thank You! As a GSFC member, you can join in and earn Strait Cash, receive your Strait Talk 1st Class and a Collector’s Card. This is all you need to do - collect magazine or newspaper articles, photos or reviews - send them in and if we use them, your name is added to the list. It’s easy. Remember to enclose the article, where it came from, date, page #, issue and your name and address. Thank You! Jeanie Spears - Blue Springs, MO Barbara Kelly - Park City, MT LeAnn Monney - Victoria, TX Mabel Jane Campbell - Houston, TX Deborah Copeman - Englewood, FL Thelma Gilreath - Kingsport, TN Tammy Leininger - Myerstown, PA Jane S. Jancso - Brookfield, OH Louanne Steph - Houston, TX Lori Dallman - Oshkosh, WI Sue Gelske - Cleveland, OH Margaret Stangl - St. Louis Park, MN Teresa Smith - Canon City, CO Terri Beese - Alta Loma, CA Judy Kiehn - Chicago, IL Nell Huneycutt - Houston, TX Chuck & Lorna Stover - Valley Center, KS Alexis Gaffney - Gales Creek, OR Susan Rambie - Schulenburg, TX Susan Salzbrunn - Lisle, IL Joy Eklund - Mounds View, MN Reda Owens - Lenoir, NC Janet Yackle - St. Louis Park, MN Teri O’Brien - San Antonio, TX Suzie Collins - Walbridge, OH Dotsie Lehr - New Braunfels, TX Mary Cay Grafford - Carrollton, IL Cindy Lowery - Chattanooga, TN Kathy Neuhoff - Billings, MT Tamie Winn - Germantown, TN Rose McNeely - Lewisbille, TX S T R A I T T A L K New George Strait Stand Up - Now Available!!

For the first time, The George Strait Fan Club is happy to offer a full life-size standup of George Strait. The cardboard standup is in full color and when open stands a good six feet in height. The beau- tiful four-color piece is a photograph of George leaning on an old weathered wood- ed fence. The Stand Up was designed by MCA Records and is the same as will be seen in Record Shops across the country. To order, please use the order form below. If using a MasterCard/Visa, you may order by calling the toll free number 1-800-338-4732 and ask for item number 245. #245 - George Strait Stand Up #245 - George Strait Stand Up (Close Up)

SPECIAL ORDER FORM QTY. ITEM COST TOTAL

245 George Strait Stand Up $59.95

Shipping and Handling Shipping Charges $8.50 per Stand Up $ $8.50 per Stand Up

Grand Total $ PLEASE PRINT

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**** NOTE: All orders must be paid for in U.S. currency or the equivalent foreign exchange rates. Foreign orders paid for in any other manner will be returned. Foreign orders, other than Canada must double the normal shipping charge for delivery. S T R A I T T A L K - New George Strait Merchandise -

#5008 - Tour T-Shirt (Back)

#6700 - Bathrobe

#5008 - Tour T-Shirt (Front) #204 - Bumper Sticker

#575 - Hat Pin

#9990 - Tour Jacket #530 - Koozie #9006 Zip Up Sweatshirt

FAN CLUB # - 1-615-824-7176 MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. ORDER DESK # - 1-800-338-4732 FAX # - 1-615-822-2527 S T R A I T T A L K

and earn yourself some Strait Cash. We will Anita’s Notes: warn you that it gets very hot in Kingsville in the summertime so don’t forget to take I was right, the next few months did pass along your sunscreen. Keep your fingers quickly and here we are again. The hot sum- crossed in hopes that George will make it to Pen Pals mer months are approaching and George, the finals this year. He has been roping real- like the rest of us, is ready to relax and JUNE/JULY 1998 ly well lately. enjoy it. Our suggestion is, grab your copy We have chosen a new User Name and (Fans that exchange letters through mail) of “One Step At A Time” and head for the Password for the website. They are: beach, lake, backyard or somewhere you Stephanie L. Campbell (26) can enjoy the time with your family. 2554 NE Loop 410 #1806 George Strait has had an incredible spring. User Name: guard San Antonio, TX 78217 The 1998 George Strait Country Music Password: honor Festival has been hugely successful and we have only a few shows left. The time has Please use small letters, no caps, when Mary Ann Anderson (64) passed much too fast. you enter the User Name and Password in P.O. Box 334 From the cards, letters, faxes and e-mails the website. The website is updated on a Atlantic, IA 50022 it seems that you all have enjoyed the excit- regular basis so check for any new infor- ing experience. I will be in Houston myself mation there at www.georgestraitfans.com. Siara Belyeu (32) on June 7th to experience it firsthand. We have three winners from the April- P.O. Box 1377 Since we last wrote, George has received May issue of Strait Talk for our puzzle Lindale, TX 75771-1377 several new awards. He walked away with contest. two awards at the recent ACM Awards show for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Album First Place Martha Medina of the Year” and then was honored by P.O. Box 1545 Country Weekly Magazine as their readers JODY LARNDER Brownfield, TX 79316-1545 chose him for four Golden Pick Awards. He Hilton, NY was selected for “Favorite Entertainer, ” (Jacket) Dean Sloan (35) “Favorite Male Vocalist,” “Favorite 321 Frayser Street Album” and “Favorite Video Entertainer.” Rock Hill, SC 29730 The 32nd Annual TNN Music City News Second Place Awards are scheduled to take place the mid- DEB DEWEY dle of June and we are keeping our fingers Duluth, MN Sarah Meier (19) crossed that George might be able to add 600 Tele Road another trophy to the case. We will give you (Sweatshirt) Little Rock, AR 72211 a full report in the next issue but, if George is a winner, we will add it to the website as Third Place Mechelle Harrison (26) soon as the awards are handed out. DOLORES DEHART 1002 E. Railroad The 1998 edition of Fan Fair is upon us as Waverly, TN 37185 it runs from June 15th through the 20th. At New Orleans, LA last report, about 2,000 tickets were still (T-Shirt) available for the week long event. This is Mickie Smith (33) the first time in recent memory that anyone Congratulations to our winners. P.O. Box 6395 can remember tickets available at this late To conclude this issue of Strait Talk, we Chico, CA 95927 date. Our Fan Club booth will be located in would like to thank each and every one of the same spot as last year. It is booth #607. you that helped us compile some of the Michael Goncalves (24) Stop by and see us. If you have earned any information for this issue. We thank you 2506 Lauelwood Lane Strait Cash over the last year, bring it with for the letters, cards and gifts for George Valrico, FL 33594 you and pick out some great items we will and George, Jr. during their May birthdays. have on hand. They do appreciate them as do we at the Carolyn Aurandt For those of you that will be traveling to fan club. We sincerely appreciate your Kingsville in July, we hope you have a great support. 2211 8th Avenue time. If it is your first trip, we know that Til August, stay cool, healthy and Strait. Altoona, PA 16602-2206 you will enjoy it. Send us some great pho- tographs that we can use in the newsletter S T R A I T T A L K

Went to your concert in Anaheim, California. I have been to other concerts but not as good as From The Mailbox: this one. It was fabulous. Thank you for coming to L.A. Dear GSFC, Dear George, Sharon Knox Congratulations George on your two ACM Congratulations on winning top Male Vocalist ______wins for Male Vocalist and Album of the Year. and Album of the Year at the 33rd Annual You truly deserve every honor you receive. Academy of Country Music awards on April Dear George, Your new album “One Step At ATime” is one 23, 1998. Congratulations on 2 more awards! I’m glad of your best ever! I would also like to thank the fan club for the every time you win! I have your new album Your Fan Forever, seats at the TWA Dome in St. Louis on April and like it very much. I watched you sing one Debbie Kier 19, 1998. The show was great and I enjoyed of the songs on TV last night. It was great! Rochester, NY visiting Straitland. Also, George, you have Keep singing-all of us fans love to hear you!! ______picked a great bunch of entertainers to tour The best to you and Norma & Bubba! with your this year. Sincerely, Dear George, Your Number 1 Fan in Joyce Loper My husband and I attended your concert in Carrollton, IL Lutherville, MD Phoenix, AZ. What an experience!! Mary Cay Grafford ______We were able to sit in the Fan Club seating ______which was wonderful - so close! Thank you! Dear GSFC, The rain didn’t even dampen our spirits - all Dear GSFC, On March 28th in Tampa, FL I went and saw the stars who performed were great! Straitland I attended the April 5 Country Music Festival the performance that beats them all, the George was lots of fun. We’ll never forget this concert! at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. I was Strait Country Music Festival. There is only Thank you for everything, able to get fan club seating (6th row center one word to describe George’s performance. Dusty & Cindy Eagar stage). This is one of the best perks in being a FANTASTIC!!! ______member of the fan club. This show was the Chris Gauthier elite of the events that I had attended. I can not Naples, FL Dear Anita and GSFC, say enough good things about the organization ______Just got home after attending George’s of this concert. I hope Birmingham, Alabama is “Festival” in Oakland, CA and I just had to sit on George’s concert location for next year. Dear George, down and write this note to you. Sincerely, Congratulations on your ACM Awards, you The Festival was great! Enjoyed seeing and Karen Cooper deserve them all. Thank you for remembering hearing all the performers, but George WAS ______us fans in all your acceptance speeches. We THE MAN people came to hear. He looked and really love to hear it, it means so much! sounded fabulous as usual - loved the shirt!! He Dear GSFC, Your new album “One Step At ATime” is performed for one hour and forty-five minutes. I have just purchased George’s latest album, another award winning album. Great work His voice was as great as ever and his songs and after listening to it, I thought I’d drop you again. were wonderful. The Ace in the Hole Band a few lines to say, “He’s done it again!” He’s Sincerely, always plays so well and they looked really turned out another winner. But!, when it comes Kathleen Maelik neat! to George, you expect nothing less. Tampa, FL We had super seats (thanks to Fan Club seat- Fan for Life, ______ing)! It really pays off to be a member. I’ll be Mandy Pike one forever!! Valdosta, GA Just a note to say how much my sister and I Please thank Norma and Bubba for sharing ______enjoyed the Country Fest on 4/4 in New him with his millions of fans. Thanks to George Orleans at the Superdome. SPECTACULAR!! for brining his “Festival” to Northern Dear George, Sure hope George comes back to New Orleans California. WE HAVE MISSED HIM!!! Congratulations on winning Male Vocalist and next year! A Strait Fan Forever, Album of the Year for “Carrying Your Love Sincerely, Pat Nichols With Me” last night at the ACM awards. Way Ann Klein Roseville, CA to go!! Metairie, LA ______I bought your new album “One Step At A ______Time” the day it came out (April 21st). Thanks Dear Anita & GSFC staff, for putting out another fantastic album!! Dear Anita & George, My husband and I attended the Detroit concert A Strait Fan, We traveled 8 hours to go to St. Louis to go to last weekend and we want to express our sin- Nancy Fields George Strait Country Music Festival at Trans cere appreciation for the fantastic seats made Chesterton, IN World Dome. George’s part of the show was available through the Fan Club. The privilege ______worth the ticket alone, but enjoyed all the acts. of being that close to the stage and the perfor- Wore jacket I won through fan club and mances by the six other country artists had GSFC, received many compliments on it. already made this concert the best we have ever I just returned from the Country Music Purchased new album “One Step At ATime” attended. Festival in Pontiac, MI. Only one word comes this morning and have played it several times Very truly yours, close to describing it. AWESOME!!! already. They get better all the time. Sue Wheeler Hurry back to Michigan. Audrey Schmitz Plymouth, MI Judy Black Manitowoc, WI ______