Introduction
The Untold Story of George Strait and His Son Bubba: Triumph, Tragedy, and a Legacy Beyond Music
Often hailed as the King of Country, George Strait didn’t just earn his crown through catchy tunes or chart-topping hits. He brought raw, honest country music into the mainstream, building a legacy brick by brick with talent, grit, and old-school charm. With over 70 million albums sold in the U.S. and more than 120 million globally, Strait is undeniably one of the most successful artists in music history. But behind the accolades lies a personal story marked by heartbreak, family strength, and a deep connection to the cowboy way of life.
Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the music—and the powerful bond he shares with his son, George “Bubba” Strait Jr.
Humble Beginnings
George Strait was born on May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, and raised in the small town of Pearsall. After his parents separated, young George and his brother Buddy were raised by their father, John Strait—a math teacher and rancher. Life on the ranch instilled in George a deep appreciation for hard work and traditional values.
In high school, George discovered music through rock bands, initially gravitating toward the Beatles rather than country legends. But during his time in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Hawaii, he picked up the guitar again and began falling in love with the sounds of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, and Bob Wills.
By the late ’70s, George had formed the Ace in the Hole Band, which played at local clubs across Texas. Despite early struggles in Nashville, where executives doubted his traditional sound, George got his big break in 1981 when MCA Records gave him a shot. His debut single Unwound became a hit, launching one of the most impressive careers in music history.
Tragedy Strikes
Even as George’s star was rising, his personal life was struck by a devastating tragedy. In 1986, George and his wife Norma lost their 13-year-old daughter, Jennifer, in a car accident. The grief changed George deeply. He became more private, withdrawing from the media and rarely discussing the loss publicly.
He later explained, “I just didn’t feel like talking to anyone that wasn’t close to me. Nothing worse could happen than losing your child.” Still, he found strength in music and continued releasing hit after hit, channeling his emotions into his craft.
A Father’s Pride: Bubba Strait
George’s son, George Jr.—affectionately called Bubba—was born in 1981. Raised with the same respect for the ranching life as his father, Bubba developed a passion for rodeo and team roping. He competed on the Texas A&M rodeo team and eventually became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
George has often said that watching Bubba compete—and even roping alongside him—has brought him some of the proudest moments of his life. “Winning a buckle with my son—that’s the ultimate,” he once shared.
Their shared love for roping led to the creation of the George Strait Team Roping Classic, a prestigious event they hosted together for over three decades.
Bubba’s Role in Music
Though Bubba prefers life away from the spotlight, he’s quietly made his mark on the country music world. His voice was first heard on the track Heartland from George’s 1992 movie Pure Country. Years later, he began co-writing songs with his father, contributing to albums like Twang (2009), Here for a Good Time (2011), and Honky Tonk Time Machine (2019).
George has credited his son for reigniting his passion for songwriting. “He really got me back into writing. It’s been amazing watching him grow into a songwriter.”
A New Generation
Bubba married Tamara Strait, a former Spurs dancer turned realtor, in 2010. The couple has two children—George Harvey Strait III and Jillian Louise. In recent years, George’s grandson has even joined him on stage at the Houston Rodeo, singing God and Country Music with his legendary grandfather. There’s no telling if music or rodeo will become their path, but George is clearly thrilled to watch the next generation grow.
Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
George Strait’s journey is more than just a record-breaking career; it’s a story of resilience, family, and authenticity. He turned pain into purpose, stayed true to his roots, and passed on his love for country living to his son and grandchildren. Whether in the recording studio, on stage, or in the rodeo arena, George Strait has stayed grounded in the values that shaped him.
And through it all, Bubba has been right there by his side—not just as his son, but as a partner, a co-writer, and a legacy-bearer of the Strait name.