With a country music career spanning four decades, George Strait has rightfully earned the title of "King George." As the Texas native prepares to release the highly-anticipated 'Twang,' one track from the album is garnering lots of buzz. 'El Rey,' which in Spanish means "The King,' marks the first time he's ever recorded a song sung entirely in Spanish."For years, I never knew what the song was totally about," says George. "It was something new for me. Then I got the translation and saw what a really cool song it was."
So, what is it all about?
Songlations, a website containing the English translations of Spanish compositions, explains that the song, which was written and first popularized more than 50 years ago by Mexican ranchera musician José Alfredo Jiménez, contains such lines as: "I have no throne nor queen/Nor anyone who understands me/But I continue being king."
And the Latin American Music Review goes further, by saying of the song's creator: "Jimenez's purpose was not to sing about himself as much as to evoke in his listeners memories of similar sentiments and experiences in their own lives." (via the9513.com)
The same could certainly be said of George Strait, although the King does have a Queen. He and wife Norma eloped to Mexico and have been married for 28 years.
George Strait's 38th album, 'Twang' will be released August 11. Be sure to check out The Boot on Monday for an in-depth preview of the album.






Reader Comments(1 of 1)
gary b.at 8-07-2009
Very interesting stuff...
gary b.at 8-07-2009
ive been listening to george for years...
gary b.at 8-07-2009
still sounds as good as ever...
lucyzapicoat 8-12-2009
I am a big Fan of GeorgeStrait he truly is the king of country music and no other aritst can top that.
I wish you the best in your music carrer and i am behind you 100% supporting you. I Love you GeorgeStrait also i sure hope u got my letter a while back my name is LucyZapico. God Bless you and your wonderful Family.
lucyzapicoat 8-17-2009
Hey GeorgeStrait (King of Country Music)
I just bought your new cd and i bought 2 of them since one of my co-workers is also a big fan of your music including myself. I didnt know you could speak spanish i love the song El Rey. you should record more songs in spanish. Continue to record some more songs and i will continue to support you by buying your cds. i love you GeorgeStrait!
love
your#1
Fan
LucyZapico
FarmingtonNM
speedygon9863at 9-20-2009
i love the song. george you need to do more songs in spanish.