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George Strait Gets Bilingual With 'El Rey'

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.

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speedygon9863

i love the song. george you need to do more songs in spanish.

September 20 2009 at 10:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lucyzapico

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

August 17 2009 at 3:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lucyzapico

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.

August 12 2009 at 8:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gary b.

still sounds as good as ever...

August 07 2009 at 2:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gary b.

ive been listening to george for years...

August 07 2009 at 2:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gary b.

Very interesting stuff...

August 07 2009 at 2:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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