STRAIT TO THE TOP:
GEORGE SCORES 50TH No. 1
SUPERSTAR STILL LEAVING FANS WITH A SMILE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2002

Country music superstar George Strait takes over the No. 1 spot (Billboard and R&R country singles charts) this week for an unprecedented 50^th time as "She'll Leave You With A Smile" knocks Toby Keith's "Who's Your Daddy" from the top of the charts. With the latest No. 1 hit, the 50-year-old Strait equals his age in chart-topping songs and maintains his hold on the top of the country charts with more No. 1 solo singles than any other artist in any genre.

"While I am extremely pleased and excited about reaching this new milestone in my career, I realize that it would not have been possible without an enormous amount of support from the fans and from country radio as well as the unending effort of dozens, maybe even hundreds, of great people who have worked at MCA Records over the course of my career," Strait said. "There is no way that I can find the words to properly express my gratitude to everyone for their help. I am very humbled by it all."

Since his debut album, STRAIT COUNTRY, in 1981, the eventual Country Music Hall of Famer has won numerous industry awards and has sold more than 57 million records, a phenomenal figure that includes a collection of 25 platinum records, more than any other country artist in history.

"She'll Leave You With A Smile," is included on Strait's current CD, THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED, which is approaching Platinum status.