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Back Where It All Started! George Strait Returned To The Storied Gruene Hall, Texas

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

It’s been nearly four decades since George Strait played on the prestigious stage of Gruene Hall at New Braunfels, Texas – but in 2016, the King of Country made a thrilling comeback within its hallowed walls.

The lucky few cramped the storied dance hall for the invite-only event, which includes members of the media and his record label, MCA Nashville. The once-in-a-lifetime concert – a nearly two-hour set filled with the best George Strait songs – was then streamed for fans for free!

While it’s quite impossible to cover the many hit songs Strait’s racked up over the years, he performed heaps of them. And there’s no better way to kick things off than his 2011 country hit, “Here For A Good Time,” which he co-wrote with his son Bubba and friend Dean Dillon. The song’s message just says it all! 

Other hits Strait sang to the crowd are “Amarillo By Morning,” “Check Yes Or No,” and “Give It All We Got Tonight,” among others. He also debuted two new songs – “Kicked Outta Country” and “You Gotta Go through Hell” – that came from his box set, Strait Out of the Box: Part 2.

A Piece Of Texas History

Gruene Hall was built in 1878, making it the oldest ceaselessly operating dance hall in Texas.

Throughout the years, it played an essential role in the careers of many country legends, including George Strait. Together with his Ace in the Hole Band, Strait played his first show at the famous hall in 1976 – five years before he released his first record and fresh from his honorable discharge from the Army. 

You can watch George Strait’s performances to the historic Gruene Hall in the videos below.

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