Introduction
George Strait Opens Up About Family, Songwriting, and His Latest Album in Rare Interview
Country music legend George Strait recently gave fans a glimpse into both his personal life and creative process during a rare interview on Headline Country. With 39 albums under his belt, Strait reflected on the sheer scope of his career, admitting, “I wasn’t counting, but I’ve read that, and it sounds about right.”
Before diving into his new music, Strait shared some exciting personal news: he’s going to be a grandfather. His son Bubba and daughter-in-law Tamara are expecting a baby in February. “Norma’s really excited,” he said, referring to his wife, adding with a laugh that he hasn’t settled on what the baby will call him yet. “I like Granddaddy—I had a Granddaddy and a Papa, so either one is good. Probably the little one will decide.”
Turning to his music, Strait discussed the inspiration behind his latest album, Here for a Good Time. Many songs came from collaborations with his son Bubba and longtime songwriting partner Dean Dillon. Strait described the experience as refreshing, rekindling his love for writing. “I used to write a long time ago, but then for so many years I just didn’t have the desire or motivation,” he explained. “When Bubba started wanting to write, he called me one night with a song he wrote called ‘Arkansas Dave.’ That led to us writing together, and eventually bringing Dean in. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m very proud of the songs we’ve created for this record.”
Reflecting on his career, Strait admitted he sometimes wishes he had written more over the years, but he has no regrets. “I was finding great songs from great writers in Nashville, and that worked for me,” he said. “Whether I write or not, I’ve always focused on picking the best songs—mine or others—to make the best records possible.”
Strait also expressed pride in collaborating with his son, saying, “It’s rewarding to see Bubba take an interest in the music business like his old dad. To write songs together and have them on a record is special. He’s one of the hottest songwriters in Nashville now.”
The title track, Here for a Good Time, was inspired by Bubba’s idea. Strait described their creative process: they book several days together with Dean Dillon, share ideas, and see which songs resonate. The phrase “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time” became the foundation for the song, perfectly capturing the album’s lively spirit.
With family, collaboration, and a renewed passion for songwriting, George Strait proves that even after decades in country music, he still finds joy in both life and his art.