George Strait has always thrilled his Tucson fans

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_{1986 Star files}

_{George Strait}

When he was here in 1986, Strait had just been named male vocalist of the year by the Music City News Country. He had previously received that honor from the CMA and the Academy of Country Music. Appearing with Strait were his Ace in the Hole band and John Conlee, who opened the show.

The Star review said Strait “is a refreshing antidote to such homogenized country-Western curses as Kenny Rogers and Alabama. His music may seem simple, but it’s not simple-minded, and it’s not infected with cheap crossover dreams.”

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_{Star photo}

_{George Strait’s 1987 concert in Tucson}

Kathy Mattea opened his 1987 show here. “Her powerful singing style ranged from soul to gospel, brawny to tender.” Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band was “simply superb.” And, although the Star reviewer felt the concert dragged a bit at the end, the 8,000 plus fans in attendance did not seem to agree.

At his 1989 Tucson concert, Strait sang all of his hits and several new songs from his recent album “Beyond the Blue Neon.” Opening the show was Billy Joe Royal who sang upbeat country-pop “fortified by his wailing high pitched vocals.”

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_{1992 Star photo}

_{George Strait at Tucson concert in 1992.}

But, it was the 1990 performance that was filmed for the Nashville Network special “George Strait Live from Tucson.” Patty Loveless opened with “a spirited, crowd-pleasing set that showed her enormous talent and range.” Strait had recently been named Entertainer of the Year by both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. According to the review, the “engaging, easygoing Texan” had the women shrieking and couples dancing in the aisles.

You can relive, or see for the first time, Strait’s special “Live From Tucson” on YouTube. There are several clips from the concert, including Baby’s Gotten Good at Goodbye.

There were several other Strait concerts in Tucson, including 1991, 1992 and

1994, always before capacity crowds. But, it’s been several years since the man in the tall Stetson thrilled Tucson fans with a local appearance.