When George Strait released It Just Comes Natural last fall, it - naturally - went platinum.

In fact, 32 of the singer's albums have done just that, selling at least 1 million copies apiece with the automatic reflex of a line dance breaking out at a honky tonk.

It's why they call him the King of Country (OK, 54 No. 1 country singles also contributed to the coronation). Garth Brooks has pushed more product with bigger blockbusters, but even he has managed only 15 platinum records.

When it comes to consistency and longevity, no one can wrest the crown from Strait. Or can they?

Using age, past platinum success and a little algebra, we calculated how old the top hat acts would be if they were to catch Strait - provided, of course, that Strait were to lay down his guitar and quit recording pronto.

George Strait

• When and where: 8 p.m., Saturday, Pepsi Center

• FTickets: Sold out

• ALAN JACKSON

(13 platinum albums)

The honky tonk hat act was second only to Garth Brooks when it came to commercial domination in the '90s, but at his current pace Jackson could conceivably catch Strait when he's 72.

• TIM McGRAW

(Six platinum albums)

He's overtaken Brooks as radio's darling, but McGraw would have to start cranking out a lot more of his Southern-fried country in a hurry to overtake Strait. At this pace, he'd be 108 - and sounding hoarse - by the time he caught the King.

• TOBY KEITH

(11 platinum albums)

The Angry American has an outside chance, but he'll need another blast of patriotism to help him reach Strait. He's on pace to do it when he turns 71.

• VINCE GILL

(10 platinum albums)

Gill spent too much time playing the less-lucrative bluegrass strain before going solo and making big money. That means he's got a lot of ground to make up. At his pace, he'll be 107 when he reaches the 32 platinum mark.

• KENNY CHESNEY

(Four platinum albums)

Modern medicine will have to make giant strides for Chesney to have a shot; he'd be 157 by the time he pulls even with Strait.

• CLINT BLACK

(Seven platinum albums)

The Texan helped pave the way for Garth, but time's not on his side to catch Strait. At this pace, he'll be 109.

• TRAVIS TRITT

(Seven platinum albums)

Tritt needs some hits, and fast; he'll be 103 at this pace.

Back to Top