George Strait's Twang Topples Michael Jackson from No 1 Spot

As predicted, George Strait's new release Twang has shot to the top of the Billboard charts, toppling Michael Jackson's longstanding Number Ones in the process.

According to Nielson, Twang has sold 155,00 copies. It gives the King of Country 5 No. 1 hit albums in a row. Strait has successfully topped the charts with Carrying Your Love with Me (1997), 50 Number Ones (2004), Somewhere Down in Texas (2005) and his Grammy Award winning Troubadour (2008).

Twang marks the country superstar's 23rd No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. This extends the Grammy Award winner's record as the performer with the most number ones on the list.

The Pure Country star has not opened with fewer than a 100,000 copies since 1994's Lead On which racked up 56,000 copies in its first week.

Strait also sits astride Billboard's Top Comprehensive Albums chart.

The King of Pop's Number Ones had seemed "Invincible," having sat atop the Top Comprehensive Albums chart at No. 1 for 5 of the last 6 weeks. The Thriller hitmaker's album fell to No 2.

George found country music fame with his 1981 single Unwound. Beginning with such hits as Fool Hearted Memory, and A Fire I Can't Put Out, the Grammy Award winner went on to break the record for the most No 1 hits, logging 44 No 1 singles on the Billboard charts.

His career climbed even higher after starring in the role of superstar country singer Dusty Chandler in the hit movie Pure Country (1992). The soundtrack lasted 393 weeks on the Billboard's charts, climbing to No 3. Pure Country sold over 6 million copies and was Strait's most successful studio album.

He has been nominated for more CMA and ACM awards, and has chalked up more wins, than any other performer.

In 2006, Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

At the 51^st Grammy Awards, George finally won a Grammy award, taking Best Country Album of the Year for his 2008 release Troubadour.

In April 2009, he was honoured by the Academy of Country Music with the Artist of the Decade Award.

Only Elvis and the Beatles have bettered George's run of 38 hit albums (12 multi platinum, 22 platinum and four gold).

Look for the King of Country to continue his reign for some time to come.

R L Rheubottom