The Closest Thing To Elvis

Once upon a time, Elvis Presley played RodeoHouston. 1970, six shows -- two a day -- played to over 200,000 at the Astrodome.

Sixteen songs, one was the stone-cold classic Country song, Don Gibson's "I Can't Stop Loving You."

There has only been one Elvis. In Texas, the only person who has ever come close in icon status is George Strait.

I watched Sunday night as the Frank Sinatra of Country music strolled in the spotlight from the dressing room to the stage. He was in the spotlight most of the time as the band played "Deep in The Heart of Texas." All 80,000 in attendance on their feet yelling and taking cellphone pictures.

Elvis and George are both members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Both had more natural charisma that few have ever possessed.

Elvis sang 15 songs in 1970 ... George did 32 in 2019. George wore is usual Western wear and the other King wore his show costume that would make anyone else look goofy.

George Strait is so Elvis in so many ways. Both quiet, wealthy, genuine people who could sing the phone book and their fans would love them. Garth is pretty close to this status, but Garth works hard for his money. It looks like George is just on cruise control. He makes it look so easy! George and Garth are the best in class.

It was great to see a quarter-million Country music fans in NRG stadium over a three-night run. Cody Johnson, Brad Paisley and George scoring big numbers. Go to St Louis' football stadium a week earlier and you are getting close to 300,000 Country fans paying to see four different stadium Country shows. That's huge business!

George Strait plays Atlanta's football stadium next week and Garth plays in Arizona this weekend. That's another 150,000 people. Nearly a half-million fans. If anyone doubts the power of Country music right now, you shouldn't. The veteran artists are drawing and the baby acts are, too.

And how happy is every one about the newest Country Music Hall of Fame class?

Brooks & Dunn were a no-brainer. Could have even gone in a year or two earlier. The wild card here was Ray Stevens.

It was very hard to get Jerry Reed, Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley, The Oaks and Ronnie Milsap in the hallowed Hall. There seemed no chance for Ray, but it is so great that the stars aligned so he could.

One of the most talented Music Row veterans in so many areas. Google him ... Read, go out and re-listen to "Every Thing is Beautiful," a huge #1 pop song and Grammy winner. Listen to "Mr. Businessman." And of course the comedy songs. He and Minnie Pearl were a dynamic duo of funny in Nashville for many years.

Only 139 plaques on that rotunda wall. I still say John Denver's music is more Country than 90% of anything out there today. Like Elvis, he deserves a spot. Hank Jr. as well. No shortage of great future inductees, but some overlooks (or snubs) need to be corrected.