The opening guitar riff of Folsom Prison Blues crackles through Rice-Eccles Stadium like a bolt of lightning. Before the crowd can finish cheering, George Strait; in his signature black hat and boots; launches into Johnny Cash’s classic with a swagger that proves why he’s country music’s reigning king. This June 2024 performance shows the 72-year-old legend can still out-sing artists half his age.
Strait’s rendition honors Cash’s original while adding his own smooth Texas flavor. Watch how he plays with the tempo at 1:45, letting the Ace in the Hole Band shine before jumping back in with that iconic “I shot a man in Reno” line. The crowd’s roar at 2:30 says it all; this is a masterclass in paying tribute while making a song your own.
George Strait – Folsom Prison Blues (Live June 2024 Salt Lake City)
Fans went wild in the comments; noting how the band “always seems fresh,” while others called it “a living legend paying tribute to a great legend.” A superfan’s emotional comments (“You can sing any song!”) showcase the deep connection Strait maintains with his audience after 40+ years in the business.
This Cash cover shows Strait’s respect for country’s roots, but for pure George magic, jump to his 2019 performance of Amarillo By Morning – where his voice wraps around the rodeo anthem like well-worn leather, proving why it remains his most requested song.
George Strait – Amarillo By Morning
The 2019 Amarillo By Morning showcases Strait at his effortless best. Notice how he barely needs to glance at the band – their connection is so deep after decades together. When the fiddle solo hits at 2:15, watch the crowd erupt. This is country music perfection, delivered by its undisputed master.
From Facebook fan groups dissecting setlists to TikTok’s #StraitToTheMoon trend, George’s digital kingdom thrives; his official pages offer rare behind-the-scenes glimpses while accounts like StraitCinema preserve priceless concert footage.