Country music academy names George Strait artist of the decade
The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. �?George Strait will receive the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade award in recognition of his nearly 25-year career.

Only four other acts have received the distinction: Marty Robbins in 1969, Loretta Lynn in 1979, Alabama in 1988 and Garth Brooks in 1998.

Strait’s many hits include ‘‘Amarillo By Morning,’�?‘‘Ocean Front Property,’�?‘‘Check Yes or No’�?and ‘‘I Saw God Today.’�?

The ACM will tape a TV special in honour of Strait at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 6 to air at a later date.

The 44th annual ACM awards will air live on CBS from the MGM Grand on April 5 with Reba McEntire hosting.