Sep 28, 1996

George Strait records "Round About Way" at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville

Oct 2, 1996

George Strait takes three trophies during the 30th annual Country Music Association awards, aired by CBS from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Strait wins Male Vocalist of the Year; Album, for "Blue Clear Sky"; and Single, for "Check Yes Or No"

Dec 6, 1996

It's an all-country finalists list for Favorite Male Musical Performer as Garth Brooks, George Strait and Vince Gill get nominations for the People's Choice Awards. Reba McEntire is up for the female honor against Whitney Houston and Alanis Morissette

Dec 11, 1996

Garth Brooks, George Strait and Shania Twain each collect a pair of nominations for the American Music Awards

Jan 10, 1997

George Strait's four-CD set "Strait Out Of The Box" is certified quadruple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America

Jan 27, 1997

LeAnn Rimes wins her first major trophy, for Favorite New Country Artist, at the American Music Awards at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium. Other country winners: Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn and George Strait

Jan 31, 1997

"Blue Clear Sky" nets a double-platinum album from the RIAA for George Strait

Feb 14, 1997

Mindy McCready makes her debut as a touring artist, opening for George Strait at the Keil Center in St. Louis

Feb 24, 1997

MCA releases George Strait's "One Night At A Time"

Mar 3, 1997

Brooks & Dunn secure six nominations from the Academy of Country Music for its annual awards. George Strait and LeAnn Rimes are each mentioned five times, while Deana Carter, Alan Jackson and Tracy Lawrence are triple nominees