Country music has permeated the American music scene in the same way rap artists have climbed and controlled the charts in the past decade. With the genre spreading and diversifying, including Toby Keith doing duets with Nelly, country music isn’t an exclusive club for the good ol’ boys any longer.

George Strait is a country artist who has been providing decades of hits for his loving “Strait Country” fans. The 53-year-old star recently earned his 52nd No. 1 single when “She Let Herself Go” hit the top on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart. No other single artist has earned as many No. 1 singles in their respective genres.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have had such a long career in country music,” says Strait, according to his Web site. “I never really set out to have [52] No. 1s, but I’m very proud of that fact. I’m going to continue, just as I always have, to try and make the best records I can and do the best shows I can.”

Despite his modesty, this new feat does not surprise fans of Strait.

“I love George Strait,” says Samantha Ruby, freshman in agricultural education. “I’ve listened to him forever. It is something you grow up with. He has been singing forever – since like the 80s.”

It began more than 25 years ago when Strait’s first No. 1 single, “Fool Hearted Memory,” hit the charts in 1982. Since that first release, Strait has released more than 30 albums which have included more than 400 songs. He has sold over 67 million records, which has helped him earn 19 No. 1 records and 28 platinum and multiplatinum records – more than any other country artist in history.

“I’ve never been one to set a lot of goals for myself,” Strait says on his Web site, “but I’ve always been really motivated to improve on what I’ve done.”

He holds many records in the country music industry, including the most CMA nominations: 73. If there was any doubt of Strait’s talent, it has been crushed by his 40 major industry awards, dozens of TV appearances and his induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2004. He has also received a National Medal of the Arts from fellow Texan President Bush.

Strait is proud of his Texas heritage, according to his Web site. “Texans love their state and there are a lot of singers from Texas. So how could there ever be too many Texas songs on an album by a guy from Texas? But you don’t want to do a song just because it’s got Texas in it. Sometimes that can get a little hokey. It was kind of coincidental that there were two songs about Texas on this CD (Somewhere Down in Texas). Both, I felt, were too good to pass up so they’re both on here,” Strait says of his latest release.

Strait’s tour will kick off Wednesday in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. Touring with him are Tracy Lawrence and a fellow Texan, young country singer Miranda Lambert.

Lawrence is no stranger to country music. He hit the spotlight in 1991 with his first release, which included four top ten country hits. In his career he has produced ten albums, gained much popularity and spent his free time with many foundations and charities.

Lambert, like Strait, has strong roots in Texas and is proud of her heritage. In contrast with her more experienced tour mates, Lambert, daughter of Texas country star Rick Lambert, is just beginning her career in country music. Her debut album “Kerosene” was released in March 2005. Although she may be the youngest on tour, she doesn’t feel disadvantaged by it.

“I always hung out with the adults. I never really was a kid.; didn’t eat baby food. I was 16 by the time I was 5, inside. I think that’s where my ‘old soul’ comes from,” Lambert says, according to her Web site.

Despite her youth, she is determined to make it in the country music genre.

“I don’t want my music to be taken as something you just hum along with,” she says, according to her Web site. “No matter what I’m singing, I want to say something that makes people think. I want people to hear my songs and feel something. I want to be appreciated as someone whose music is real. I want to be thought of as a true artist, not just as an ‘entertainer.'”

This “true artist” has already reached one goal: Her album has sold more than 500,000 copies and has been certified gold.

All three artists are sure to provide a wealth of entertainment. From legendary country artist George Strait and his 52 No. 1 singles, to up-and-coming stars ready to break out with new records, the night will be jam-packed with entertainment.