George Strait Brings “Pure Country” To The Lone Star State With “Heartland”
on Mar 18, 2016 • Updated Mar 17, 2023
Country Movie Makes Great Music
In 1992, George Strait made his acting debut in the film Pure Country, starring as a country artist who ends up straying too far from his roots.
Although the film was not as successful as everyone hoped, Strait’s soundtrack was a hit, and remains his best-selling album to this date.
It’s 30 days of Strait as we count down to @georgestrait 30th studio album at the end of March. Each day I’m listening to a different Strait album. Today it’s George’s 13th album from 1992. “Pure Country”. #StillTheKing #HonkyTonkTimeMachine #GeorgeStrait #KingGeorge pic.twitter.com/JXpv9nb7eK
— Bob Pickett (@Bobpickettradio) March 12, 2019
Total sales of the Pure Country soundtrack have reached over six million copies, surely due in some part to the song “Heartland.”
The song was released as a single in January 1993, and after debuting at the 73rd spot on the charts, it jumped to number one in a little over two months.
All About The Song
The song, which was written by Steve Dorff and John Bettis, is about the heartland of America, and how it serves as the home to country music. Because of the heartland’s connection to country music, it’s the only place the narrator feels at home, as he sings, “When you hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar, you’re listening to the sound of the American heart.”
Strait performed the song years after its release during a performance at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. As soon as the crowd heard the fiddles start playing, they couldn’t contain their excitement, but they quickly quieted down for Strait to start singing.
This performance is as “pure country” as it gets, so you definitely don’t want to miss it. You can check it out in the video below.
It’s no wonder this song was such a huge hit for Strait, because it captures everything country music is about!
