When George Strait kicked off The Cowboy Rides Away Tour back in 2013, fans knew it was the beginning of the end of an era. After more than 30 years of making country music history, the King of Country set out on a final 48-stop journey, ending in unforgettable fashion on June 7, 2014, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
And what a send-off it was.
More than 104,000 fans poured into the stadium—shattering the record for the largest single-show attendance in U.S. stadium history. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a legendary career, a gathering of fans from all over the country to say goodbye to their cowboy in style.
Strait gave it his all that night, running through a set packed with fan favorites and timeless hits—not in chronological order, but in true George fashion, with feeling. He opened the night with the beloved classic “Check Yes or No,” and the moment the first chords rang out, the crowd went absolutely wild. The energy was electric as the Ace in the Hole Band joined him, kicking off a night that would be etched in the memories of fans forever.
Thankfully, that magical show didn’t stay in Arlington. Strait recorded the entire performance and later released it as a live album, giving fans everywhere a chance to relive the epic night.
The Enduring Charm of “Check Yes or No”
Released in 1995 as the lead single from his Strait Out of the Box: Part 1 collection, “Check Yes or No” was an instant hit. Written by Danny Wells and Dana Hunt, the sweet tale of young love blossoming into a lasting romance struck a chord with fans—and it held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for four weeks.
Unlike much of Strait’s more Western-themed material, this tender love story stood out, and nearly three decades later, fans still sing it word for word. George himself knew it was special the moment he heard it.
“That was one of those songs I knew right away I wanted to record,” Strait told CMT. “I couldn’t wait to get home and play it for my son.”
He remembers the moment clearly—driving his son to school one morning, knowing he wasn’t exactly a morning person.
“He’s pretty grumpy,” Strait recalled with a chuckle. “I said, ‘I’ve got a song here I’m gonna play you.’ I stuck it in there and played it, and it cheered him right up. Big ol’ smile. I knew we had a good one then.”
From the schoolyard love story in “Check Yes or No” to the record-breaking finale in Arlington, George Strait’s legacy lives on through the songs that continue to touch hearts—whether played live in a packed stadium or softly through the speakers on a quiet drive.
