Country music legend George Strait is a proud Texan who wants to make sure the Lone Star State stays clean. His efforts can make him laugh.
Strait appeared in a series of commercials telling Texans and visitors alike, “Don’t Mess with Texas.” Other singers and performers from Texas in the commercials included Lyle Lovett, Los Lonely Boys, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jerry Jeff Walker, Chuck Norris, Morgan Fairchild, Owen Wilson, and Marcia Ball.
Now probably all of these performers have a blooper reel somewhere with their ad work. Strait was definitely no stranger to having a few things go wrong when filming the advertisements.
It might be trying to throw a piece of wadded-up paper into a trash can. It might be having to say a line and not be able to keep a straight face (no pun intended).
Nevertheless, here’s a selection of funny outtakes from George Strait taking part in the “Don’t Mess with Texas” anti-littering ad campaign.
George Strait Part Of ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ Ad Campaign
Obviously, the idea behind the marketing campaign was to stop littering along Texas highways. Little did the Texas Department of Transportation, who asked Austin, Texas-advertising agency GSD&M to come up with a campaign, realize the slogan would take on a different meaning.
Texans weren’t just seeing “Don’t Mess with Texas” as a no-littering ad phrase. It became a statement of pride, one where those who either live in Texas or are from Texas yet live elsewhere gravitate toward.
The ad campaign was created in 1985. Reportedly, Tim McClure, who worked at GSD&M, created the slogan after seeing garbage while walking near his house.
At first, the slogan was slapped on bumper stickers for cars to put on their bumpers. Then in 1986, Vaughan took part in a television commercial for “Don’t Mess with Texas” that aired during CBS’ New Year’s Day coverage of the 50th Annual Cotton Bowl Classic from Dallas, Texas. Vaughan sings the “Eyes of Texas” in the advertisement, adding the line “Don’t Mess with Texas” at the end.
George Strait added his own special touch to the “Don’t Mess with Texas” movement. It helped remind people to keep it clean on the roadways.
Strait Gives Acting A Chance In Movie ‘Pure Country’
Country music icon George Strait shocked his fans and the music industry when he starred in the film “Pure Country” in 1992.
The movie stars Dusty, played by Strait. He is a country artist who is tired of the extravagance and fame and looks to get back to what made him start making music in the first place.
In the process, he finds his voice and his inspiration. It was a story of soul-searching and redemption and the gentleness and charisma that George Strait exudes fit the role perfectly.
According to Rolling Stone, the movie grossed $15.1 million. However, the movie had gotten some negative reviews when it first came out. More country fans now have taken a liking to the ’90s flick, however.
Why Did George Strait Venture into Acting?
Back a number of years ago, George Strait didn’t want to be on camera at all. But he ended up doing a movie, much to his fans’ surprise.
One person, in particular, saw something in Strait as a movie star. That person was “Colonel” Tom Parker, who was the longtime manager for Elvis Presley. Parker pushed enough that Strait talked with Jerry Weintraub, and that started the road toward “Pure Country.”
Weintraub remembers Strait being hesitant at first. “He said to me, ‘What do I have to gain? I sell a lot of albums. I’ve got a great life. What is this going to do for me? And I don’t know how to act,'” Weintraub told Rolling Stone magazine.
He did the movie but Strait was nervous about the movie’s title. Strait thought “Pure Country” made it sound like the movie was all about country. Strait believed it was much more than that and asked the studio to consider changing the name.
Obviously, the suggestions fell flat as producers must have thought the movie was “Pure Country” after all.
H/T: IMDB.com
