Introduction
“Amarillo By Morning,” recorded by George Strait, is one of country music’s most beloved songs, though it wasn’t originally written by him. The song was penned by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser in 1973 and first recorded by Stafford the same year. Its inspiration came from Stafford’s own experiences of traveling between performances in Texas and California. The rodeo imagery central to the song connects deeply with the Western lifestyle, making it a perfect match for Strait’s style.
In 1982, George Strait released his rendition of “Amarillo By Morning” as a single on his album Strait from the Heart. The song’s narrative of a resilient cowboy journeying to a rodeo in Amarillo, Texas, after facing hardships like the loss of his saddle, wife, and belongings, struck a chord with listeners. The calm, reflective tone of the song, paired with Strait’s smooth vocals and the fiddle accompaniment, elevated it to instant classic status.
“Amarillo By Morning” was not a major chart-topping hit upon its release, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, but over time, it became one of Strait’s signature songs. It is celebrated not just for its melodic simplicity but for its vivid storytelling and evocation of the Western spirit.
Today, “Amarillo By Morning” remains a cornerstone in George Strait’s catalog, frequently performed at his concerts and widely regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and George Strait’s role in defining modern country music.