13 June 2025
Amarillo by Morning – George Strait
Background “Amarillo by Morning” is a song written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser and originally recorded by Stafford in 1973. However, it is George Strait’s 1982 version from his album Strait From the Heart that cemented the song’s place in country music history and made it a signature tune for the “King of Country.” The song tells the story of a weary rodeo cowboy reflecting on the hardships and transient nature of his chosen lifestyle. Terry Stafford, a singer-songwriter known for his 1964 hit “Suspicion” (later covered by Elvis Presley), co-wrote “Amarillo by Morning” with Paul Fraser. Stafford’s original