Tina MusialMonday's Oldies Song: Amarillo by Morning
June 9th 2008 05:28
George Strait, often refered to as King George, has released 56 chart-topping singles.
Monday: Oldies Country
Wednesday: Wildcard
Thursday: Hit Song of the Week
Friday: Party Song
Today’s Party Song:
Amarillo by Morning by George Strait
George Strait is without a doubt the king of country music. His most recent single was his 56th chart-topper in his 27 year career, and his most recent album is the only one in his arsenal that has not earned a Platinum recognition… yet.
But one of the most striking facts about Strait’s 56 singles (the most number one hits on a single chart format of any artist in any genre): “Amarillo by Morning” is not among his #1s.
The song was written, and originally performed by Terry Stafford, a Texas boy who wrote the hit on a bus to his home in Amarillo. Amarillo, Texas is located in the state’s panhandle, 330 miles northwest of Dallas, and about a hundred miles further from San Antonio.
The song was then performed by a slew of country artists, mostly smaller names playing in Texas Honkytonks. It was recorded by Strait in 1982, and was released with his Strait from the Heart album (1982). Though he was not the original writer, or the only singer, “Amarillo by Morning” is still considered a George Strait hit.
The song opens with one of the most beautiful, most relaxed fiddle sequences in Strait’s repertoire. “Amarillo by Morning,” Strait sings as the song begins, “up from San Antone.” The song was written by Stafford while on a bus from San Antonio, on his way to Amarillo.
A perfect portrayal of the Texas cowboy, Strait’s song brings images “that Texas sky”, and cowboys riding in the plains. Anyone who has ever been to Texas can more than just hear the spirit of the state in this song, they can see it in their minds. More so than any of Strait’s others, this song brings the listeners to old-time Texas, the legendary Wild West.
Strait has often been considered a true Texas cowboy. “Everything that I got is just what I got on,” sings Strait in this down-to-earth, true to the heart melody. “I ain’t got a dime, but what I’ve got is mine. I ain’t rich, but Lord I’m free.”
“Amarillo by morning. Amarillo’s where I’ll be.”
The song can seems shallow to the average listener, and many speculate that the reason for its peaking at #4 on the charts (sub-par for King George) is due to the Tennessee-dominated nature of Country Music officials. For Texans, this is one of the truest and deepest songs to experience.
The reasons why George Strait is considered the greatest country music artist of all time are manifold, and would take the average writer about a week and a half to articulate. Even though it may not be one of his most recognized, or even one of his most successful, “Amarillo by Morning” is yet another reason why Strait has been rightfully dubbed “King George”.
[MCA; Written by: Terry Stafford, Paul Fraser; Produced: Blake Mevis; Album: Strait from the Heart (1982); Single Release: February 16, 1983]
www.georgestrait.com
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