On This Day in 1983, George Strait Released His Iconic Signature Hit “Amarillo by Morning”

On this day (January 14) in 1983 George Strait released “Amarillo by Morning.” The song was an early hit for the Texas native and would become one of his signature songs. More than 40 years after its release, the Western swing-inspired rodeo song remains a fan favorite.

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Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser co-wrote “Amarillo by Morning.” Stafford was the first to record the track, releasing his country-pop version in 1973 and finding minor chart success. A decade later, Strait transformed the song. He created a new fiddle-heavy arrangement in the Western swing style that colored many of his early recordings. The result was something that felt right at home with those who live the rodeo lifestyle. This new arrangement and Strait’s believable delivery helped the song become an enduring favorite.

[RELATED: Watch George Strait Perform “Amarillo by Morning” During a Surprise Concert at the Legendary Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas]

Many fans believe that “Amarillo by Morning” is one of Strait’s best songs. However, unlike many fan favorites, it didn’t reach the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Instead, it peaked at No. 4, giving Strait his third top-five hit.

A Federal Express Commercial Inspired One of George Strait’s Signature Songs

“Amarillo by Morning” sounds like it could have been written by a rodeo cowboy. This is especially true for George Strait’s version. However, that wasn’t the case. According to Songfacts, Terry Stafford got the idea from the song after seeing a FedEx—Federal Express at the time—commercial.

The commercial boasted the carrier’s shipping speed, promising to get packages to places like Stafford’s hometown of Amarillo by the next morning. Stafford had played a gig in San Antonio and was making the drive home when the opening lines—Amarillo by morning / Up from San Antone—hit him. He called Paul Fraser to pitch the idea and the pair worked out the rest of the song together.

While Stafford’s original version of the song only made it to No. 31 on the country chart, it became popular in Texas and the rodeo scene. Charlie Russell, Kelly Schoppa, Terry Bullar, and a handful of other Texas-based artists put their spin on the song after Stafford released it. However, it wouldn’t gain widespread popularity until Strait recorded it for his sophomore album Strait from the Heart.

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