Introduction
“Amarillo by Morning,” though a duet by country music giants George Strait and Alan Jackson, wasn’t originally written for either of them. The song’s journey began in 1971 with songwriter Paul Overstreet, who penned the melancholic ballad about a cowboy leaving his love behind in Amarillo, Texas.
The song found its first home on the 1973 album “For the Sake of the Song” by songwriter and performer Johnny Rodriguez. Though not a major hit, “Amarillo by Morning” gained traction within the country music scene. Years later, in 1983, singer-songwriter Vern Gosdin recorded his version, which reached a respectable No. 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
However, “Amarillo by Morning” wasn’t destined to be just another country song. Enter George Strait, the “King of Country,” who initially heard Gosdin’s version while on tour. Recognizing the song’s potential, Strait recorded his own rendition in 1983 for his album “Strait Country.” This version became a smash hit, reaching No. 2 on the charts and solidifying “Amarillo by Morning” as a country classic.
The story doesn’t end there. Fast forward to 2014, when Strait announced his farewell tour, “The Cowboy Rides Away.” A highlight of the tour was a special duet performance of “Amarillo by Morning” with none other than Alan Jackson, another country music legend. The chemistry between the two icons was undeniable, and the crowd erupted. This powerful performance was captured on the live album “The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium,” giving “Amarillo by Morning” a new lease on life for a whole generation of country music fans.
So tonight, as we listen to “Amarillo by Morning,” we’re not just hearing a song. We’re experiencing a rich tapestry of country music history, woven with heartbreak, resilience, and the unmistakable spirit of Texas. Settle in, and let the voices of George Strait and Alan Jackson take you on a lonesome journey through the heart of the Lone Star State.