Who Wrote and Sang Amarillo By Morning First?

[@chadahaagphilosophychannel7329]

One of the most underrated songwriters and singers of the century

[@billcenne7262]

amarillo by morning and suspicion are two of the best songs ever if you ask me ! ! !

[@RhettyforHistory]

They are good! I kind of stumbled across Terry but he sure played a big part in those. Thanks for watching Bill!

[@billcenne7262]

@@RhettyforHistory I did too! It blows my mind they are both his songs. Poor Terry.........he left us too soon. R.I.P. Terry Stafford. His songs will last forever......

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're right about that Bill!

[@craigkowald3055]

Amarillo by Morning is my absolute favorite country song. Another song with a similar vibe to check out is Cowboys Ain't Supposed to Cry by Moe Bandy with an excellent cover by Chris Jones and the Nightdrivers, a superb Bluegrass band. Moe Bandy

[@tonytrotta9322]

"Amarillo by Morning" is a country music song written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, and recorded in a country pop style by Stafford as a single in 1973 to minor success. The song would be popularized in a fiddle-based Western rendition by Texas George Strait in 1982

[@charlottejohnson9878]

Amarillo, my birth place & home town

[@s.wilson2702]

I really appreciate you posting this video showing Terry's gravesite. It is much like Terry himself humble and unpretentious. I knew him well back in the 70's as I was part of the small team of 6 who were the Atlantic records staff that Terry recorded Amarillo By Morning for. We were all so young and enthusiastic and it was totally like one close family. I remember so well listening to the final mix of Terry's first, and sadly, only album for Atlantic. The song was such a standout in my mind and his heart was clearly at home in Amarillo, I wasnt a bit surprised when the KDJW airplay flipped from Terry's version of "Sweet Gypsy Rose" which was one of many country covers of pop hits that were so big in that era. I was so glad to know that Terry lived to see George Strait cover his own earlier version and bring it to the wider audience he commanded. I'm sure the royalty's were a nice side note as well. Terry's career with Atlantic was sadly short lived as the NY office closed down our Nashville division much to our shock and dismay. Really it was devastating to all of us and of all the artists Terry was perhaps hit the hardest on many levels. But he was always humble and soft spoken and bitterness was not something that ever surfaced in his nature. The music business can be brutal that way. In later years around 2006 I learned to my deep sadness of Terry's passing 10 years prior. I have been reminiscing about all the memories of those days back in 1973 and '74 and pulled up your video that caused me shed a tear in remembrance of this very dear soul who you respectfully tipped your hat to. Thanks for doing so. With fondest recollections and sweet memories from an old friend and fan in Music City to the long tall Texan from Amarillo. Rest in peace dear Terry!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and filling us in more on the record industry. It's sad some of that closed. I often wonder is it more brutal now than it was then or easier. These artists don't seem to have a record company helping them out and people aren't really buying the albums like they used to. In the 70s they sure were. I do think Terry's contributions have been somewhat forgotten or just never learned by the younger generation so I wanted to try and get his story out there more. He sure had a great sound.

[@s.wilson2702]

@@RhettyforHistory That is so great of you to do so. I know Terry would be grateful for the efforts and support of people like you, both for himself and other lesser known artists. As I have searched sites on the net where I came across you, I was impressed by the impact of utube to actually allow an artist to expand their audience, some even without having a current record label. Some artists have built such a following that they were able to springboard that fan base into a lucrative record deal. So that technological aspect nowadays is a distinct advantage. The problem for artists both "back in the day" as well as now, is that these labels can be here today and gone tomorrow, pulling the proverbial rug out from under an artist who was just gaining a foothold in the "industry". And that is what it has become, an industry run more by "music moguls" than lovers of music. I worked with many writers and artists, whose names I won't "drop", but let's just say they were the writers (and artists) of many of the all time greatest songs ever, both country and pop. If I had to chose between being in the "biz" back then or now, I far prefer the more "organic" evolution of music i was privileged to be a part of back in those earlier days. Dont get me wrong there were still the ups and downs, the giant corporations gobbling up the little guys then closing shop at the drop of a hat... I was caught in the crossfire more than once and when it happens, it's like a death in the family... the death of a dream! But the writers and artists themselves were the grounding force and artists like Willie and Waylon and Cash and Kristofferson fought hard to tip the scales back in the favor of the creativity of the creators, standing their ground for the honesty and integrity of the music and not just what was gonna be the next cookie-cutter comercial clone to garner airplay yet leave you wondering which one of a stable of young bucks was actually doing the singing!... Well I guess that's, as I sometimes say...short story long! I will try to find a great article to send you that I just came across, "down the rabbit hole", by a writer named Dan Beck who had the most interesting insider input on the whole Willie Nelson phenomenon that transpired at this same 1974 juncture in the closing of Atlantic Country and the birth of "The Redheaded Stranger/Blue Eyes Crying in The Rain" revolution. Atlantic NY, in their impatience for instant country success, which resulted in closing our Nashvile office, relinquished the biggest country album up to that time, to CBS. It is a remarkable story that I too witnessed first hand as Willie was also on Atlantic but Dan had even more insight into the inner workings of the "deal" on the LP that changed Country Music history! You seem to be interested and I think you'd enjoy it. It may take me a day to find it but I'll try not to forget. Shoot me a reminder if I do! 😉👍! And thanks again for the reply!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're right about Willie, Waylon and Cash doing things different and outside of the system. Always seemed like Waylon was really hated for it but those guys were good. I don't think most people know about all of that happening and how it works. And even people like me don't fully understand it since we never worked in the industry. As I look at it today the change seems to have affected those that have a full band with instruments. Whether it is country or rock. Maybe it's just a change in tastes but it doesn't seem like a record label is helping them out as much. But I also think these record companies are wanting someone that came from some reality show or youtube. Almost like a test to see if they will work out. I'm not so they always do though. It's another thing for me to say I how it is since I was never in the industry back then or now.

[@s.wilson2702]

@@RhettyforHistory Here is the article to do a search on, if you're interested...Bruce & The Red Headed Stranger--Dan Beck Writes I found it fascinating but then I was there when all this was playing out. I actually went to work with Nick Hunter who was my good friend and "boss" at Atlantic, after Atlantic Country folded. He and I, as his assistant, worked for Willie who formed his own small Austin based "Lonestar Records" with an office in Nashville. Dan Beck is a good writer and had a "twist of fate" pivotal role, along with Bill Littleton and Nick, in the chain of events that catapulted Willie into the legendary status he enjoys today.

[@gmandersonjr]

Your kind words are heard loud and clear. Thx for the background on this man.

[@johnmcneil3473]

He never received the credit he earned or deserved ! Great song writer and singer ! May he rest in peace.

[@donnalynch6845]

@@johnmcneil3473 here here my thoughts exactly 💯

[@thetravelingbuddy6104]

I love that song great video

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thanks Buddy. I appreciate you watching.

[@jlaw9336]

Thanks R for doing this. Dad knew Straights fiddle player years ago that made the huge hit. I like Terrys original!

[@letsgo1166]

Oh wow, I totally forgot about him and his music. Nice reminder and great video.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I had no idea about him until I started researching a little bit. Thanks for watching Deb!

[@dustysadventures]

I’ll have that song stuck in my head all day now.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Haha! It is catchy!

[@jmontoya1677]

Let me help you out....heyyyyyyy macarenaaa!!!

[@camoboatcatfishing3968]

Amarillo by morning . What a great country classic .Enjoyed the video .

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're right it's a great song. Thanks for watching.

[@TampaJay]

I had Amarillo by morning running through my head when I first saw the title of this video. Not knowing that he wrote it yet. Such a great song. Such a great video man thank you for sharing :-)

[@RhettyforHistory]

It's a catchy tune. I'm sure there a ft e a lot of people that sort of sing it as they are passing thru Amarillo. Thank you for watching my friend.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

So many great songs written about cities. Amarillo is one of the best and one of my favorites. When his first hit came out in the 1960s I thought it was Elvis, too. He was a very talented musician. So glad you visited his grave. I hope I have time to visit when I pass through Amarillo this summer.

[@RhettyforHistory]

There is a ton of stuff to see and do in Amarillo my friend. I don't know how you're going to have time to squeeze it all in lol. Thanks for watching Steve.

[@conniehill4483]

Thank you. Terry actually graduated from the same high school I did

[@amber110526]

Wonderful memory of Country Western dancing to Amarillo by Morning

[@RhettyforHistory]

It has always been popular and I don't think it ever gets old!

[@jessedavis7555]

I’m glad this has come to light I always thought it was George’s song.Songwriter never get enough recognition unless the artist put it on the album or give them credit in interviews Great job 😊😇 RIP Terry

[@RhettyforHistory]

He really was a talent in in his own right. Thank you for watching!

[@marlenecentrella9793]

Hi just found a lot of your older videos about country singers very interesting going to be listening to these tonight for a while hope you have a good day got to get back to watching my videos good night

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching the older videos too Marlene! I hope you have a good night as well!

[@jameskingstoncatch22]

Just came across his version of suspicion! great performance and vocal he had real charisma, can`t teach that. He just radiates joy, puts a smile on my face. Favorite song on you tube, that`s saying something.

[@attygarland6909]

I was DJing C & W music back in the late '70-s'-early '80s at an AM station in Joplin, MO. I remember around 1980 or so first hearing that song, when we received a promotional/demo 45 rpm of an artist named "Johnny Bush" singing the tune. I submit that he was the original recording artist with it (although I stand corrected if anyone knows of an earlier release). It was on some minor record label that, IIRC, I had never heard of before (I even joked, "must be a BUSH league singer"). I remember thinking, "wow, I think this guy's got a hit on his hands with this tune." Very nice and catchy tune, and he did a fine job on it with the vocals. In fact, I was even thinking this might be "the" tune that moves an artist into the major leagues. I played the heck out of it (and we got requests for it), but I can't recall whether it ever broke the C & W Top 100 on the Billboard charts or not. Things like that often depend on how many stations promo copies of a record are sent to, how many times those stations spin it, and sometimes even if the artist personally drops by a station to plug it in person on air (very rare, by those days, btw). Funny thing is I don't recall ever seeing anything else come across my consoles by Bush, or even by that record label, after that.

[@antrikikin]

Nice vid and story about the song. I grew up in Amarillo but left in 1997--my dad is buried there at Llano, too.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It really was a good sized cemetery. The back part had had some really nice old ones.

[@charlottejohnson9878]

I was born & raised in Amarillo & moved from there in the 60s

[@lesd9783]

Thanks Rhetty for sharing the history of Terry and I must admit... "Amarillo By Morning" is still my #1 song and there are no telling how many cassettes I have worn out listening to that one song by George Strait too while I was driving the semi tractor/trailer all over the U.S. Thanks again my friend and keep up the great work!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thanks for watching Les. George Strait is the only version I had ever heard of prior to researching Terry. Were you familiar with the other version?

[@lesd9783]

@@RhettyforHistory Yes, I 1st heard it on KVOO am 1170; back when KVOO was totally country and I remember hearing back in the late 1960's, but in turn, our family and Billy Parker (DJ for KVOO at night hosting the Interstate Truckers Show) were friends and my father and Billy Parker were Masons and Shriners.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That's interesting. I'm sure you listened to a lot of music out on the road!

[@brianquilty687]

That was a nice chunk of music history, well done.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Brian. I appreciate you watching.

[@European-Okie1986]

Hey Rhetty, Glad to see another video. As usual, keep up the great work !

[@RhettyforHistory]

Hello Nature! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@charlottecaudill5317]

Thank you for sharing your visit to Amarillo. Terry was special.

[@LoneStarPatriot68]

Wow I didn't know he grew up in Amarillo. Great video. I have been enjoying your videos.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Jeff. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@lindathomas-2671]

I like Terrys version best too! In fact I love it!

[@donnalynch6845]

To Me Terry Stafford Sang the Suspicion better than Elvis Presley

[@johnmahoney3566]

Better arrangement not necessarily singer

[@belindafrancis3881]

Agree

[@albertmarsh1796]

I agree

[@BrianShaffer-ry2xz]

Loved it!

[@colleenbazyn2171]

And another great video, thanks Rhetty.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Colleen! I appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@vickierichards3683]

Hi Rhetty,,another intresting video:)

[@RhettyforHistory]

Hi Vickie! Thanks for watching!

[@freddiepride542]

Thanku my friend 4 posting this video awesome I love the whole story good stuff.

[@brendakrieger7000]

My mom and I used to love listening to him!! I never knew who wrote it! Suspicion is a wonderful song too! I always assumed that George wrote it. Thank you so much!

[@RhettyforHistory]

I was the same until I had heard the other version and started doing some research. It's certainly a great song! Thank you for watching Brenda!

[@brendakrieger7000]

@@RhettyforHistory you're welcome!

[@mikeestes8455]

Great song in music history. Neat video! Connie & Mike.....

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Connie and Mike. I think of it every time go thru Amarillo.

[@marypettyfer4640]

Thankyou for this love these type of videos, oh my just realised got one of his records in the loft 😊

[@RhettyforHistory]

Do you really? Is it a rock one or country?

[@marypettyfer4640]

Not sure mummy's I'll have to get my nephew to go up there when he stays next

[@charlesyoungblood1402]

One fine Artist !

[@marypettyfer4640]

Thankyou so much 😚

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcone and thanks for watching Mary!

[@attygarland6909]

I'm still waiting for one of those funny "spoof" C & W artists to do a spoof of this tune, "Armadillos By Morning" .. about a trucker who can't wait to get home to (Austin? Lubbock?) and his pet armadillos. 😆

[@juliapeine847]

My little brother sang this for a talent show in middle school and got 2nd place, awesome video -daniel

[@RhettyforHistory]

Oh that's awesome he did that! Did he continue singing?

[@juliapeine847]

@@RhettyforHistory we sure do and hes coming back from north Dakota this week so we'll be singin even more

[@RhettyforHistory]

Is he a professional musician?

[@juliapeine847]

@@RhettyforHistory not yet but hopefully one day we'll do somethin cool

[@Jhon0034]

ty for share mr

[@EllenCFarmGirl]

Great vlog!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you Ellen!

[@sharondalenekuder1710]

I loved Terry Staffords music. This view into Staffords successful career in music writing was very interesting. I wish he had recorded more of those he wrote.

[@lordemed1]

My blood boils every time I hear this song "by George Strait."

[@marypettyfer4640]

I love suspicion had to go and see if I'd got right song in my head, it was 😄

[@RhettyforHistory]

He really did great on that one!

[@alysehiltbrunner7184]

My cousin. :) he was a great man

[@salvadormonter3312]

Muy buena iformación. Gracias.

[@audiospanked4787]

The man had a beautiful voice Suspicion was /is a great song. I have the album with Amarillo by morning that he wrote (1973) I miss all that good music from that era .

[@Cicadelic60s]

Terry's Suspicion album is a great piece of work too, solid all the way.

[@donnadoland802]

MY HANDSOME KING ❤

[@jongarcia5720]

Great video But one thing you left out was back in the late 70s and earlly 80s there were a lot of bands playing in the honkytonks like The Ace In The Hole Band which was George and his band . now there was one band in the San Antonio area that was playing this song very heavily was Clifton Jansky and the Drifter's of San Antonio Band. Clifton Jansky made the song so popular in the dance halls , and note Clifton and George were friend , after he heard Clifton playing it and George put it into set list. and that's when George went to go record it. So check out Clifton Jansky story it is pretty good one it wood my a good video

[@ManuelDiaz-on7tg]

Just in case you all want to know…. Kelly Schoppa recorded “ Amarillo by Morning “ before George Strait.

[@daphneduryea9136]

& Terry Bullard did, as well.

[@rosalindamartinez9634]

I REMEMBER LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY! STAFFORD ALSO SING ABOUT A 🌟 STAR!

[@brandonm6052]

So in 1975 Chris LeDoux also recorded this song on his album Life as a Rodeo Man.

[@mikeattexoma]

I grew up next-door to Terry's father's house. We spent many a day together and I think he dated at least three of my sisters.

[@eutimiochavez415]

Elvis sounds like stafford

[@donnalynch6845]

I had a mine so,,but whoever did write it,Terry Stafford is the best 🤗😊🥰🇧🇧🇧🇧

[@attygarland6909]

btw, it's Spanish and pronounced, "YAH-noh".

[@1M005E1]

Terry Stafford ( Suspicion) was the guy who wrote it, was given to Moe Bandy. Since Moe Bandy had so many hits, & knew it was going to be a hit song, at the time a young George Strait was coming onto the scene, & Moe gave the song to George who made it to number 1 on the charts. I'm a fan of Moe Bandy, & seen him at his stage in Branson, Moe was the one who told the story.

[@jameseast7966]

No Strait's version only got to #2. Still the most famous, however I like Terry's original best. My go to song when I need to unloop a song out of my head, works every time.

Of the two Terry and George I like Terry's version better. I like this song by both singers very much.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It's a good rodeo song! Thanks for watching!

@@RhettyforHistory Than You for the Red Heart and your reply! Cheers!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome

[@donsummers9530]

Chris LeDoux recorder Amarillo by Morning I believe in 75 before George Strait recorded his version

[@RhettyforHistory]

I knew he had a version that I had heard since Chris was all about the rodeo and cowboy tales. I wasn't sure when it was cut.

[@johnnydee76]

Chris LeDoux recording is the version I remember hearing of Amarillo by Morning - Terry Stafford recordings of Suspicion and Amarillo by Morning were simply incredible!!!

[@sarnveishastein1201]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏😎

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thanks for watching sarnveishastein1201!

[@attygarland6909]

Pretty piddly gravestone for someone who supposedly made such an impact in the music world/industry. wth? 😦 btw, have to wonder if he was related in any way to country artist Jim Stafford (the "I don't like spiders or snakes", singer). ?

[@1JUSTPASSINGTHROUGH]

How about John David (JD) Souther???

[@jessyleppert2]

Jessy and The Fancy Cats sing Terry Stafford's Suspicion

[@frankfranko9023]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching!

[@CaptainSkeleton2004]

Huh, I never heard of Terry Stafford until this point, I might as well have to listen to his songs

[@RhettyforHistory]

Definitely listen to Suspicion! It sound just like Elvis!

[@CaptainSkeleton2004]

Holy toledo, it does

[@jameseast7966]

@@RhettyforHistory He is better than Elvis, who was more commercial. Elvis only did songs his handlers believed would make big money.

[@marypettyfer4640]

Hello there🙋🙌😚

[@RhettyforHistory]

Hi Mary!🙂🙂👋

[@JimmyChambers-sc9oc]

It is pronounced yano. Great video.

[@plywoodcarjohnson5412]

You won't find this video if you haven't heard the song. True!

[@RhettyforHistory]

I believe you are correct on that. Thank you for watching!

[@Techknowverse]

Terry Stafford wrote it , and released 1973.

[@jameseast7966]

YES!!!! I want folks to know about Terry's original.

[@gmandersonjr]

Its spanish the only language the uses double "ll" as a pretext.

[@elisabethvalade9866]

We say /lama/ not /llama/...

[@marlenequesnell7934]

First heard that song in Elpaso TX. Terry Bullard sang it much better than George Strait!!In the 70's !!

[@SuperJill1111]

Thought it was elvis

[@robertthomas4545]

Terry wrote it

[@jessyleppert2]

Whenever I hear Terry Stafford sing, I picture Elvis singing

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yes. I do, and so many others do as well. He had an incredible voice and talent. Thank you for watching!

[@Nivasi]

pronounced: Lan - O.

[@RhettyforHistory]

As in Land but without the d?

[@CandyvilleTv]

actually It's pronounce Yawn - O, It's a Spanish word and the double LL sounds sounds like a "Y"

[@lastlivingoldcowboy9082]

Clifton Janski did Amarillo by morning before G Strait in San Antonio. He did it better.

[@kicko61]

Terry Bullard had the song on record BEFORE Strait!

[@terrycreech8801]

My opinion Terry did it better than George Strait