George Strait has a catalog full of hits, but one song holds a special place in his heart. During a performance at Gruene Hall in Texas, nine years ago, Strait celebrated the release of his album Strait Out Of The Box: Part II. Fans were thrilled to see the legendary country star trade stadiums for an intimate honky-tonk stage. As Whiskey Riff put it, “…[S]eeing someone of his caliber, a legend who can still sell out stadiums, play a small honky tonk like this is just beyond cool.”
For nearly two hours, Strait delighted the crowd with his classics before revealing his personal favorite: “Amarillo By Morning.” He shared, “My most favorite song I’ve ever recorded, and it was big in the dance halls, people always requested it. This one’s called ‘Amarillo By Morning.’ I love singing it.”
A Timeless Hit
Released in 1982 on his Strait from the Heart album, “Amarillo By Morning” became an instant hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart. Over the decades, it has grown into a beloved country standard — perhaps the most iconic song in Strait’s legendary career.
It’s clear that “Amarillo By Morning” isn’t just a favorite for George Strait — it’s a song that resonates with fans across generations, capturing the very heart of country music.
