On January 17, 2008, fans at George Strait’s concert at Birmingham’s BJCC Arena got a once-in-a-lifetime surprise when country superstar Kenny Chesney stepped on stage.
Strait, in the middle of his 19-city arena tour, was delivering a powerhouse 90-minute set packed with hits like The Chair, Check Yes or No, I Can Still Make Cheyenne, Run, and She’ll Leave You With a Smile. But when Chesney appeared, the energy in the arena soared to a whole new level.
Introduced by Strait, Chesney — sporting a casual black long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and a knit cap — joined him to perform the classic Amarillo by Morning. Fans watched in awe as the two country icons took turns delivering the song’s iconic lyrics:
“Amarillo by mornin’ / Up from San Antone / Everything that I got / Is just what I’ve got on.”
Before leaving the stage, Chesney embraced Strait, while the King of Country casually remarked, “That was pretty good, wasn’t it?”
Though Amarillo by Morning, from Strait’s Strait from the Heart album, never topped the charts, it remains a fan favorite, written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser and originally released in 1973.
Since that memorable night, Chesney and Strait have shared several onstage moments. Chesney has often credited Strait as a major influence on his career, calling him a guiding force behind the breezy, beach-loving vibe of No Shoes Nation.
Chesney once recalled to Bobby Bones how hearing Strait’s music in a small bar during a music video shoot inspired him early in his journey. He also shared how performing Strait’s The Fireman at a gig in Tennessee once helped him fill his tip jar, teaching him valuable lessons about connecting with an audience.
Fast forward to today, and both stars are keeping busy. Chesney is gearing up for his 21-date I Go Back 2023 Tour, kicking off March 25 in State College, PA, while George Strait is set for a six-date stadium tour with Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town starting May 6 in Glendale, AZ.
From an unforgettable surprise duet to decades of influence and friendship, the night at BJCC Arena remains a shining example of two country legends sharing the stage — and proving why George Strait continues to inspire artists like Kenny Chesney.
