Remembering Terry Stafford: The Legacy of a Country Music Icon
On this day in 1996, Terry Stafford passed away in Amarillo, Texas at the age of 54. Known for his Elvis Presley-like voice, Stafford made a mark on country music in the 1960s and '70s. His career took off in 1964 with the release of "Suspicion," which became a hit on the pop charts. His song "Kiss Me Quick" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his biggest hit.
Stafford's debut album, "Big in Dallas," featured the song "Big in Dallas," which Buck Owens later re-wrote as "Big in Vegas," reaching No. 5 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 1969. While he didn't have another top 10 hit, Stafford had several singles that made it to the top 40 on the country charts. His 1973 single "Amarillo by Morning" had a significant impact on country music.
George Strait released "Amarillo by Morning" in 1983, reaching No. 4 on the charts. The song remains one of Strait's most popular tracks, with over 330 million streams on Spotify. Stafford co-wrote the song with Paul Fraser, inspired by a FedEx commercial and a road trip from San Antonio to Amarillo.
"Amarillo by Morning" became a beloved country classic and showcased Stafford's songwriting talent. His legacy lives on through this iconic song and his contributions to the country music genre.