At the age of 73, George Strait is unquestionably one of the foundational (and most revered) figures in modern country music. He is traditional but never stodgy. His authentic emotion, rich voice, and abundant sincerity have cemented his stature as a major fan favorite for years. Strait is the unchallenged King of Country. Some of his great songs from the past may have escaped your attention. We want to refocus your interest on these eternal tunes from a real master of his art. One who is also said to be the nicest guy!
Videos by Wide Open Country
"Amarillo By Morning"
Written by Paul Alexander Fraser and Terry Stafford, this track from 1983 is inextricably identified with Strait. He tinkered with the song, which was originally recorded by Stafford, per American Songwriter. "He created a new fiddle-heavy arrangement in the Western swing style that colored many of his early recordings...This new arrangement and Strait's believable delivery helped the song become an enduring favorite." It's on Strait's LP Strait from the Heart. And by the way, according to the outlet via Songfacts, it was inspired by a Federal Express ad.
"All My Ex's Live In Texas"
The teasing humor and witty, good-natured attitude of this 1987 song from the Ocean Front Property album burst from each line. Those qualities go a long way toward assuring its lasting popularity. Per Songfacts, "In his 11th #1 hit on the Country chart, George Strait proclaims his love for his home state of Texas but explains he can never go back because he left behind a trail of broken hearts across the Lone Star State." No wonder he high-tails it to Tennessee!
"Blue Clear Sky"
You may wonder why this song is oddly titled "Blue Clear Sky," not the more customary "Clear Blue Sky." The answer lies in an offbeat remark uttered in the Tom Hanks flick, Forrest Gump. Per The Tennessean via an interview with Bart Herbison of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, co-writer Bob DiPiero shared a remains-in-your-brain line from the legendary movie that is spoken by Hanks. It features the words, "...out of the blue clear sky...." The notion of switching up the elements of the familiar expression grabbed DiPiero's imagination. He was wonderfully agog about it. The resulting track wound up being a marvelous, memorable first-place country classic.
"You'll Be There"
George Strait's young daughter, Jenifer, lost her life at the age of 13. She died in a car accident in 1986. It was utterly heartbreaking for him and his wife, Norma. Their pain must have been unimaginable. Strait has said little about his daughter over the years. But he did share a few poignant thoughts twenty years ago per American Songwriter via USA Today. "I'm a religious person. I honestly believe we will see each other in heaven someday. I wanted to do the song badly. The writer, Cory Mayo, held that song out because he knew I wanted to do it, and he waited until I had the chance. It was kind of him to do that."
