Introduction
On November 16, 2016, George Strait stunned fans with an intimate, invitation-only concert at Gruene Hall. Gruene Hall—built in 1878 and billed as Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall—still boasts its original 6,000 ft² layout, complete with open-air side flaps, a front bar, and a humble stage in the back. Strait’s nearly two-hour set was staged to honor the release of Strait Out of the Box: Part 2, made available exclusively through Walmart.
Strait chose “Amarillo by Morning” as the centerpiece, introducing it with “my most favorite song that I’ve ever recorded” before launching into its mournful, fiddle-driven melody. Originally recorded by Terry Stafford in 1973, the song tells the story of a rodeo cowboy driving through the night from San Antonio to Amarillo, declaring “I ain’t rich, but Lord, I’m free”. When Strait released his version in early 1983, it climbed to No. 4 on Billboard’s country chart, transforming it into a Western classic. It has since become one of his signature songs, a staple that still brings audiences to their feet whenever he sings it.
Standing on the tiny stage—surrounded by longtime friends and die-hard fans—Strait’s voice rang out with a warmth and authenticity that only Gruene Hall can inspire. There were no pyrotechnics or stadium lights, just the King of Country, his guitar, and a hall steeped in history—the perfect setting for a heartfelt homecoming. Strait himself reflected on the hall’s enduring magic, noting that the same spark from the ’70s and ’80s was still alive when he returned, calling the experience “iconic” and inseparable from his own journey.
This return to Gruene Hall wasn’t mere nostalgia—it was a testament to the bond between artist, song, and place, proving that music often feels most powerful in its birthplace. More than 50 years after first performing there in February 1976, Strait used those same worn-wood floors to honor his roots and share a piece of Texas heart with every soul in the room—his first appearance on that stage in 34 years. That resonance extends beyond country walls: a recent cumbia remake by Siggno and Aaron Watson underscores the song’s enduring appeal across genres and generations. Decades may pass and charts may change, but when Strait sings the tale of a lone rodeo cowboy, the heart of Texas still sings along—proof that “Amarillo by Morning” truly never fades
