Terry Stafford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Terry Stafford
Stafford c. 1969
Born	Terry LaVerne Stafford (1941-11-22)November 22, 1941 Hollis, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died	March 17, 1996(1996-03-17) (aged 54) Amarillo, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter musician
Years active	1963–1996
Musical career
Genres	Rock R&B country
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Atlantic Crusader

Terry LaVerne Stafford (November 22, 1941 – March 17, 1996) was an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his popular 1964 song "Suspicion". He also had a big country music hit in 1973 called "Amarillo by Morning". Many people thought Terry Stafford sounded a lot like Elvis Presley when he sang.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Terry was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, in 1941. When he was seven, his family moved to Amarillo, Texas. He went to Palo Duro High School and graduated in 1960. Terry was very good at sports, playing both basketball and football. After singing with a local rock and roll band, he decided to move to California. He wanted to become a professional musician.

Terry Stafford's Music Career

Terry Stafford's version of the song "Suspicion" became a huge hit in 1964. It reached number 3 on the music charts in the U.S. and sold over a million copies! This was especially impressive because, at the same time, the Beatles held the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Terry's song was number 6, right behind them. The next week, "Suspicion" moved up to number 3. His next song, "I’ll Touch a Star," also did well, reaching number 25 in the United States.

In 1969, another famous musician named Buck Owens rewrote one of Terry's songs, "Big in Dallas." Buck Owens changed it to "Big in Vegas" and it became a top 5 country song.

Terry Stafford kept making music. In 1973, he released "Amarillo by Morning". Later, in 1982, country music superstar George Strait covered this song. George Strait's version became very famous. Country Music Television even called "Amarillo by Morning" the "number 12 country song of all-time."

Later Life and Passing

Terry Stafford spent most of his life living in either Los Angeles or Amarillo, Texas. He passed away in Amarillo on March 17, 1996, at the age of 54. He is buried with his parents in Llano Cemetery in Amarillo.

Terry Stafford's Songs

Terry Stafford released several albums and singles during his career. Here are some of his main releases:

Albums

Singles