Kenny Chesney Crashes George Strait’s Stage for a Duet That Still Echoes Through Country Music

On January 17, 2008, fans at George Strait’s BJCC Arena show in Birmingham, Alabama, witnessed an unforgettable moment when Kenny Chesney walked out unannounced. Strait was in the middle of his 19-city arena tour, which began in Austin, Texas, and would later wrap in Lubbock, Texas.

The crowd erupted as the two country icons joined forces on Strait’s 1983 classic, “Amarillo by Morning.” Trading verses and harmonizing on the iconic lines, they had the audience singing along word for word: “Amarillo by mornin’ / Up from San Antone / Everything that I got / Is just what I’ve got on.” Before leaving to thunderous applause, Chesney embraced Strait, who smiled and told the crowd, “That was pretty good, wasn’t it?”

Written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, “Amarillo by Morning” appeared on Strait’s Strait from the Heart album. While it never claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, it remains one of the most cherished tracks in his repertoire, a staple at his concerts and a fan favorite for decades.

That night in Birmingham was one of many times Chesney and Strait have shared a stage. Chesney has often spoken about Strait’s influence on his own career, crediting him for shaping his approach to performance and artistry.

In a conversation with radio host Bobby Bones, Chesney recalled traveling to the islands to film his “How Forever Feels” video when he heard George Strait’s voice drifting out of a small bar. Curious, he stepped inside and asked, “Is that really George Strait?” Two men, who would later become close friends, responded, “Yeah… and are you Kenny Chesney?” Chesney laughed, noting it was still early in his career, and that moment marked the beginning of a lasting connection.

He has also shared stories of Strait’s impact on his earliest gigs. At one of his first shows in Tennessee, Chesney remembered playing to a quiet room with an empty tip jar—until he started singing Strait’s “The Fireman.” That was when the money began pouring in.

“George taught me a lot about how to connect with people,” Chesney has said. “I’m grateful for his friendship and for everything he’s done for country music—and for me.”

Even today, their mutual respect and admiration remain clear. Chesney’s Here And Now 2022 Tour set the stage for his 21-date I Go Back 2023 Tour, kicking off March 25 in State College, Pennsylvania, and running through July.

Strait, meanwhile, is preparing for a stadium run alongside Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town, starting May 6 in Glendale, Arizona, and concluding August 5 in Tampa, Florida, with stops in Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, and Nashville.

For both men, that Birmingham duet in 2008 wasn’t just a one-off—it was a musical meeting of generations, a reminder of the deep roots and enduring bonds that define country music.