About the song
Terry LaVerne Stafford, born on November 22, 1941, in Hollis, Oklahoma, was a distinguished American singer and songwriter whose unique voice and memorable hits left an indelible mark on the music industry. Stafford’s early life was marked by a strong affinity for sports and music, as he excelled in basketball and football during his time at Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, Texas. After moving to California to chase his musical dreams, Stafford embarked on a career that would see him achieve significant acclaim.
Stafford’s musical journey took a notable turn in 1964 with his breakout hit “Suspicion,” a track initially cut as a demo that captured the essence of Elvis Presley’s iconic sound. Released under the Crusader record label, “Suspicion” climbed to No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 31 on the UK Singles Chart. It stood out during a period when the Beatles dominated the top of the charts, showcasing Stafford’s impressive ability to hold his own in a competitive musical landscape. The single’s success was underscored by its gold disc certification from the RIAA, recognizing over a million copies sold.
Despite this early success, Stafford’s career was marked by fluctuating fortunes. His follow-up single, “I’ll Touch a Star,” achieved a respectable position at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, his subsequent releases did not replicate the earlier success. Notably, Stafford’s 1973 hit “Amarillo by Morning,” co-written with his musical collaborators, gained a second wind when George Strait covered it in 1982. Strait’s rendition of the song earned it the accolade of the #12 country song of all time by Country Music Television.
Stafford’s career also saw a notable interaction with other artists, such as Buck Owens’ reworking of Stafford’s song “Big in Dallas” into “Big in Vegas,” which achieved notable success on the country charts.
Though Stafford’s career saw peaks and valleys, his contribution to music was significant, and his distinctive Elvis-like voice left a lasting legacy. He lived between Los Angeles and Amarillo, Texas, and passed away in Amarillo on March 17, 1996, due to liver failure. He was interred alongside his parents at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. Stafford’s life and work continue to be remembered for their impact on both the pop and country music genres.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Every time you kiss me
I’m still not certain that you love me
Every time you hold me
I’m still not certain that you care
Though you keep on saying
You really, really, really love me
Do you say the same words
To someone else when I’m not there[Chorus]
(Suspicion)
Torments my heart
(Suspicion)
Keeps us apart
(Suspicion)
Why torture me?[Verse 2]
Every time you call me
And tell me we should meet tomorrow
I can’t help but think that
You’re meeting someone else tonight
Why should our romance just
Keep on causing me such sorrow?
Why am I so doubtful
Whenever you are out of sight?