Terry Stafford born 22 November 1941

 

Terry LaVerne Stafford (22 November 1941 – 17 March 1996), was an American singer and songwriter. A native of Hollis, Oklahoma, he is best remembered for his 1964 hit song, 'Suspicion.' The song which was originally recorded by Elvis Presley, became Stafford's only hit song and a Top Ten single.

Stafford grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and then moved to Los Angeles, California, after high school, so that he could pursue a music career. Stafford began performing at social events and local dances, until he got his break in 1964, to record the single, 'Suspicion.' which had previously been recorded by Elvis Presley,The song was remastered by a local Disc Jockey and was released on the Crusader record label. It made it to number 3 in the U.S. and number 31 in the UK Singles Chart.

"Suspicion," with a vocal by Stafford reminded many listeners of Presley and it had the unusual distinction of being at #6 on the Hot 100 on 4 April 1964, just below the Beatles when they made history by holding down the entire top 5. His follow-up, "I’ll Touch a Star" made number 25 in America.

He later turned to acting and writing, he appeared in the film, "Wild Wheels," and wrote the song, 'Big In Vegas,' for country singer Buck Owens. In 1973, Stafford signed with the Atlantic Record Company and released a country album entitled, "Say, Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose," with the title track landing on the Top 40. He also the wrote the song, 'Amarillo By Morning,' which was later a major hit for country singer George Strait. The song was named "#12 country song of all-time" by Country Music Television. 

 In 1974, after a year or so with the Atlantic Record Label, Stafford left music. Stafford passed away in Amarillo, Texas, on March 17, 1996, from the effects of liver problems. Stafford's other recordings include, 'If You Got The Time,' 'Am I Fooling Myself,' 'Kiss Me Quick,' 'For Your Love,' 'Pocket Full Of Rainbows,' 'Hoping,' 'Sospeto,' and 'Soldier Boy.' (edited from Wikipedia and various sources)