Neil Sedaka Revives a Classic with “Is This the Way to Amarillo” on This Morning in 2012
In July 2012, legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka delighted television audiences with a special live performance of the beloved classic Is This the Way to Amarillo on the British daytime program This Morning.
Originally written by Sedaka together with lyricist Howard Greenfield, the song first gained worldwide recognition through the famous recording by Tony Christie in 1971. Over the decades, it has remained one of the most recognizable sing-along songs in pop music history.
During the 2012 television appearance, Sedaka delivered the track with warmth and energy, reminding viewers why the song continues to resonate across generations. The cheerful melody and memorable chorus quickly drew the audience into the story of a traveler longing to reach Amarillo, Texas, where his beloved Marie waits for him.
The lyrics capture a timeless theme of love and longing. As the singer journeys through lonely cities and open highways, his thoughts remain fixed on returning to the one person who makes every mile worthwhile. The song’s catchy “sha-la-la” refrain has become one of its most recognizable elements, inviting listeners everywhere to sing along.
Sedaka’s live rendition on This Morning demonstrated not only his enduring vocal charm but also his remarkable legacy as a songwriter whose work has shaped popular music for more than half a century. By performing a song he helped create decades earlier, Sedaka reminded audiences that some melodies never fade—they simply continue to find new listeners with each passing generation
Oldies Songs