Amie (1975) 9/22/20

Today's “Great Song of the '70s” was never a big hit...but over the course of 3 years, it slowly gained radio airplay—first on Album Rock stations, then eventually on Adult Contemporary, Top 40 and Country stations—until it became so ubiquitous, everyone knew the song! In many cases, people knew it so well, they could sing along with it—even the harmonies!

It made a cultural impact as well, as parents started naming their newborn daughters after the song title—using its unique spelling of: “Amie!”

Pure Prairie League released the song (about a guy who is having second thoughts about breaking up with his girlfriend) on their 1972 album, “Bustin' Out,” and that's where the Album Rock airplay came from. In 1975, it was FINALLY released as a single, and that's when it reached #20 on the Adult Contemporary Chart and #26 on the Hot 100. Not stellar, but pretty good.

But here's the thing: radio stations have never stopped playing it! It's still a standard oldie in all formats, and people (like me) still sing along with it!

(Note: If you're a Vince Gill fan, you may remember that he was once a member of Pure Prairie League. Just a as point of reference, however, he didn't join the group until 1978 and was not involved with the recording of “Amie.”)

Sometimes a “Great Song” can sneak up on you, and I believe “Amie” did just that!

From 1975, here's Pure Prairie League: