Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2015, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Paulette Carlson, which she submitted to this site on Tuesday 17 March 2015.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Paulette Carlson who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to say ‘thank you’ to Gerald Murray at Gerald Murray Music, without whom this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote from Paulette Carlson would not have been possible.
Paulette Carlson
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 17 March 2015.
‘I have always loved Gene Watson’s beautiful voice and the wonderful classic country songs he sings.
Occasionally he and I will be on the same show together and it is such a delight to hear him sing.
Gene is truly a country gentleman and one of the finest artists to come out of Nashville’
Thank you, Paulette Carlson, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Paulette Carlson…
Paulette Carlson was born Paulette Tenae Carlson on Saturday 11 October 1952 and began singing professionally in the dance bars in Fargo, North Dakota and in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area and built a large local following before heading to Nashville in 1978.
Soon after arriving in Nashville, Paulette Carlson was signed as a staff songwriter for The Oak Ridge Boys’ Silverline / Goldline Publishing Company.
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Paulette Carlson’s ‘With A Friend Like You Who Needs A Lover’, which was co-written with Jimbeau Hinson (Wednesday 29 October 1952 – Friday 4 March 2022), and included the track on ‘Even The Strong Get Lonely’ (Epic Records, 1983).
In 1983, Paulette Carlson signed a singles contract with RCA Records, and saw the release of the following singles:
‘You Gotta Get To My Heart (Before You Lay A Hand On Me)’ (written by Buzz Arledge and Jerry McBee) (No.65, 1983)
‘I’d Say Yes’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Tony Brown (No.67, 1984)
‘Can You Fool’, which was written by Michael Smotherman (Wednesday 17 December 1947 – Friday 29 November 2019) (No.72, 1984)
In 1986, Paulette Carlson founded Highway 101 with session musicians Jack Daniels, Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser and Curtis Stone.
Highway 101 were signed to Warner Bros. Records, with Paul Worley producing.
Paulette Carlson recorded three albums, a ‘Greatest Hits’ package and twelve singles for Highway 101 before leaving in 1991, when Nikki Nelson replaced her as lead vocalist.
In June 1987, Highway 101 saw the release of their self-titled debut album, ‘Highway 101’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), which was produced by Paul Worley, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘The Bed You Made For Me’ (written by Paulette Carlson) (No.4, 1987)
‘Whiskey, If You Were A Woman’, which was written by Mary W. Francis, Johnny MacRae (1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013) and Bob Morrison (No.2, 1987)
‘Somewhere Tonight’, which was written by Rodney Crowell and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1987 / January 1988) / this track was recorded by Randy Travis on a number of occasions, but he felt that the song was not right for him and it was not included on any of Randy Travis‘ albums
‘Cry, Cry, Cry’ (written by John Scott Sherrill and Don Devaney) (No.1 for one week in May 1988)
Highway 101’s self-titled debut album, ‘Highway 101’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘Bridge Across Forever’, which was written by Matraca Berg and Ronnie Samoset (1947 – Sunday 29 July 2018)
‘Woman, Walk The Line’ (written by Emmylou Harris and Paul Kennerley)
‘Good Goodbye’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Bob DiPiero and Pat McManus)
‘Are You Still Mine’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘One Step Closer’ (written by Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser and Curtis Stone)
‘Someone Believed’ (written by Johnny Pierce, Joanne Christy and Paul Solomon)
Personnel involved in the recording of Highway 101’s self-titled debut album, ‘Highway 101’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), included the following:
Paulette Carlson (lead vocals, guitar)
Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser (drums, vocals)
Curtis Stone (bass guitar, vocals)
Jack Daniels (lead guitar, vocals)
Additional musicians involved in the recording of Highway 101’s self-titled debut album, ‘Highway 101’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), included Larry Byrom, Dennis Burnside, John A. Hobbs (Saturday 11 February 1928 – Wednesday 12 June 2019), Jay Dee Maness, Tommy Spurlock (who passed away on Sunday 28 November 2021), Harry Stinson, Dennis Wilson, Paul Worley and Curtis Young.
Highway 101’s self-titled debut album, ‘Highway 101’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
In July 1988, Highway 101 saw the release of ‘101²’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988), which was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes’ (written by Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill and Dennis Robbins) (No.1 for one week in September 1988)
‘All The Reasons Why’ (written by Paulette Carlson and Beth Nielsen Chapman) (No.5, 1988)
‘Honky Tonk Heart’, which was written by Jim Photoglo and Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) (No.6, 1989)
‘Setting Me Up’ (written by Mark Knopfler) (No.7, 1989)
Highway 101’s ‘101²’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988) also included the following tracks:
‘Road To Your Heart’ (written by Wendy Waldman, Josh Leo and Jim Photoglo)
‘Feed This Fire’, which was written by Hugh Prestwood (Thursday 2 April 1942 – Sunday 22 September 2024)
‘Somewhere Between Gone & Goodbye’, which was written by Matraca Berg and Ronnie Samoset (1947 – Sunday 29 July 2018)
‘There Goes My Love’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘Desperate Road’ (written by Rick Giles and Richard ‘Spady’ Brannan)
‘Long Way Down’ (written by Paulette Carlson and Beth Nielsen Chapman)
Highway 101’s ‘101²’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988) reached No.8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1988.
In August 1989, Highway 101 saw the release of ‘Paint The Town’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989), which was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay, and was the last of their albums to feature Paulette Carlson as lead vocalist; the album included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Who’s Lonely Now’ (written by Kix Brooks and Don Cook) (No.1 for one week in January 1990)
‘Walkin’, Talkin’, Cryin’, Barely Beatin’ Broken Heart’, which was written by Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) and Justin Tubb (Tuesday 20 August 1935 – Saturday 24 January 1998) (No.4, 1990)
‘This Side of Goodbye’ (written by Michael Noble, Jeff Pennig and Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser) (No.11, 1990)
Highway 101’s ‘Paint The Town’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘I Can’t Love You Baby’, which was written by Tommy Rocco, Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Jesse Read
‘If Love Had A Heart’ (written by Matraca Berg and Curtis Stone)
‘While You Slept Last Night’ (written by Pam Tillis and Dennis Adkins)
‘I’ll Paint The Town’ (written by Gretchen Peters)
‘Rough & Tumble Heart’, which was written by Pam Tillis, Bob DiPiero and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004)
‘Midnight Angel’ (written by Bill Anthony and Bob Morrison)
‘Sweet Baby James’ (written by James Taylor)
Personnel involved in the recording of Highway 101’s ‘Paint The Town’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989) included the following:
Paulette Carlson (vocals, acoustic guitar)
Jack Daniels (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, six string bass)
Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser (vocals, drums, acoustic guitar)
Curtis Stone (vocals, four string bass, harmonica)
Additional musicians involved in the recording of Highway 101’s ‘Paint The Town’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989) included the following:
Dennis Burnside (piano)
Larry Byrom (guitar)
Sharon Eaves
Steve Fishell and Greg Leisz (steel guitar)
John A. Hobbs (Saturday 11 February 1928 – Wednesday 12 June 2019) and John Barlow Jarvis (piano)
Mike Poole
Harry Stinson
Dennis Wilson and Curtis Young (vocals)
Highway 101’s ‘Paint The Town’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989) reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
On Tuesday 11 September 1990, Highway 101 saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990), which included the following tracks:
‘The Bed You Made For Me’ (written by Paulette Carlson) (No.4, 1987)
‘Who’s Lonely Now’ (written by Kix Brooks and Don Cook) (No.1 for one week in January 1990)
‘Whiskey, If You Were A Woman’, which was written by Mary W. Francis, Johnny MacRae (1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013) and Bob Morrison (No.2, 1987)
‘Somewhere Tonight’, which was written by Rodney Crowell and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1987 / January 1988)
‘Someone Else’s Trouble Now’ (written by Pam Tillis and Gary Nicholson) (No.14, December 1990) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1990 / this was a new song for this collection
‘Cry, Cry, Cry’ (written by John Scott Sherrill and Don Devaney) (No.1 for one week in May 1988)
‘This Side of Goodbye’ (written by Michael Noble, Jeff Pennig and Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser) (No.11, 1990)
‘(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes’ (written by Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill and Dennis Robbins) (No.1 for one week in September 1988)
‘Honky Tonk Heart’, which was written by Jim Photoglo and Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) (No.6, 1989)
‘The Change’ (written by Rick Giles and Steve Bogard) / this was a new song for this collection
Highway 101’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990) reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
In 1991, Paulette Carlson signed with Capitol Nashville Records and saw the release of her debut solo album, ‘Love Goes On’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991), which was produced by Paulette Carlson and Jimmy Bowen, and included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘I’ll Start With You’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters) (No.21, 1991)
‘Not with My Heart You Don’t’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Jeff Pennig and Mike Noble) (No.68, 1991)
‘The Chain Just Broke’ (written by Monty Powell and Mike Noble) / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
Paulette Carlson’s debut solo album, ‘Love Goes On’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991), also included the following tracks:
‘Someone I Used To Know’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters)
‘Love Is Never Wrong’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘Why Should I?’ (written by Tom Shapiro and Chuck Jones)
‘It’s Too Bad’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters)
‘Where Ya Comin’ From’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters)
‘Falling In Love For A Lifetime’ (written by Paulette Carlson and Jerry Careaga)
‘Love Goes On’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters)
Personnel involved in the recording of Paulette Carlson’s debut solo album, ‘Love Goes On’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991) included the following:
Paulette Carlson (lead vocals)
Harry Stinson, Vicki Hampton and Chris Rodriguez (backing vocals)
Carlos Vega (drums)
Leland Sklar (bass)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (acoustic guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Bill Cuomo (synthesizer, piano)
Mike Lawler (synthesizer)
Tom Roady (percussion)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
John Barlow Jarvis (piano)
Paul Franklin (Pedabro, steel guitar)
Following the release of singles from Paulette Carlson’s debut solo album, ‘Love Goes On’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1991), she exited Capitol Nashville Records.
On Tuesday 11 October 1994, Paulette Carlson saw the release of ‘Christmas Is For You’ (Music Mill Records, 1994), a seasonal album released under Music Mill Records, a small independent record label, which was produced by Paulette Carlson, and included the following tracks:
‘Christmas Is for You’ (written by Paulette Carlson) / a promotional video was made for this track, which featured Paulette’s daughter, Cali
‘The First Noel’ (written by William Sandys)
‘Silver Bells’, which was written by Raymond Bernard Evans (4 February 1915 – Thursday 15 February 2007) and Jay Livingston (28 March 1915 – Wednesday 17 October 2001)
‘Mrs. Santa Claus’ (written by Paulette Carlson) / a promotional video was made for this track
‘Sleigh Ride’ (written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish)
‘What Child is This?’ (written by William Chatterton Dix) (traditional)
‘O, Holy Night’ (written by Adolphe Adam and John Sullivan Dwight)
‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ (written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin)
‘Winter Wonderland’ (written by Felix Bernard and Dick Smith)
‘Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!’, which was written by Sammy Cahn (Wednesday 18 June 1913 – Friday 15 January 1993) and Jule Styne (Sunday 31 December 1905 – Tuesday 20 September 1994)
In 1996, to mark Highway 101’s tenth year anniversary, Paulette Carlson reunited with original members, Curtis Stone and Jack Daniels, and saw the release, in February 1996, of ‘Reunited’ (Intersound Records, 1996); the album title referred to the return of the band’s original lead singer, Paulette Carlson, to the lineup. At the time, drummer, Cactus Moser, was not included in the lineup.
Highway 101 & Paulette Carlson’s ‘Reunited’ (Intersound Records, 1996) included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Where’d You Get Your Cheatin’ From’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters) / this track, which was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012), was released as a single in 1996, but it did not chart
‘It Must Be Love’ (written by Curtis Stone and Debi Cochran) / this track, which was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012), was released as a single in 1996, but it did not chart
Highway 101 & Paulette Carlson’s ‘Reunited’ (Intersound Records, 1996) also included the following tracks:
‘The Bed You Made For Me’ (written by Paulette Carlson) / this track was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay
‘Holdin’ On’ (written by Christy Seamans and Curtis Stone) / this track was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012)
‘Hearts On The Run’, which was written by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012), Jeff Sauls and Susan Sauls / this track was produced by Larry Butler
‘Setting Me Up’ (written by Mark Knopfler) / this track was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay
‘She Don’t Have The Heart To Love You’ (written by Paulette Carlson) / this track was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012)
‘Texas Girl’ (written by Paulette Carlson, Gene Nelson and Jeff Pennig) / this track was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012)
‘All The Reasons Why’ (written by Paulette Carlson and Beth Nielsen Chapman) / this track was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay
‘Walkin’, Talkin’, Cryin’, Barely Beatin’ Broken Heart. which was written by Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) and Justin Tubb (Tuesday 20 August 1935 – Saturday 24 January 1998) / this track was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay
‘I’ve Got Your Number’ (written by Tony Haselden and Harold Shedd) / this track was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012)
‘Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman’ (written by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen and Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange) / this track was produced by Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012)
Personnel involved in the recording of Highway 101 & Paulette Carlson’s ‘Reunited’ (Intersound Records, 1996) included the following:
Highway 101
Paulette Carlson (vocals)
Jack Daniels (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, percussion, vocals)
Curtis Stone (bass guitar, mandolin, vocals)
Additional musicians
Larry Butler (Thursday 26 March 1942 – Friday 20 January 2012) and Bobby Ogdin (keyboards)
Larry Byrom (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Pete Bordinelli (acoustic guitar, gut string guitar, mandolin)
Gary Morse (pedal steel guitar, Dobro)
John Wesley Ryles (background vocals)
Tommy Spurlock (who passed away on Sunday 28 November 2021) (pedal steel guitar)
Steve Turner (drums)
In February 1997, Highway 101 & Paulette Carlson saw the release of ‘Latest & Greatest’ (Intersound Records, 1997), which included the following tracks:
‘If I’m Over You’
‘I Just Don’t Love The Man’ / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
’24 Hours’
‘Whiskey, If You Were A Woman’, which was written by Mary W. Francis, Johnny MacRae (1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013) and Bob Morrison (No.2, 1987)
‘Somewhere Tonight’, which was written by Rodney Crowell and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1987 / January 1988)
‘Cry, Cry, Cry’ (written by John Scott Sherrill and Don Devaney) (No.1 for one week in May 1988)
‘(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes’ (written by Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill and Dennis Robbins) (No.1 for one week in September 1988)
‘Honky Tonk Heart’, which was written by Jim Photoglo and Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) (No.6, 1989)
‘Who’s Lonely Now’ (written by Kix Brooks and Don Cook) (No.1 for one week in January 1990)
‘This Side of Goodbye’ (written by Michael Noble, Jeff Pennig and Scott ‘Cactus’ Moser) (No.11, 1990)
In 2004, when her brother Gary, a Vietnam War veteran, was in the hospital, Paulette Carlson was inspired to write ‘Thank You, Vets’. After writing the song, Paulette Carlson came out of retirement and recorded a new album, writing ten of the twelve songs.
On Tuesday 13 June 2006, Paulette Carlson saw the release of ‘It’s About Time’ (Pandean Records, 2006), which included the following tracks:
‘I knew A Good Thing When I Had It’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘That Old Glass Case’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘I Wish You Wouldn’t Stand Quite So Close’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘Cowgirl Angel’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘Only In Your Dreams’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘My Love Is In America’ (written by Mick Hanly)
‘He’s Funny That Way’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘She Rides For The Brand’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘Twenty Years Ago’ (written by Dan Tyler, Wood Newton, Michael Noble and C. Michael Spriggs)
‘Thank You Vets’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
‘Rejoice For The Moment’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
It’s About Time’ (written by Paulette Carlson)
Paulette Carlson toured briefly after recording ‘It’s About Time’ (Pandean Records, 2006), undertaking mostly benefit gigs for Military Veterans.
• Like Paulette Carlson on Facebook