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 during 2018, 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 Johnny Bush, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 13 September 2018.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Johnny Bush who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Tracy Pitcox at Heart of Texas Records in Brady, Texas without whom this ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson from Johnny Bush would not have been possible.
Johnny Bush
This quote was submitted on Thursday 13 September 2018.
‘I have known Gene Watson for a long time.
We both have learned a lot from each other.
I think he’s great’
Thank you, Johnny Bush, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Johnny Bush…
Johnny Bush was born John Bush Shinn III, on Sunday 17 February 1935, in the blue-collar neighbourhood of Kashmere Gardens in Houston, Texas, and is an acclaimed country music singer, songwriter and drummer.
Johnny Bush listened to the Western Swing music of Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975) & His Texas Playboys, and the honky-tonk sounds of a number of artists, including Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984), Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975) and Hank Thompson (Thursday 3 September 1925 – Tuesday 6 November 2007).
Thanks to a disc jockey uncle, Johnny Bush got a taste for performance.
In 1952, Johnny Bush moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he began a solo career in area honky-tonks, including The Texas Star Inn, before switching to drums. It was during this period that he earned his stage name, when an announcer mistakenly introduced him as ‘Johnny Bush’. As a drummer, Johnny Bush worked for a number of bands, including Mission City Playboys, Texas Plainsmen and Texas Top Hands.
In 1963, Johnny Bush joined Ray Price‘s band, The Cherokee Cowboys, along with a young Willie Nelson and Darrell McCall.
Johnny Bush’s association with Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) led him to Nashville and a contract to sing for record demos.
Johnny Bush also played in Willie Nelson’s band, The Record Men.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Johnny Bush’s ‘An Eye For An Eye’ and included the track on ‘The Other Woman’ (Columbia Records, 1965).
With Willie Nelson’s financial backing, Johnny Bush recorded his first album in 1967; ‘The Sound of A Heartache’ (Stop Records, 1967) included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You Ought To Hear Me Cry’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.69, 1967)
Johnny Bush’s ‘The Sound of A Heartache’ (Stop Records, 1967) also included the following tracks:
‘The Sound of A Heartache’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Moment Isn’t Very Long’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Lonely Street’, which was written by Kenny Sowder, W.S. Stephenson (1900 – 1978) and Carl Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990)
‘I Can Feel You In His Arms’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Conscience, Turn Your Back’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Jealously Insane’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Farewell Party’, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); Gene Watson‘s version of ‘Farewell Party’ reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979
‘Danny Boy’ (‘Londonderry Air’), which was written by Frederic Edward Weatherly (4 October 1848 – Saturday 7 September 1929)
‘Eye For An Eye’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘A Way To Survive’, which was written by Moneen Carpenter and Hank Cochran (2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘A Way To Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Sound of A Heartache’ (Stop Records, 1967) reached No.38 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1967.
In August 1968, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Undo The Right’ (Stop Records, 1968), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘What A Way To Live’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.29, 1968)
‘Undo The Right’, which was written by Willie Nelson and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) (No.10, 1968)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Undo The Right’ (Stop Records, 1968) also included the following tracks:
‘What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Made A Fool Out of Me)’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘Cuando Caliente El Sol’ (arrangement by Johnny Bush)
‘Tonight We Steal Heaven Again’, which was written by Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024) and J.H. Johnson
‘Cold, Cold Hands’, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007)
‘Unchained Melody’, which was written by Alex North (4 December 1910 – Sunday 8 September 1991) and Hy Zaret (21 August 1907 – Monday 2 July 2007)
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, with special guest vocals from Lee Ann Womack, who included it on ‘In A Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007)
‘Bottle Bottle’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Life Turned Her That Way’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘I’ll Warm By The Flame’, which was written by J.H. Johnson and Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024)
‘Apartment No.9’, which was written by Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003) and Bobby Austin (Friday 5 May 1933 – Sunday 6 January 2002)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Undo The Right’ (Stop Records, 1968) reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1968.
In March 1969, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’ (Stop Records, 1969), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Each Time’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) (No.16, 1969)
‘You Gave Me A Mountain’, which was written by Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 – Wednesday 8 December 1982) (No.7, 1969) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977)
Johnny Bush’s ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’ (Stop Records, 1969) also included the following tracks:
‘Don’t You Ever Get Tired (of Hurting Me)’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, with background vocals from Morgane Hayes and Wes Hightower, and included it on ‘In A Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007)
‘Mama’s Hungry Eyes’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘When The Grass Grows Over Me’, which was written by Don Chapel (1931 – Sunday 6 December 2015)
‘Darkness On The Face of The Earth’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘She Still Comes Around (To Love What’s Left of Me)’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘Until My Dreams Come True’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)
‘Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie’, which was written by Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) and Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘Back From The Wine’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012)
‘It’s All Over But The Crying’ (written by Hank Williams Jr.)
Johnny Bush’s ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’ (Stop Records, 1969) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1969.
In 1970, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Bush Country’ (Stop Records, 1970), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘My Cup Runneth Over’ (written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones) (No.26, 1969)
‘Jim, Jack & Rose’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) (No.56, 1970)
‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Bush Country’ (Stop Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:
‘Daddy Lived In Houston’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012)
‘It’s All In The Game’ (written by Carl Sigman and Charles Dawes)
‘Statue of A Fool’, which was written by Jan Crutchfield (Saturday 26 February 1938 – Thursday 1 November 2012)
‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Tonight I’m Coming Home To An Angel’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘The Wrong Side of The World’ (written by Johnny Bush, Rager and Atkins)
‘All I Have To Offer You Is Me’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
‘Wine Me Up’, which was written by Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) and Eddie Crandell
‘I Miss You Already’, which was written by Marvin Rainwater (Thursday 2 July 1925 – Tuesday 17 September 2013) and Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996)
It was also in 1970 when Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘You Ought To Hear Me Cry’ (Hilltop Records, 1970), which included the following tracks (a selection of tracks, which were originally recorded for Stop Records):
‘You Ought To Hear Me Cry’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.69, 1970)
‘Lonely Street’, which was written by Kenny Sowder, W.S. Stephenson (1900 – 1978) and Carl Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990)
‘Jealousy Insane’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Eye For An Eye’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘A Way To Survive’, which was written by Moneen Carpenter and Hank Cochran (2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘A Way To Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997)
‘The Sound of A Heartache’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Moment Isn’t Very Long’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘I Can Feel You In His Arms’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Conscience, Turn Your Back’ (written by Johnny Bush)
In 1971, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits of Johnny Bush’ (Stop Records, 1971), which included the following tracks:
‘My Mind Is A Bridge For Your Memory’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) / this track was exclusive to this collection
‘Rake Me Over The Coals’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) / this track was exclusive to this collection
‘What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Made A Fool Out of Me)’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘Wine Me Up’, which was written by Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) and Eddie Crandell / this track was an album track from 1970
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006) / this track was an album track from 1968 / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, with guest vocals from Lee Ann Womack, who included it on ‘In A Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007)
‘Apartment No.9’, which was written by Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003) and Bobby Austin (Friday 5 May 1933 – Sunday 6 January 2002) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) and Rusty Gabbard (No.17, 1972) / this track was exclusive to this collection
‘City Lights’ (written by Bill Anderson) (No.53, 1971) / this track was exclusive to this collection
‘Undo The Right’, which was written by Willie Nelson and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)(No.10, 1968)
‘Lonely Street’, which was written by Kenny Sowder, W.S. Stephenson (1900 – 1978) and Carl Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990) / this track was an album track from 1967
‘Each Time’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) (No.16, 1969)
‘I Miss You Already’, which was written by Marvin Rainwater (Thursday 2 July 1925 – Tuesday 17 September 2013) and Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996)
In October 1971, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Here’s Johnny Bush’ (Starday Records, 1971), which included the following tracks:
‘Danny Boy’ (‘Londonderry Air’), which was written by Frederic Edward Weatherly (4 October 1848 – Saturday 7 September 1929) / this track was an album track from 1967
‘Bottle Bottle’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘Apartment No.9’, which was written by Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003) and Bobby Austin (Friday 5 May 1933 – Sunday 6 January 2002) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘Tonight We Steal Heaven Again’, which was written by Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024) and J.H. Johnson) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘You Ought To Hear Me Cry’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.69, 1970)
‘Lonely Street’, which was written by Kenny Sowder, W.S. Stephenson (1900 – 1978) and Carl Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990) / this track was an album track from 1967
‘Life Turned Her That Way’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘What A Way To Live’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.29, 1968)
‘I’ll Warm By The Flame’, which was written by J.H. Johnson and Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024) / this track was an album track from 1968
‘Tonight I’m Coming Home To An Angel’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) / this track was an album track from 1970
‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘Wine Me Up’, which was written by Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) and Eddie Crandell / this track was an album track from 1970
In May 1972, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘The Best of Johnny Bush’ (Million Records Inc., 1972), which included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) and Rusty Gabbard (No.17, 1972)
‘City Lights’ (written by Bill Anderson) (No.53, 1971)
‘What A Way To Live’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.29, 1968)
‘My Joy’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) (No.44, 1971)
‘My Cup Runneth Over’ (written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones) (No.26, 1969)
‘It’s All In The Game’ (written by Carl Sigman and Charles Dawes) / this track was an album track from 1970
‘Undo The Right’, which was written by Willie Nelson and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) (No.10, 1968)
‘You Gave Me A Mountain’, which was written by Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 – Wednesday 8 December 1982) (No.7, 1969) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977)
‘You Ought To Hear Me Cry’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.69, 1970)
‘Each Time’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) (No.16, 1969)
‘Jim, Jack & Rose’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) (No.56, 1970)
‘Warmth of The Wine’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) (No.25, 1972)
In 1972, Johnny Bush signed a recording contract with RCA Records, whose Nashville division was spearheaded by legendary guitarist Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001).
In January 1973, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Whiskey River / There Stands The Glass’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), which included two tracks, which were released as singles:
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud) (No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972)
‘There Stands The Glass’ (written by Russ Hull, Mary Jean Shurtz and Audrey Greisham) (No.34 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973, and No.60 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1973)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Whiskey River / There Stands The Glass’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:
‘Another Bridge To Burn’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Pour The Wine’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘You Can’t Take It With You’, which was written by Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022) and Jim Kandy
‘Woman (Sensuous Woman)’, which was written by Gary Sanford Paxton (Thursday 18 May 1939 – Sunday 17 July 2016)
‘Right Back In Your Arms Again’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘This Has Got To Last’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005)
‘It’s The Last Time I’ll Ever Cheat On You’, which was written by Ronal Elmer McCown (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Sunday 4 February 1996)
‘These Lips Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Whiskey River / There Stands The Glass’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) reached No.38 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
Johnny Bush’s first RCA single, ‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud) (No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972), was climbing the charts, with airplay on countless radio stations, when his voice began faltering. Johnny Bush lost half of his vocal range and was sometimes unable to speak.
Willie Nelson recorded Johnny Bush’s ‘Whiskey River’ (co-written with Paul Stroud) and included the track on ‘Shotgun Willie’ (Atlantic Records, 1973); the track reached No.12 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973, and No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1973.
In 1973, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Here Comes The World’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Here Comes The World Again’ (written by Steve Karliski and Larry Kolber) (No.38, 1973) / this track also reached No.53 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1973
‘Green Snakes On The Ceiling’ (written by Jimmy Peters and Elton Williams) (No.53, 1973)
Johnny Bush’s ‘Here Comes The World’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:
‘Drinkin’ My Baby Off My Mind’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and Even Stevens
‘Lord, Let A Lie Come True’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)’, which was written by Hillman Hall (1938 – 1989)
‘That Rain Makin’ Baby of Mine’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Warren D. Robb
‘Cold, Grey Light of Dawn’ (written by Romana Redd and Mitchell Torok)
‘That’s All That Matters’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Borrowed Angel’, which was written by Mel Street (Saturday 21 October 1933 – Saturday 21 October 1978)
‘Drowning My Troubles ‘Til They’ve Learned How To Swim’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
It was also in 1973 when Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Texas Dance Hall Girl’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘Texas Dance Hall Girl’, which was written by Justin Tubb (Tuesday 20 August 1935 – Saturday 24 January 1998)
‘We’re Back In Love Again’, which was written by Sonny Throckmorton and Glenn Wilson Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You’ (written by L. Ross and B. Wills)
‘(Wine Friend of Mine) Stand By Me’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Muscatel Memories’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Haven’t I Always’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘I Leaned Over Backwards For You’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘The Warm Red Wine’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘Genuine Healer of Time’ (written by Larry Patton and Ron Knuth)
‘Waltz of The Wine’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
In 1974, following the release of three albums, ‘Whiskey River / There Stands The Glass’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), ‘Here Comes The World’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) and ‘Texas Dance Hall Girl’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), RCA Victor Records dropped Johnny Bush from their artist roster.
Soon afterward, Johnny Bush developed a drug habit, and was often stricken with performance anxiety when he was able to perform at all. After several misdiagnoses, doctors diagnosed the cause in 1978, when they discovered Johnny Bush had a rare neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia.
Although this did not prevent him from recording, Johnny Bush’s career began to take a downturn.
In 1977, Johnny Bush saw the release, on Gusto-Starday Records, of ‘You’ll Never Leave Me Completely’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Chuck Howard; the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.78 on the Billboard country music singles chart.
In 1978, Johnny Bush saw the release, on Gusto-Starday Records, of ‘She Just Made Me Love You More’ (written by James Coleman and Moe Lytle); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.89 on the Billboard country music singles chart.
In December 1980, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Whiskey River With Johnny Bush’ (Delta Records, 1980), which included three tracks, which were released as singles:
‘Put Me Out of My Memory’ (No.99, 1978)
‘When My Conscience Hurts The Most’ (No.83, 1979)
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud) (No.92, 1981) / this track was a re-release; the original version of this track was released in 1972, when it reached No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972
Johnny Bush’s ‘Whiskey River With Johnny Bush’ (Delta Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘Unchained Melody’, which was written by Alex North (4 December 1910 – Sunday 8 September 1991) and Hy Zaret (21 August 1907 – Monday 2 July 2007)
‘Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin’ (written by Jerry Irby)
‘Amarillo Depot’
‘Play Together Again Again’
‘My Mind Is A Bridge For Your Memory’
‘Rainbow Colored Words’
‘Ain’t It Easy’
In July 1981, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Johnny Bush: Live From Texas’ (Delta Records, 1981), which included the following tracks:
‘What A Way To Live’ (written by Willie Nelson) (No.29, 1968)
‘Medley’
‘Medley 2’
‘Adriana’s Song’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ / ‘Scootishe’
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud) (No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972) / a re-release of this track reached No.92 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980
‘You Gave Me A Mountain’, which was written by Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 – Wednesday 8 December 1982) (No.7, 1969) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977)
‘My Cup Runneth Over’ (written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones) (No.26, 1969)
‘Last Country Song’
‘Deep In The Heart of Texas’
In 1982, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘I Can Feel Him Touching You’ (Delta Records, 1982), which was produced by Max Gardner, and included the following tracks:
‘Pathway To Your Door’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘September In Your Eyes’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘I Can Feel Him Touching You (All Over Me)’, which was written by H. Sanders, Kent Westberry, Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) and G. Sherie
‘Eye For An Eye’ (written by Johnny Bush) / this track was an album track from 1967
‘Jim, Jack & Rose’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) (No.56, 1970)
‘Pour The Wine’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘This Hell You’ve Put Me In’, which was written by Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012)
‘Shell of A Man’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Wino’s Prayer’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Soul of The Wine’ (written by Johnny Bush)
In February 1982, Johnny Bush, with special guest Willie Nelson, saw the release of ‘Together Again’ (Delta Records, 1982), which was produced by Johnny Bush, and included the following tracks:
‘Together Again’
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud) (No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972) / a re-release of this track reached No.92 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980
‘Still Crazy’
‘Glory Train’
‘I Let My Mind Wander’
‘I’ve Just Destroyed The World (I’m Living In)’
‘Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin’ (written by Jerry Irby)
‘The Party’s Over’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘My Own Peculiar Way’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘You Sure Tell It Like It Is, George Jones’ (written by J. Beck)
‘Sound of A Heartache’
‘Opportunity To Cry’
In 1985, Johnny Bush worked with a vocal coach, and was able to regain seventy percent of his original voice.
In 1986, Johnny Bush teamed up with Darrell McCall, and saw the release of a successful honky-tonk album, ‘Hot Texas Country’ (Step One Records, 1986), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘The Twenty-Fourth Hour’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Pick Me Up On Your Way Down’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Wait ‘Til The Sun Shines, Nellie’ (written by David Brown, Ralph Bartch and Bill Taylor)
‘You Done Me Wrong’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) and Shirley Jones
‘If You’ll Hold The Ladder’ (written by Buzz Rabin and Sarah Busby)
‘I Can’t See Texas From Here’ (written by George Strait)
‘There’ll Always Be Honky Tonks In Texas’ (written by C. Pierce and B. Bond)
‘Just Ridin’ Through’ (written by Don Cusic)
‘Broken Promise Land’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005), Phil Earhart and Terry Fuller
‘Afternoon Rendezvous’ (written by Barbara Wyrick and Terry Woodford) / this track featured guest vocals from Mona McCall
In 2011, Darrell McCall & Johnny Bush‘s ‘Hot Texas Country’ (Step One Records, 1986) was re-issued, on CD, by Brady, Texas-based Heart of Texas Records.
It was at this time, in the late 1980s, when Johnny Bush began assembling a large country music band, and performed around south Texas.
In 1993, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 1’ (RCA Records, 1993), which included the following tracks:
‘Green Snakes On The Ceiling’ (written by Jimmy Peters and Elton Williams) (No.53 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973)
‘Texas Dance Hall Girl’, which was written by Justin Tubb (Tuesday 20 August 1935 – Saturday 24 January 1998) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Home In San Antone’
‘Here Comes The World Again’ (written by Steve Karliski and Larry Kolber) (No.38 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973, and No.53 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1973)
‘That Rain Makin’ Baby of Mine’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Warren D. Robb / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)’, which was written by Hillman Hall (1938 – 1989) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Lord, Let A Lie Come True’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Muscatel Memories’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Haven’t I Always’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘I Can Feel Him Touching You (All Over Me)’, which was written by H. Sanders, Kent Westberry, Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) and G. Sherie / this track was an album track from 1982
‘There Stands The Glass’ (written by Russ Hull, Mary Jean Shurtz and Audrey Greisham) (No.34 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973, and No.60 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1973)
‘(Wine Friend of Mine) Stand By Me’ (written by Johnny Bush) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘We’re Back In Love Again’, which was written by Sonny Throckmorton and Glenn Wilson Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019) / this track was an album track from 1973
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud) (No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972)
‘Toy Telephone’
‘I’ve Just Destroyed The World (I’m Living In)’
‘Jennifer’
‘Half A World’
‘I Really Don’t Want To Know’
‘Something Seems To Fall Apart Inside’
‘Man With No Soul At All’
‘Secret Love’
‘Ease Me To The Ground’
‘From Tennessee To Texas’
In 1994, Johnny Bush & The Bandaleros saw the release, as part of the ‘Texas Legend Series’, of ‘Time Changes Everything’ (Not On Label, 1994), which included the following tracks:
‘Don’t Sing Me No Songs About Texas’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Leona Williams
‘Time Changes Everything’, which was written by Tommy Duncan (Wednesday 11 January 1911 – Tuesday 25 July 1967) and Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975)
‘And God Created Texas’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Beneath A Neon Star’ (written by Red Rowe)
‘The Warm, Red Wine’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘New Road Under My Wheels’
‘Raindrops Falling In A River’
‘Jersey Bounce’ (written by Robert Bruce, Buddy Feyne and E. Johnson)
‘South of The Border (Down Mexico Way)’ (written by Michael Carr and Jimmy Kennedy)
‘Bob Said It ‘Aw’ (& Called It Western Swing)’
Personnel involved in the recording of Johnny Bush & The Bandaleros’ ‘Time Changes Everything’ (Not On Label, 1994) included the following:
James Haley (acoustic guitar)
Harlan Kubos (bass)
Martin Steitle (drums)
Weymond McBride (electric guitar)
Kevin Carter (fiddle)
Tony Pickens (mandolin, fiddle)
Buddy Boehm (piano)
Jim Walton (saxophone)
Bob Kelly (steel guitar)
Scott Hillge (trombone)
Robb Meyer and Robert Gordon (trumpet)
Johnny Bush (vocals)
In 1996, Dale Watson saw the release of ‘Blessed or Damned’ (Hightone Records, 1996), his highly acclaimed second album; one of the included tracks was ‘That’s What I Like About Texas’, which was written by Chris Wall (passed away on Thursday 29 July 2021) and Dale Watson, and featured guest vocals from Johnny Bush.
In March 1998, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Talk To My Heart’ (Watermelon Records, 1998), which included the following tracks:
‘Please Talk To My Heart’, which was written by Jimmy Lee Fautheree and Country Johnny Mathis (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 27 September 2011)
‘A Moment Isn’t Very Long’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Any Fool Could See’ (written by Clay Blaker, Roger Brown and Tommy Conners)
‘This House Has No Door’ (written by Clay Blaker and Tommy Conners)
‘Neon Nightmare’ (written by Justin Trevino)
‘The Least I Can Do Is Try’ (written by Justin Trevino)
‘Cheatin’ Line’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘It Sure Feels Good (Not To Feel So Bad)’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘The Winds of Change’, which was written by Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024) and Kent Westberry
‘The Bottle, Your Memory & Me’
‘Sound of A Breaking Heart Makes’ (written by Ernie Reed)
‘Deep In Love & Buried In The Blues’ (written by Joe Gracey)
‘As Long As There’s A Woman Like You’ (written by Kent Westberry)
In September 2000, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Lost Highway Saloon’ (Lone Star Records, 2000), which included the following tracks:
‘Same Old Me’
‘When It’s Your Turn To Fall’
‘Wish I’d Seen Your Going Coming’ (written by Jimmy Johnson)
‘Maybe, Maybe Not’, which was written by Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘Wall’ (written by Clay Blaker)
‘You’ve Got ‘Til Sundown’, which was written by Jimmy Anthony and Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Lost Highway Saloon’ (written by Brian Burns)
‘Hands Can Say A Lot Beneath The Table’, which was written by Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
‘They’re Hanging Me Tonight’
‘I’ll Never Be Free’ (written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss)
‘Home To Texas’
‘Pride Goes Before A Fall’
‘So This Is The Fall (That Pride Goes Before)’
‘Wine Into Water’
On Tuesday 12 September 2000, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Johnny Bush Sings Bob Wills’ (Texas Music Group / Lone Star Records, 2000), which included the following tracks:
‘Don’t Sing Me No Songs About Texas’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Leona Williams
‘Time Changes Everything’, which was written by Tommy Duncan (Wednesday 11 January 1911 – Tuesday 25 July 1967) and Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975)
‘And God Created Texas’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Beneath A Neon Star’ (written by Red Rowe)
‘Warm, Red Wine’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘New Road Under My Wheels’
‘Raindrops Falling In A River’
‘Jersey Bounce’
‘South of The Border (Down Mexico Way)’ (written by Michael Carr and Jimmy Kennedy)
‘Bob Said It ‘Aw’ (& Called It Western Swing)’
On Tuesday 16 January 2001, The Cornell Hurd Band saw the release of ‘A Stagecoach Named Desire’ (Behemoth Records, 2001); one of the included tracks was ‘A Death In The Family’ (written by Bill Anderson), which featured guest vocals from Johnny Bush.
In November 2001, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Green Snakes’ (Lone Star Records, 2001), which included the following tracks:
‘Green Snakes On The Ceiling’ (written by Jimmy Peters and Elton Williams) (No.53 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973)
‘When Did You Stop Lovin’ Me’
‘I Wish That I Could Fall In Love Today’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Drivin’ Nails In My Coffin’ (written by Jerry Irby)
‘Rainbow In Daddy’s Eyes’, which was written by Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘Dos Tacos’
‘The Next Voice You Hear’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘He Don’t Deserve You Anymore’, which was written by Artie Lange and Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘Glory Train (Holy Train)’
‘Cheatin’ Fire’ (written by David Charles)
‘Nobody’s Business (But My Own)’ (Public Domain)
‘The Truth About You’ (written by Ray Robinson)
‘You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry’ (written by Bob Merrill and Terry Shand)
‘Moon Mullican Story’
‘Pipeliner Blues’, which was written by Moon Mullican (Monday 29 March 1909 – Sunday 1 January 1967)
Trick Pony – Keith Burns (acoustic guitar, vocals), Ira Dean (bass guitar, electric guitar, vocals) and Heidi Newfield (harmonica, vocals) – recorded Johnny Bush’s ‘Whiskey River’ (co-written with Paul Stroud) and included the track on ‘On A Mission’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2002); the track featured guest vocals from Willie Nelson.
It was also in 2002 when Johnny Bush was honoured with The Annie Glenn Award, named for the wife of John Glenn, by The National Council of Communicative Disorders for his work in bringing attention to the condition of spasmodic dysphonia.
In 2003, Johnny Bush was inducted into The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, with his lifelong friend, Willie Nelson, on hand to induct him.
On Tuesday 14 September 2004, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Honky Tonic’ (BGM Records, 2004), which included the following tracks:
‘What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Made A Fool Out of Me)’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘Leave My Mama Out of This’ (written by Kent Blazy, Monty Holmes and Royal Wade Kimes)
‘Ol’ What’s Her Name’ (written by Kevin Fowler) / this track featured guest vocals from Kevin Fowler
‘Tonight Her Memory’s Raisin’ Hell’ (written by Tony Ramey)
‘Jones On The Jukebox’, which was written by Don Goodman, Becky Hobbs and Mack Vickery (Wednesday 8 June 1938 – Tuesday 21 December 2004) / this track featured guest vocals from Tommy Alverson
‘Door’
‘I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) and Rusty Gabbard (No.17, 1972)
‘Some People Just Get Lucky’ (written by Clay Blaker)
‘Puttin’ Out An Old Flame’
‘Each Time’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Did We Have To Come This Far To Say Goodbye’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
‘I Gotta Get Drunk’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track featured guest vocals from Cooder Graw and Willie Nelson
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud)
In February 2006, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Lillie’s White Lies’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2006), which included the following tracks:
‘Lillie’s White Lies’ (written by Wood Newton and Billy Reynolds)
‘One Shot At A Time’ (written by Curt Ryle)
‘There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘Add Another Fool To The Flame’, which was written by Carl Jackson and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘In My Frame of Mind’, which was written by Tracy Byrd, Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007) and Jim Weatherly (Wednesday 17 March 1943 – Wednesday 3 February 2021)
‘Crazy Dreams’ (written by Aaron Barker, Donny Kees and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘You’re Turning Down The Flame of Love Too Low’ (written by Johnny Bush, Lee Emmerson and Micky Moody)
‘Mind Breakin’ Blues’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘The Women Make A Fool Out of Me’, which was written by Jimmie Rodgers (8 September 1897 – Friday 26 May 1933)
‘September In Your Eyes’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘I Went Crazy For A While’, which was written by Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 – Tuesday 9 May 1989)
‘I Must Be Out of Your Mind’, which was written by Carl Jackson and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘I Can’t Get You Off of My Mind’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘I Can Feel Him Touching You (All Over Me)’, which was written by H. Sanders, Kent Westberry, Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) and G. Sherie
‘Tonight He Laid Her Memory To Rest’ (written by Bart Butler)
On Tuesday 11 July 2006, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Texas State of Mind’ (BGM Records, 2006), which was produced by Johnny Bush, and included the following tracks:
‘Sweet Mental Revenge’
‘Has It Been That Bad For You’
‘I Can’t See Texas From Here’ (written by George Strait)
‘Wino’s Prayer’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘I Didn’t Every Chance I Had’, which was written by Bobby Paul Barker (Sunday 19 November 1944 – Friday 20 November 2015) and Keith Palmer (Sunday 23 June 1957 – Thursday 13 June 1996)
‘Eye For An Eye’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Goin’ Away Party’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘Texas State of Mind’ (written by Monty Holmes)
‘Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy’ (written by Darrell Statler)
‘Ain’t Your Memory Got No Pride At All’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) and Royce D. Porter (Saturday 1 April 1939 – Thursday 31 May 2018)
‘In My Dreams’, which was written by Rayburn Anthony (1937 – Saturday 21 April 2018) and Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Opportunity To Cry’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘I’m Not Crazy Yet’ (written by Don Rollins)
In 2007, Johnny Bush saw the release of his autobiography, written with the help of Rick Mitchell; ‘Whiskey River (Take My Mind): The True Story of Texas Honky-Tonk’ was published by University of Texas Press.
On Friday 16 February 2007, Johnny Bush & Justin Trevino saw the release of ‘Texas On A Saturday Night’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2007), which included the following tracks:
‘Texas On A Saturday Night’ (written by Mundo Earwood)
‘(Wine, Friend of Mine) Stand By Me’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Shell of A Man’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘If She Could See Me Now’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome’ (written by Bill Anderson)
‘Jim, Jack & Rose’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Curtain In The Window’ (written by Lee Ross)
‘Tonight I’ll Break The Bottle Out’ (written by Justin Trevino)
‘The Part Where I Cry’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘The Wrong Side of The World’ (written by Johnny Bush, Rager and Atkins)
‘Pour The Wine’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Mr. Record Man’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Under The Influence of Love’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘I Threw Away The Rose’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘Swinging Doors’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
On Tuesday 6 March 2007, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Kashmere Gardens Mud: A Tribute To Houston’s Country Soul’ (Icehouse Records, 2007), which included the following tracks:
‘Kashmere Gardens Mud’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘I’ll Sail My Ship Alone’, which was written by Moon Mullican (Monday 29 March 1909 – Sunday 1 January 1967)
‘Free Soul’ (written by Larry Schmid and Paul Broderick)
‘Born To Lose’, which was written by Ted Daffan (Saturday 21 September 1912 – Sunday 6 October 1996)
‘Tequila & Teardrops’ (written by Dale Watson)
‘Pancho & Lefty’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997)
‘Family Bible’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Jole Blon’ (written by Harry Choates)
‘They Took The Stars Out of Heaven’, which was written by Floyd Tillman (Tuesday 8 December 1914 – Friday 22 August 2003)
‘These Hands’, which was written by Eddie Noack (Tuesday 29 April 1930 – Sunday 5 February 1978)
‘Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On’, which was written by Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009)
‘Bloody Mary Morning’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘I Want A Drink of That Water’ (written by Johnny Bush)
‘Kashmere Gardens’ (written by Johnny Bush) (reprise)
On Tuesday 25 March 2008, Jeffrey Barosh Snr., who performed professionally under the name ‘Jeff Chance’ (Monday 13 December 1954 – Friday 12 December 2008), saw the release of ‘Back Again’ (Music Masters, 2008); one of the included tracks was ‘Wine Me Up’, which featured guest vocals from Johnny Bush.
In October 2009, Johnny Rodriguez & Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Texas Legends’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2009), which was produced by Johnny Bush, and included the following tracks:
‘You Lied To Me’ (written by Bill Anderson)
‘Troubles’ (written by Tommy Alverson)
‘Rio Grande Runs Red’ (written by Bart Butler, Mark Rone and F.E. Solesbee)
‘Old Wore Out Cowboys’, which was written by Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021)
‘If Cheaters Never Win’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Leona Williams
‘Vamoose Vamonos’ (written by Bart Butler, Bill Green and Billy O’Rourke)
‘What Do I Do With Me Now’ (written by Billy O’Rourke and Mitch Stephens)
‘There’s Somebody Else On Your Mind’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘If I Haven’t Said I Love You’ (written by Johnny Bush, Bill Green and Richard Hill)
‘Leaving Lying Down’ (written by Bobby Boyd, Billy O’Rourke and Jay Eric Pfanstiel)
‘Soft Place To Fall’ (written by Johnny Bush and Freddie Johnson)
In September 2011, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Who’ll Buy My Memories’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2011), which included the following tracks:
‘Loud Music & Strong Wine’
‘Devil’s Disciple’
‘Genuine Healer of Time’
‘Death In The Family’
‘I’m Still Not Over You’
‘My Next Bottle of Wine’
‘When Loving Me Was Wrong’
‘Am I That Easy To Forget’
‘Conscience, I’m Guilty’
‘He Stays Open All Night Long’
‘I’ve Got A New Heartache’
‘Who’ll Buy My Memories’
‘Pop-A-Top’, which was written by Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988)
‘If I Were Me’
‘Drinking Champagne’, which was written by Bill Mack (Saturday 4 June 1932 – Friday 31 July 2020)
‘I’ve Come Back To Say I Love You’
In 2011, Joe Paul Nichols saw the release of ‘Friends In High Places’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2011); one of the included tracks was ‘There’s A Little Bit of Everything In Texas’, which was written by Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984), and featured guest vocals from Johnny Bush.
In August 2013, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘Reflections’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2013), which included the following tracks:
‘Moment Isn’t Very Long’
‘Jealously Insane’
‘Door’
‘Statue of A Fool’
‘All The Rage In Paris’ / this track featured guest vocals from Randy Rogers
‘Troubadour’ / this track featured guest vocals from Randy Rogers
‘Neon Nightmare’
‘Man With No Soul At All’
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy)
‘I Can Feel You In His Arms’
‘She’s The Trip I’ve Been On’
‘Ease Me To The Ground’
‘Where Were You Last Night’
‘Deja Vu’
On Friday 16 June 2017, Johnny Bush saw the release of ‘The Absolute Johnny Bush’ (BGM Records, 2017), a self-released, full-length album of brand new recordings, which included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006)
‘Whiskey River’ (written by Johnny Bush and Paul Stroud)
‘Each Time’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Right Back In Your Arms Again’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘Undo The Right’, which was written by Willie Nelson and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘My Cup Runneth Over’
‘The Last Thing I Needed (The First Thing This Morning)’
‘I’ll Be There’
‘Ain’t Your Memory Got No Pride At All’ / this track featured guest vocals from Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘These Lips Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye’
‘This Has Gotta Last’
‘I Gotta Get Drunk’ / this track featured guest vocals from Dale Watson
‘The Door’
‘You’re Playing Hard To Forget’
‘If I Say I Love You (Consider Me Drunk)’ / this track featured guest vocals from Reckless Kelly
‘You’ll Never Leave Me Completely’
‘Ain’t No Honky-Tonks In Jail’ / this track featured guest vocals from Reckless Kelly
‘As Long As I Am Dreaming’
‘Without A Song’
Johnny Bush, who was nicknamed ‘The Country Caruso’, and was best known for his distinctive voice and was very popular in his native Texas, passed away on Friday 16 October 2020.
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