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 2019, 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 quotes from Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys, which they submitted to this site on Monday 30 December 2019.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys
These quotes were submitted on Monday 30 December 2019
‘When Gene took the stage, something magical would happen!
His voice would resonate into your heart and mind in a way that made time stand still.
I had never heard anyone sing like that before, and sadly, no one since’
Kathie Baillie – Baillie & The Boys
‘We were lucky enough to have toured a bit with Gene.
He made being out on the road fun and his voice was amazing.
Once you heard him sing, it was hard to get him out of your head – you just wanted to hear him again and again.
Each time he sang a song, it was like you were hearing it for the first time!
An amazing and gifted singer and performer’
Michael Bonagura – Baillie & The Boys
Thank you, Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Kathie Baillie & Michael Bonagura – Baillie & The Boys…
Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura – Baillie & The Boys – emerged as one of the best known country music bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Baillie & The Boys were an integral part of shaping the direction of country music. The release of their first RCA single, ‘Oh Heart’ (written by Kathie Baillie, Michael Bonagura and Don Schlitz), blended an East Coast pop music sound, with traditional Nashville songwriting.
Baillie & The Boys became known for their sometimes personal lyrics, and garnered them instant Billboard Top 10 success on the country music singles chart.
Their three-part vocal harmonies, which distinguished the group’s sound, was used by many of the biggest names in country music, including Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Lynn Anderson (Friday 26 September 1947 – Thursday 30 July 2015), Marie Osmond, Dan Seals (Sunday 8 February 1948 – Wednesday 25 March 2009), and Moe Bandy.
At one time, you could have heard the backing vocals of Baillie & The Boys on five of Billboard’s Top 10 country music singles in the same week.
Marie Osmond recorded Michael Bonagura’s ‘There’s No Stopping Your Heart’ (co-written with Craig Karp) and included the track on ‘There’s No Stopping Your Heart’ (Capitol Records / Curb Records, 1985); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1986.
Marie Osmond recorded Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura’s ‘Your Love Carries Me Away’ (co-written with Craig Bickhardt) and included the track on ‘I Only Wanted You’ (Capitol Records, 1986 / Curb Records, 1990).
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Michael Bonagura’s ‘Heartless Night’ (co-written with Craig Bickhardt) and included the track on ‘Perfume, Ribbons & Pearls’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986).
Fronted by the powerful lead vocals of Kathie Baillie and creative harmonies of Michael Bonagura (vocals, acoustic guitar & electric guitar) and Alan LeBoeuf (vocals & bass guitar), Baillie & The Boys had a unique sound which left an indelible mark on the country music scene paving the way for others to follow.
In 1986, Baillie & The Boys signed with RCA Records and saw the release, in June 1987, of their self-titled debut album, ‘Baillie & The Boys’ (RCA Records, 1987), which was produced by Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008) and Kyle Lehning, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Oh Heart’ (written by Kathie Baillie, Michael Bonagura and Don Schlitz) (No.9, 1987) / this track was released in June 1987
‘He’s Letting Go’, which was written by Pam Rose, Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) and Mary Ann Kennedy (No.18, 1987) / this track was released on Saturday 8 August 1987
‘Wilder Days’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Michael Bonagura) (No.9, 1987) / this track was released on Friday 18 December 1987
Baillie & The Boys’ self-titled debut album, ‘Baillie & The Boys’ (RCA Records, 1987), also included the following tracks:
‘Fire In The Wire’ (written by Susanne Jerome Taylor and John Paul Daniel)
‘Waitin’ Out The Storm’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Michael Bonagura)
‘You Fool’ (written by Kathie Baillie and Alan LeBoeuf)
‘Heartless Night’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Michael Bonagura)
‘Slow All Night’ (written by Karla Bonoff)
‘This Is Where I Came In’ (written by Wendy Waldman and Galdston)
Personnel involved in the recording of Baillie & The Boys’ self-titled debut album, ‘Baillie & The Boys’ (RCA Records, 1987), included the following:
Baillie & The Boys
Kathie Baillie (lead vocals)
Michael Bonagura (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Alan LeBoeuf (vocals, bass guitar)
Additional musicians
Mike Brignardello, David Hungate and Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass guitar)
Dennis Burnside, Dirk Johnson and Shane Keister (keyboards)
Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar)
Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008) (Synclavier, additional vocals on ‘Heartless Night’)
Jerry Douglas (lap steel guitar)
Steve Gibson (palm pedal)
Doyle Grisham (steel guitar)
Kyle Lehning (Synclavier)
Paul Leim and Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums)
Kenny Mims and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (electric guitar)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Baillie & The Boys’ self-titled debut album, ‘Baillie & The Boys’ (RCA Records, 1987), reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
Anne Murray recorded Michael Bonagura’s ‘If I Don’t Fall Tonight’ (co-written with Rick Bowles and Will Robinson) and included the track on ‘As I Am’ (Capitol Records, 1988).
On Tuesday 31 January 1989, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘Turn The Tide’ (RCA Records, 1989), which was produced by Kyle Lehning, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Long Shot’ (written by Gary Scruggs and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988) / this track was released on Saturday 1 October 1988
‘She Deserves You’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Don Schlitz) (No.8, 1989) / this track was released on Saturday 4 February 1989
‘(Wish I Had A) Heart of Stone’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Richard Leigh (No.4, 1989) / this track was released on Saturday 1 July 1989
‘I Can’t Turn The Tide’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Craig Bickhardt) (No.9, 1989) / this track was released in November 1989
Baillie & The Boys’ ‘Turn The Tide’ (RCA Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘Safe In The Arms of Love’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy / this track was also recorded by Michelle Wright, who included it on ‘The Reasons Why’ (Arista Records, 1994); Michelle Wright‘s version of the track reached No.4 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1995 / this track was also recorded by Martina McBride, who included it on ‘Wild Angels’ (RCA Records, 1995); Martina McBride’s version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1995
‘Who Will I Be?’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Don Schlitz)
‘Honest Love’ (written by Michael Bonagura and Pat McManus)
‘Lovin’ By Numbers’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Roger Cook)
‘When It Rains It Pours’ (written by Alan LeBoeuf)
‘Heartache In Motion’, which was written by Michael Bonagura and John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001)
‘The Only Lonely One’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Don Schlitz)
Personnel involved in the recording of Baillie & The Boys’ ‘Turn The Tide’ (RCA Records, 1989) included the following:
Baillie & The Boys
Kathie Baillie (vocals, acoustic guitar)
Michael Bonagura (vocals, electric guitar)
Alan LeBoeuf (vocals, bass guitar)
Additional musicians
Vince Barranco (percussion)
Mike Brignardello and David Hungate (bass guitar)
Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar)
Jerry Douglas (lap steel guitar)
Sonny Garrish and Doyle Grisham (pedal steel guitar)
Shane Keister and John Barlow Jarvis (keyboards)
Paul Leim (drums, programming)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica, percussion)
Brent Rowan and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (electric guitar)
Gary Scruggs (electric guitar, synthesizer)
Baillie & The Boys’ ‘Turn The Tide’ (RCA Records, 1989) reached No.30 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
Alan LeBoeuf left Baillie & The Boys at the height of it’s career in order to pursue a solo, more mainstream pop direction, but rejoined several times over the following ten years for various projects and tours.
In 1990, Baillie & The Boys, minus Alan LeBoeuf, saw the release of what was to become one of their biggest hit singles, a remake of Hank Snow’s classic song, ‘A Fool Such As I’, which was written by Bill Trader (Monday 1 May 1922 – Sunday 26 October 2003), which reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990.
On Friday 25 May 1990, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘The Lights of Home’ (RCA Records, 1990), which was produced by Kyle Lehning, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Perfect’ (written by Mark E. Nevin) (No.23, 1990) / this track was released on Saturday 14 April 1990 / the original version of this track was recorded by Fairground Attraction (Eddi Reader & Mark E. Nevin), who included it on ‘The First of A Million Kisses’ (RCA Records, 1988); Fairground Attraction’s version of this track was No.1 on the United Kingdom’s Singles Chart for one week in May 1988, No.1 for ten weeks in South Africa in 1988, No.1 for three weeks in August and September 1988 in Australia, No.80 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1988, No.85 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1988, and No.1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart in 1988
‘(Now & Then There’s) A Fool Such As I’, which was written by Bill Trader (Monday 1 May 1922 – Sunday 26 October 2003) (No.5, 1990) / this track was released on Saturday 11 August 1990 / the original version of this track was recorded by Hank Snow (Saturday 9 May 1914 – Monday 20 December 1999), who included it on ‘Country Classics’ (RCA Victor Records, 1956); Hank Snow’s version of this track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1952 / this track was also recorded by Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977), who included it on ‘Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 2′ (RCA Victor Records, 1959); Elvis Presley’s version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1959
‘Treat Me Like A Stranger’, which was written by Michael Bonagura and Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) (No.18, 1991) / this track was released on Saturday 5 January 1991
Baillie & The Boys’ ‘The Lights of Home’ (RCA Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Can’t Stand To Be Unhappy’, which was written by Hugh Prestwood (Thursday 2 April 1942 – Sunday 22 September 2024)
‘So Strong’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Michael Bonagura and Kathie Baillie
‘The Lights of Home’, which was written by Rory Bourke, Bucky Jones and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021)
‘I Love Our Love’ (written by Kathie Baillie)
‘I’d Love To’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) and Michael Bonagura
‘On The Far Side’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) and Michael Bonagura
‘You Better Do Better’ (written by Michael Garvin, Tom Shapiro and Bucky Jones)
Baillie & The Boys’ ‘The Lights of Home’ (RCA Records, 1990) reached No.35 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
In October 1991, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘The Best’ (RCA Records, 1991), which included the following tracks:
‘Read Between The Lines’
‘(Now & Then There’s) A Fool Such As I’, which was written by Bill Trader (Monday 1 May 1922 – Sunday 26 October 2003) (No.5, 1990)
‘(Wish I Had A) Heart of Stone’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Richard Leigh (No.4, 1989)
‘Long Shot’ (written by Gary Scruggs and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988)
‘She Deserves You’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Don Schlitz) (No.8, 1989)
‘I Can’t Turn The Tide’ (written by Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Craig Bickhardt) (No.9, 1989)
‘Oh, Heart’ (written by Kathie Baillie, Michael Bonagura and Don Schlitz) (No.9, 1987)
‘Wilder Days’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Michael Bonagura) (No.9, 1987)
‘Treat Me Like A Stranger’, which was written by Michael Bonagura and Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) (No.18, 1991)
‘Perfect’ (written by Mark E. Nevin) (No.23, 1990)
In 1995, Kathie Baillie co-hosted one of The Nashville Network’s top rated variety shows, ‘Yesteryear’, as well as hosting several award shows and television specials.
On Monday 1 January 1996, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘Vizcaya’ (Whole Earth Music, 1996), which included the following tracks:
‘I’ve Been There’
‘The God’s Honest Truth’
‘Some Kind of Luck’
‘Both Sides Now’
‘You’re My Weakness’
‘I Can’t Help Myself’
‘I Know A Goodbye’
‘Lovin’ Every Minute’
‘If I Didn’t Love You’
‘Heartless Night’
‘While The Forgettin’s Good’
In 2003, Baillie & The Boys’ ‘Vizcaya’ (Whole Earth Music, 1996) was re-issued by Synergy Records.
In September 1996, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘Lovin Every Minute’ (Intersound Records, 1996), which included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Some Kind of Luck’ / this track was released as a single in 1996, but it did not chart
‘God’s Honest Truth’ / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
‘You’re My Weakness’ (written by Vince Gill and Kathie Baillie) / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
‘Lovin’ Every Minute’ / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
Baillie & The Boys’ ‘Lovin Every Minute’ (Intersound Records, 1996) also included the following tracks:
‘I’ve Been There’
‘Both Sides Now’
‘I Can’t Help Myself’
‘I Know A Goodbye’
‘If I Didn’t Love You’
‘Heartless Night’
‘While The Forgettin’s Good’ (written by J Fred Knobloch)
On Tuesday 29 February 2000, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘The Road That Led Me To You’ (Synergy Records, 2000), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart:
‘The Road That Led Me To You’ / this track was released as a single in 2000, but it did not chart
‘The Moment’ / this track was released as a single in 2000, but it did not chart
Baillie & The Boys’ ‘The Road That Led Me To You’ (Synergy Records, 2000) also included the following tracks:
‘Feet of Clay’
‘Treat Me Like A Stranger’
‘A Far Cry From Him’
‘My Love Is Not Blind’
‘I Can’t Turn The Tide’
‘Nobody Here To Love’
‘The Lights of Home’
‘Protect Me’
‘Quicksilver’
‘Even Then’ (Jay’s Song)
On Tuesday 20 February 2007, Kathie Baillie saw the release of her first solo album, ‘Love’s Funny That Way’ (Synergy Records, 2007), which included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart:
‘One Thing’ (written by Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura) / this track was released as a single in 2006, but it did not chart
Kathie Baillie’s her first solo album, ‘Love’s Funny That Way’ (Synergy Records, 2007), also included the following tracks:
‘Love’s Funny That Way’ (written by Tina Arena, Dean McTaggart and David Tyson)
‘Gone Away’ (written by Michael Bonagura and Jim Photoglo) / this track featured guest vocals from Jim Photoglo
‘Never Knew Lonely’ (written by Vince Gill) / this track featured guest vocals from Vince Gill
‘Send A Message’ (written by Gayla Borders, Jeff Borders and Amy Grant)
‘Anchor Me’ (written by Michael Bonagura and Ian Matthews)
‘That Old Glass Case’ (written by Paulette Carlson and Kathie Baillie) / this track featured guest vocals from Alyssa Bonagura and Paulette Carlson
‘All Fall Down’ (written by Greg Trooper and Kathie Baillie) / this track featured guest vocals from Tony Kerr
‘Each Day I Live’ (written by Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura)
‘Come To Me’ (written by Kathie Baillie and Alyssa Bonagura)
In May 2011, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘Unplugged’ (Synergy Records, 2011), which included the following tracks:
‘You’re My Weakness’
‘Feet of Clay’
‘Far & Away The Best’
‘The God’s Honest Truth’
‘Lonesome Road’
‘A Far Cry From Him’
‘The Fast One’
‘Paradise In Troubled Waters’
‘Wilder Days’
‘Heartless Night’
‘The Only Lonely One’
‘Perfect’
‘You Fool’
‘Safe In The Arms Of Love’
‘The Fall’
‘Beautiful’
On Saturday 24 Novembeer 2012, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘A Baillie Family Christmas: Celebrate The Season’ (Whole Earth Music, 2012), which included the following tracks:
‘The Christmas Song’ / this track was a ‘live’ recording
‘In A Manger’
‘On A Night Like This’
‘Silent Night’
‘Come Back This Christmas’
‘Beautiful’
‘Come To Me’ / this track was listed as a ‘bonus track’
‘One Thing’ / this track was listed as a ‘bonus track’
‘Hellelujah’ / this track featured guest vocals from Alyssa Bonagura
Throughout 2016, Baillie & The Boys original members, Kathie Baillie and Michael Bonagura, along with Tim Buppert on drums and background vocals, and Mark Fain on bass guitar, celebrating their 30th anniversary of signing with RCA Records, writing and recording a dozen of their own Billboard hit songs, as well as numerous hits for other artists.
Since 2016, they have continued to write, record and perform their own critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated acoustic roots music.
On Saturday 10 February 2018, Baillie & The Boys saw the release of ‘I Will Run’ (Big Bang Records, 2018), which included the following tracks:
‘Could Be The Mississippi’
‘Blue Guitar’
‘Hometown USA’
‘We Got It Goin’ On’
‘Until You’
‘I Will Run’
‘Adios’
‘Been Lovin’ You Too Long’
‘The Portrait’
‘The House My Daddy Built’
Kathie Baillie’s breathtaking voice and live performance, backed by the pristine harmonies and guitar virtuosity of Michael Bonaguru, continue to fill venues and thrill audiences in intimate theaters, concert halls, PAC’s and listening rooms.
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