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 2012, 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 Roger Murrah, which he submitted to this site on Wednesday 22 August 2012.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Roger Murrah who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Roger Murrah
This quote was submitted on Wednesday 22 August 2012.
‘It’s an honour for me to furnish the following quote for Gene’s Fan Site. Thank you for the invitation to do so.
I have been a fan of Gene Watson’s ever since I first heard him sing.
Gene Watson is most deservedly a country music icon. His authenticity helped carve the stone that is Country Music.
His voice is pure. His phrasing is masterful. He expresses lyrics in a way that milks each word of every drop of emotion and understanding needed for the listener to experience the song. His singing is honest.
Gene Watson is such an original, it would be wrong to compare him to anyone else’
Thank you, Roger Murrah, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Roger Murrah…
Roger Murrah was born on Wednesday 20 November 1946 in Athens (Limestone County) in Alabama.
Roger Murrah, with hit songs spanning four decades and dozens of airplay and achievement awards, is one of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters and successful independent music publishers.
Roger Murrah’s respect as a writer was gained through the years due to his songs being known for more than just a hook-line or a catchy melody. Roger Murrah writes with insight and understanding about the entire range of human experience, from the loving commitment of Al Jarreau’s ‘We’re In This Love Together’, to the emotional homecoming of The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Ozark Mountain Jubilee’ and the ‘audio-biography’ of Waylon Jennings’ ‘A Man Called Hoss’.
Personally, Roger Murrah is more like the people in his songs than those at his level of success. Roger Murrah is a soft-spoken man of humility and moral conviction. Roger Murrah grew up on the family farm in Athens, Alabama with four brothers and a sister.
While serving in the Army in 1968, Roger Murrah signed on as a staff writer with the acclaimed Muscle Shoals music publisher / producer Rick Hall. Following his military service, Roger Murrah and some partners opened a recording studio in Huntsville, Alabama. It was there that Roger Murrah met industry veteran Bobby Bare, the recording artist and music publisher who would give Roger Murrah his first major break.
In 1972, Roger Murrah moved to Nashville to sign with Bobby Bare’s Return Music.
In 1973, Roger Murrah married the former Kitty Goodman of Huntsville and had his first nationally charted song, ‘It’s Raining In Seattle’, which was recorded by Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 – Wednesday 17 July 1985); the track reached No.62 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973.
Roger Murrah credits Kitty Goodman of Huntsville with being a very positive influence in his life, as well as the ideal support for his career.
By 1978, Roger Murrah was on the staff of Magic Castle Music, which was owned by award-winning songwriter, Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023). The successful songs continued with Mel Tillis’ recording of ‘Southern Rains’ (Roger Murrah’s first No.1 song as a songwriter), Conway Twitty’s ‘A Bridge That Just Won’t Burn’, Steve Wariner’s ‘Life’s Highway’ and The Oak Ridge Boys’ ‘Ozark Mountain Jubilee’.
Then, in 1981, Al Jarreau (Tuesday 12 March 1940 – Sunday 12 February 2017) recorded and released ‘We’re In This Love Together’, which became an international jazz / pop hit single and a BMI Multi-Million-Air Award winner for Roger Murrah.
Roger Murrah’s ‘We’re In This Love Together’ also played a role in Nashville’s ever-growing popularity as a world-renowned creative centre for many music genres.
In 1984, Roger Murrah signed with Tom Collins Music. Roger Murrah’s string of successes continued with ‘Hearts Aren’t Made To Break (They’re Made To Love)’ for Lee Greenwood, along with ‘It Takes A Little Rain (To Make Love Grow)’, ‘Crazy Love’ and ‘Bridges & Walls’, which were three of the five hit singles Roger Murrah wrote for The Oak Ridge Boys.
During those days, Roger Murrah broke new ground by co-writing with Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), the late singer’s life story, ‘A Man Called Hoss’. The Waylon Jennings album yielded two more hit singles for Roger Murrah, ‘Rough & Rowdy Days’ and ‘If Ole Hank Could Only See Us Now’. The autobiographical songs were also performed by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) as a one-man theatrical production.
In addition to those songs, Roger Murrah’s writing credits include ‘Where Corn Don’t Grow’, recorded by Travis Tritt and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), two hit singles in a row for Alabama, ‘Southern Star’ and ‘High Cotton’, Ronnie Milsap’s ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’, Steve Wariner’s ‘When I Could Come Home To You’, John Anderson’s ‘Somebody Slap Me’ and the Grammy / CMA ‘Song of The Year’ nominated ‘Don’t Rock The Jukebox’, which was recorded by Alan Jackson.
In 1990, Roger Murrah formed Murrah Music Corporation. Within two years, the company had achieved the position of Billboard Magazine’s ‘Independent Publisher of The Year’. The firm continued to flourish with activity, including another hit song for Alabama, ‘I’m In A Hurry (& Don’t Know Why)’, Tanya Tucker’s ‘Two Sparrows In A Hurricane’, ‘It’s A Little Too Late’ and ‘A Memory Like I’m Gonna Be’, Wynonna’s ‘Only Love’, and Clay Walker’s ‘If I Could Make A Living Out of Loving You’.
Other hit records Murrah Music Corporation enjoyed included the Academy of Country Music (ACM) ‘Songs of The Year’, ‘I’m Movin’ On’ recorded by Rascal Flatts and ‘Keeper of The Stars’ recorded by Tracy Byrd, Reba McEntire’s ‘He Gets That From Me’, Blaine Larson’s ‘How Do You Get That Lonely’, Blake Shelton’s ‘Goodbye Time’, Sammy Kershaw’s ‘National Working Woman’s Holiday’, Kenny Chesney’s ‘When I Close My Eyes’, Reba McEntire’s ‘I’m A Survivor’, Mark Chesnutt’s ‘She Was’ and Martina McBride’s ‘Where Would You Be’.
Murrah Music Corporation also enjoyed chart activity with Billy Currington’s ‘Good Directions’, Luke Bryan’s ‘All My Friends Say’, ‘We Rode In Trucks’ and ‘Country Man’.
In 2007, Murrah Music was Nashville’s first independent publisher to make Billboard Magazines’ Top 10 Music Publisher’s Media Base Airplay Chart.
Roger Murrah’s commitment extends to the music industry and community as well.
Roger Murrah has served two consecutive terms as president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), where he’s credited with exemplary leadership which guided the organisation to the respectable and professional standing that it still enjoys today.
During his second term as president of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Roger Murrah was also elected chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation, where he served a total of five terms.
Roger Murrah has served on the boards of the Country Music Association (CMA), Biblical Resource Center & Museum in Memphis, as a governor and vice president on the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences board of governors, as well as a three-term Governor’s appointee to the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Advisory Council.
Roger Murrah is an alumnus of Leadership Music.
A 2005 inductee into The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame himself and a recipient of a Bronze Star induction into the Walk of Fame of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Roger Murrah is also listed among Broadcast Music Incorporated’s celebrated Songwriter(s) of the Year and Songwriter(s) of the Decade.
In 1997, Roger Murrah was also honored when Resolution HJR 355 was passed by both houses of the Alabama State Legislature and signed by the state’s governor, commending Roger Murrah for an ‘Outstanding Professional Career’.
Roger Murrah
Discography
James Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Price (Wednesday 27 May 1931 – Tuesday 4 August 1987) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Losing You Got The Best of Me’ and included the track on ‘Turn On Your Light & Let It Shine’ (RCA Records, 1974).
T.G. Sheppard recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Never Ending Crowded Circle’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Daylight’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1978).
In 1978, Leon Everette recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘We Let Love Fade Away’ (co-written with Jim McBride); the track was a non-album single.
In 1978, Leon Everette recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Never Ending Crowded Circle’ (co-written with Scott Anders); the track was a non-album single.
Leon Everette also recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I’m Gettin’ Holes in My Shoes (From Climbing The Wall)’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and ‘Cheater’s Trap’ (co-written with Scott Anders).
Leon Everette recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Don’t Feel Like The Lone Ranger’ and included the track on ‘I Don’t Want To Lose’ (Orlando Records, 1979); the track reached No.33 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
Leon Everette recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Sun Went Down In My World Tonight’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘I Don’t Want To Lose’ (Orlando Records, 1979); the track reached No.42 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
Leon Everette recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Don’t Want To Lose’ (co-written with Tim Lewis) and included the track on ‘I Don’t Want To Lose’ (Orlando Records, 1979); the track reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘When I Lose You, Anna’ and included the track on ‘The Songs We Made Love To’ (Epic Records, 1979).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘My Silver Lining’ (co-written with Tina Murrah Maxwell) and included the track on ‘Mickey Gilley’ (Epic Records, 1979); this track, which reached No.8 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979, was Roger Murrah’s first Billboard Top 10 country music hit single as a songwriter.
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I’m Gettin’ Shoes In My Boots’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Mickey Gilley’ (Epic Records, 1979).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Keep On Talling Me Lies’ (co-written with Tim Lewis) and included the track on ‘Mickey Gilley’ (Epic Records, 1979).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Mothers & Daddies’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘Mickey Gilley’ (Epic Records, 1979).
In 1980, Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Just Want To Be With You’; the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.36 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.
In 1980, John Wesley Ryles recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Cheater’s Trap’ (co-written with Scott Anders); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.54 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘A Bridge That Just Won’t Burn’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘Rest Your Love On Me’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track, which reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981, earned a Nashville Songwriters Association Achievement Award (Roger Murrah’s very first award) and a BMI Airplay Award (Roger Murrah’s first Billboard Top 5 hit single).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘If I Keep On Going Crazy’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘I’m Countrified’ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Ten Years, Three Kids, Two Loves, Too Late’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘I’m Countrified’ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Hello Daddy, Good Morning Darling’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘I’m Countrified’ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Leon Everette recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘If I Keep On Going Crazy’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘If I Keep On Going Crazy’ (RCA Records, 1981); the track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.
In 1981, Diana Trask recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘This Must Be My Ship’ (co-written with Scott Anders) for Kari Records; the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.52 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Southern Rains’ and included the track on ‘Southern Rains’ (Elektra Records, 1980); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1981.
Roger Murrah’s ‘Southern Rains’ earned a BMI ‘Airplay Award’ and a BMI ‘Millionaire Award’ and was his first Billboard No.1 hit as a songwriter.
Al Jarreau (Tuesday 12 March 1940 – Sunday 12 February 2017) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘We’re In This Love Together’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Breakin’ Away’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1981, and earned a BMI Pop Airplay Award, a BMI Millionaire Award, a BMI 2nd Millionaire Airplay Award and a BMI 3rd Millionaire Airplay Award.
Alabama recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Burn Georgia Burn’ (co-written with Tim Lewis) and included the track on ‘Feels So Right’ (RCA Records, 1981); this track was Roger Murrah’s first single release recorded by Alabama.
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘When Love Wwas Something Else’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Southern Comfort’ (Elektra Records, 1981).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘A Good Love Going On’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Take Me To The Country’ (Capitol Records, 1982).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Some Things I Want To Sing About’ and included the track on ‘Take Me To The Country’ (Capitol Records, 1982).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘It’s Like Falling In Love (Over & Over Again)’ (co-written with Rich Alves and Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Take Me To The Country’ (Capitol Records, 1982).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Preaching Up A Storm’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Take Me To The Country’ (Capitol Records, 1982).
Melba Montgomery recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Some Things I Want To Sing About’ and included the track on ‘Audiograph Alive’ (Audiograph Records, 1983).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Gathering’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Naturally Country’ (Capitol Records, 1983).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Maximum Living On A Minimum Wage’ and included the track on ‘Naturally Country’ (Capitol Records, 1983).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Some Folks Are Dying To Live Like This’ (co-written with Kitty Murrah and Rich Alves) and included the track on ‘Naturally Country’ (Capitol Records, 1983).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Ozark Mountain Jubilee’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Deliver’ (MCA Records, 1983); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
The Osborne Brothers – Sonny Osborne (Friday 29 October 1937 – Sunday 24 October 2021) and Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 December 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) – recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Some Things I Want To Sing About’ and included the track on ‘Some Things I Want To Sing About’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1984); the track is Roger Murrah’s mother’s favourite recording of his songs.
The Osborne Brothers – Sonny Osborne (Friday 29 October 1937 – Sunday 24 October 2021) and Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 December 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) – recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Always You’ and included the track on ‘Some Things I Want To Sing About’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1984).
John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Can’t Take Another Heartache’ (co-written with Michael Murrah and Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Eye of A Hurricane’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984).
John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Wish I Had Loved Her That Way’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘Eye of A Hurricane’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984).
Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 – Tuesday 9 May 1989) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Living Like There’s No Tomorrow (Finally Got To Me Tonight)’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘A Hard Act To Follow’ (RCA Records, 1984).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You’ve Got Something On Your Mind’, which was co-written with Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Dave Gibson, and included the track on ‘I Feel Good About Lovin’ You’ (Epic Records, 1985); the track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Lee Greenwood recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Hearts Aren’t Made To Break (They’re Made To Love)’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Streamline’ (MCA Records, 1985); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1986 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Roger Murrah and Steve Dean wrote ‘Hearts Aren’t Made To Break (They’re Made To Love)’ in October 1984, and producer Jerry Crutchfield originally picked the song for recording artist Craig Dillingham. Instead, Jerry Crutchfield (Friday 10 August 1934 – Tuesday 11 January 2022) recorded it with Lee Greenwood.
Between 1974 and 1983, Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Love Is What We Make It’ (co-written with Keith Stegall); the track was subsequently included on ‘Love Is What We Make It’ (Liberty Records, 1985).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Fast Lanes & Country Roads’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Get To The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1985); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Don’t Look In My Eyes’ (co-written with Frank Myers and Bobbi Duffy) and included the track on ‘Get To The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1985).
T.G. Sheppard recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Like A Timebomb’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Living On The Edge’ (Columbia Records, 1985).
Steve Wariner recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Life’s Highway’ (co-written with Richard Leigh) and included the track on ‘Life’s Highway’ (MCA Records, 1985); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June 1986, and earned a Nashville Songwriters Association ‘Achievement Award’, along with a BMI Airplay Award.
Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Ozark Mountain Jubilee’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Jan Howard’ (Dot Records / MCA Records, 1985).
In 1986, Keith Stegall recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Ole Rock & Roller (With A Country Heart)’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and James Dean Hicks); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.52 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986.
Reba McEntire recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘To Make That Same Mistake Again’ (co-written with Richard Leigh) and included the track on ‘Whoever’s In New England’ (MCA Records, 1986).
T.G. Sheppard recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Movin’ & Shakin’ On Business Street’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘It Still Rains In Memphis’ (Columbia Records, 1986).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Shadow of Your Distant Friend’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Will The Wolf Survive’ (MCA Records, 1986).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Dog Won’t Hunt’ (co-written with John Schweers) and included the track on ‘Will The Wolf Survive’ (MCA Records, 1986).
Ronnie Milsap recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Nashville Moon’ (co-written with John Schweers) and included the track on ‘Lost In The Fifties Tonight’ (RCA Records, 1986).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Love’s Gonna Get You’ (co-written with Cliff Magness) and included the track on ‘Moments’ (MCA Records, 1986).
In 1986, John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You Can’t Keep A Good Memory Down’, which was co-written with Michael Murrah and Bruce Burch (Friday 30 January 1953 – Saturday 12 March 2022); the track was a non-album single, which reached No.31 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986, and was subsequently included on John Anderson’s ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 2’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Crown Prince’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘Hangin’ Tough’ (MCA Records, 1987).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘It Takes A Little Rain (To Make Love Grow)’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks and Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (MCA Records, 1987); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in May / June 1987, and earned a BMI Airplay Award and a Nashville Songwriters Association’s ‘Achievement Award’.
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘This Crazy Love’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (MCA Records, 1987); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1987, and earned a BMI Airplay Award and a BMI Millionaire Airplay Award.
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘A Little Late To Say Goodbye’ (co-written with John Schweers) and included the track on ‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (MCA Records, 1987).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You Can’t Get There From Here’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Sure Feels Good’ (EMI Records, 1987).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Sunshine Street’ (co-written with Rich Alves and Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Sure Feels Good’ (EMI Records, 1987).
In 1987, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) saw the release of ‘A Man Called Hoss’ (MCA Records, 1987), a concept album, which was a quasi-autobiographical record, which chronicled Waylon Jennings’ life and experiences in ten ‘chapters’, each of which corresponded with a single track on the album.
The titles of the chapters on Waylon Jennings’ ‘A Man Called Hoss’ (MCA Records, 1987) were ‘Childhood’, ‘Texas’, ‘First Love’, ‘Lost Love’, ‘Nashville’, ‘Crazies’, ‘Drugs’, ‘Jessi’, ‘Reflections’ and ‘The Beginning’. Each song was written in collaboration with Roger Murrah, who was given credit on the album’s cover.
Waylon Jennings’ ‘Rough & Rowdy Days’ (wRitten by Waylon Jennings and Roger Murrah) was his second-to-last Top 10 single on the Billboard country music singles chart, reaching No.6 in 1987.
Waylon Jennings’ ‘A Man Called Hoss’ (MCA Records, 1987) reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Somewhere Between Ragged & Right’ and included the track on ‘Blue Skies Again’ (MCA Records, 1987); the track, which was a duet with Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), was subsequently included on Waylon Jennings’ ‘The Complete MCA Recordings’ (MCA Records, 2004).
John Conlee recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Living Like There’s No Tomorrow (Finally Got To Me Tonight)’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘American Faces’ (Columbia Records, 1987); the track reached No.55 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987.
David Allan Coe recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Southern Star’ (co-written with Rich Alves and Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘A Matter of Life & Death’ (Columbia Records, 1987).
John Wesley Ryles recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Louisiana Rain’ (co-written with Rich Alves); the track was a non-album single and reached No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987.
John Wesley Ryles recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Cheater’s Trap’ (co-written with Scott Anders), which reached No.54 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987, and ‘She’s on My Mind’ (co-written with Scott Anders).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Time In’ (co-written with Rich Alves and James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Heartbeat’ (MCA Records, 1987); the track reached No.17 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987.
Patty Loveless recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘A Little On The Lonely Side’ (co-written with Kitty Murrah) and included the track on ‘If My Heart Had Windows’ (MCA Records, 1988).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Goodbye Time’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Still In Your Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1988); the track, which reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988, earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Your Loving Side’, which was co-written with John Schweers and Carson Whitsett (Tuesday 1 May 1945 – Tuesday 8 May 2007), and included the track on ‘Still In Your Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1988).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Saturday Was A Special Night’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Still In Your Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1988).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Can Count On You’, which was co-written with Randy VanWarmer (Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004), and included the track on ‘Monongahela’ (MCA Records, 1988).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Bridges & Walls’, which was co-written with Randy VanWarmer (Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004), and included the track on ‘Monongahela’ (MCA Records, 1988); the track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I’ll Be Your Jukebox Tonight’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘I’ll Be Your Jukebox Tonight’ (Capitol Records, 1988).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Yoyos, Bozos, Bimbos & Heroes’ (co-written with Waylon Jennings) and included the track on ‘Full Circle’ (MCA Records, 1988).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘How Much Is It Worth To Live In LA’ (co-written with Waylon Jennings) and included the track on ‘Full Circle’ (MCA Records, 1988); the track reached No.39 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988.
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Hey Willie’ (co-written with Waylon Jennings) and included the track on ‘Full Circle’ (MCA Records, 1988).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) saw recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Easy Climb’ and included the track on ‘Chasing Rainbows’ (Airbone Records, 1988).
Patty Loveless recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Go On’ (co-written with Patty Loveless) and included the track on ‘Honky Tonk Angel’ (MCA Records, 1988).
Tom Wopat recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Lay Me Down Carolina’ (co-written with Rich Alves) and included the track on ‘Don’t Look Back’ (Capitol Records, 1988).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Nobody Can Fill Your Shoes’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘House On Old Lonesome Road’ (MCA Records, 1989).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Too White To Sing The Blues’ (co-written with Lacy J. Dalton) and included the track on ‘House On Old Lonesome Road’ (MCA Records, 1989).
Susan Ledford recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Somethings Are Better Left Alone’ (co-written with Larry Shell) and included the track on ‘Something Old, Something New’ (Project One Records, 1989).
Alan Jackson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Blue Blooded Woman’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and Alan Jackson) and included the track on his debut album, ‘Here In The Real World’ (Arista Records, 1989); the track, which was Alan Jackson’s debut single, reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989.
Steve Wariner recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘When I Could Come Home To You’ (co-written with Steve Wariner) and included the track on ‘I Got Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1989); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Ronnie Milsap recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ (RCA Records, 1989); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989 and earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Ronnie Milsap recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Starting Today’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ (RCA Records, 1989).
Kix Brooks recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Story of My Life’ (co-written with Kix Brooks) and included the track on ‘Kix Brooks’ (Capitol Records, 1989); the album, which was produced by Rafe Van Hoy and Kix Brooks, was re-issued, on CD, by Liberty Records, with a different cover, in 1993.
Alabama recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘High Cotton’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Southern Star’ (RCA Records, 1989); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in October / November 1989, earned BMI Airplay Award, BMI Millionaire Award and BMI 2nd Millionaire Airplay Award.
Alabama recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Southern Star’ (co-written with Steve Dean and Rich Alves) and included the track on ‘Southern Star’ (RCA Records, 1989); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for one week in February 1990, earned a BMI Airplay Award and a BMI Millionaire Award.
The Highwaymen – Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003), Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Kris Kristofferson – recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Angels Love Bad Men’ (co-written with Waylon Jennings) and included the track on ‘Highwayman 2’ (Columbia Records, 1990).
Steve Wariner recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘While I’m Holding You Tonight’ (co-written with Steve Wariner) and included the track on ‘Laredo’ (MCA Records, 1990).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Where Corn Won’t Grow’ (co-written with Mark Alan Springer) and included the track on ‘The Eagle’ (Epic Records, 1990); the track reached No.67 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990.
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Waking Up With You’, which was co-written with Waylon Jennings and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011), and included the track on ‘The Eagle’ (Epic Records, 1990); the track reached No.67 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990.
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Shadow of A Distant Friend’ (co-written with Jim McBride and Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Crazy In Love’ (MCA Records, 1990).
In 1990, Roger Murrah and Keith Stegall produced Mel McDaniel‘s ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990); Roger Murrah was one of the back-up singers and contributed seven compositions to the project.
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Country Pride’ (co-written with John Schweers and Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Annual Blount County Snuff Dipper’s Ball’ and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Turtles & Rabbitts’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You Can’t Go Back’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I’ll Keep Your Memory Around’, which was co-written with Keith Stegall and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011), and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Losing You Wouldn’t Hurt At All’ (co-written with JB Rudd) and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Old Gravel Road (Was Easy Street)’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Country Pride’ (DPI Records, 1990).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You’ve Become The Dream’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Morning Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990).
Alan Jackson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Don’t Rock The Jukebox’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and Alan Jackson) and included the track on ‘Don’t Rock The Jukebox’ (Arista Records, 1991); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for two weeks in July 1991.
‘Don’t Rock The Jukebox’ (written by Roger Murrah, Keith Stegall and Alan Jackson) earned a Grammy Award Nomination in 1991, an Academy of Country Music (ACM) ‘Single of the Year’ Award in 1991, a CMA ‘Song of The Year’ Award Nomination in 1991, a CMA ‘Song of The Year’ Award Nomination in 1992, a BMI Airplay Award, a BMI Millionaire Award, a BMI 2nd Millionaire Airplay Award and a BMI 3rd Millionaire Airplay Award.
Hank Williams Jr. recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Kiss Mother Nature Goodbye’ (co-written with JB Rudd) and included the track on ‘Pure Hank’ (Warner Bros. Records / Curb Records, 1991).
Sammy Kershaw recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Kickin’ In’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Don’t Go Near The Water’ (Mercury Records, 1991).
Ronnie Milsap recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘When The Hurt Comes Down’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and Thomas Cain) and included the track on ‘Back To The Grindstone’ (RCA Records, 1991).
Ricky Van Shelton recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Some Things Are Better Left Alone’ (co-written with Larry Shell) and included the track on ‘Backroads’ (Columbia Records, 1991).
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way’ (co-written with Bill McCorvey and Rich Alves) and included the track on ‘Walk The Plank’ (Capitol Records, 1991).
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Fighting For You’ (co-written with Bill McCorvey) and included the track on ‘Walk The Plank’ (Capitol Records, 1991); the track reached No.41 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991.
In 1992, Marie Osmond recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘True Love (Never Goes Away)’ (co-written with Mark Alan Springer); the track, which was released as a non-album single in 1992, did not chart.
Crystal Gayle recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘The Least That I Can Do’ (co-written with Allen Holmes and James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Three Good Reasons’ (Liberty Records, 1992).
Alabama recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I’m In A Hurry (& Don’t Know Why)’, which was co-written with Randy VanWarmer (Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004), and included the track on ‘American Pride’ (RCA Records, 1992); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for one week in 1992 and earned a BMI Airplay Award, a Country Music Association (CMA) Triple Airplay Award, a BMI Millionaire Award and a BMI 2nd Millionaire Airplay Award.
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Don’t Quit Your Day Job’ (co-written with Bill McCorvey and Rich Alves) and included the track on ‘A Street Man Named Desire’ (Liberty Records, 1992).
Tanya Tucker recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘It’s A Little Too Late’ (co-written with Pat Terry) and included the track on ‘Can’t Run From Yourself’ (Liberty Records, 1992); the track, which reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993, earned a BMI Airplay Award, a Nashville Songwriters Association Achievement Award, a Country Music Association (CMA) Triple Airplay Award, a BMI Millionaire Award and a BMI 2nd Millionaire Airplay Award.
Wynonna recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Only Love’ (co-written with Marcus Hummon) and included the track on ‘Tell Me Why’ (Curb Records / MCA Records, 1993); the track, which reached No.3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993, earned a BMI Airplay Award, a Country Music Association (CMA) Triple Play Award, a BMI Millionaire Award and a BMI 2nd Millionaire Award.
Pearl River recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Ole Gravel Road (Was Easy Street)’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Find Out What’s Happening’ (Liberty Records, 1993).
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Quit Lying In 1986’ (co-written with John Schweers and Mark Wright) and included the track on ‘Dream You’ (Liberty Records, 1993).
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘People My Age’ (co-written with Bill McCorvey and John Schweers) and included the track on ‘Dream You’ (Liberty Records, 1993).
Roger Ballard recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You Can’t Get There From Here’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and James Talley) and included the track on ‘A Little Piece of Heaven’ (Atlantic Records, 1993); the track was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993, but it did not chart.
Daron Norwood (Thursday 30 September 1965 – Wednesday 22 July 2015) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Phantom of The Opry’ (co-written with John Schweers and Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Daron Norwood’ (Giant Records, 1994); the track was a duet with Travis Tritt.
Sammy Kershaw recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘National Working Woman’s Holiday’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks and Pat Terry) and included the track on ‘Feelin’ Good Train’ (Mercury Records, 1994); the track, which reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994, and earned a BMI Airplay Award, was also included on Sammy Kershaw‘s ‘The Ultimate Collection’ (Hump Head Country, 2008).
Clay Walker recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘If I Could Make A Living (Out of Loving you)’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and Alan Jackson) and included the track on ‘If I Could Make A Living’ (Giant Records, 1994); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard Hoy Country Singles & Tracks Chart for one week in November / December 1994, earned a BMI Airplay Award and a Country Music Association (CMA) Triple Play Award.
Patty Loveless recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Over My Shoulder’ (co-written with Marcus Hummon) and included the track on ‘When Fallen Angels Fly’ (MCA Records, 1994).
John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You Can’t Keep A Good Memory Down’, which was co-written with Michael Murrah and Bruce Burch (Friday 30 January 1953 – Saturday 12 March 2022), and included the track on ‘You Can’t Keep A Good Memory Down’ (MCA Records, 1994).
Greg Holland recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Oh, To Be The One’ and included the track on ‘Let Me Drive’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1994).
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Paradise’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Paradise’ (Giant Records, 1995).
Pirates of The Mississippi recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Think Locally’ (co-written with Bill McCorvey and John Schweers) and included the track on ‘Paradise’ (Giant Records, 1995).
Doug Supernaw (Monday 26 September 1960 – Friday 13 November 2020) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Country Conscience’ (co-written with Keith Stegall and Michael White) and included the track on ‘You Still Got Me’ (Giant Records, 1995).
James Bonamy recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Brain In A Jar’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘What I Live To Do’ (Epic Records, 1996).
Bobbie Cryner recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Oh, To Be The One’, which was co-written with Randy Van Warmer (Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004), and included the track on ‘Girl of Your Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1996).
Steve Azar recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘What Are We Waiting For’, which was co-written with Steve Azar and A.J. Masters (Wednesday 20 December 1950 – Monday 12 January 2015), and included the track on ‘Heartbreak Town’ (River North Nashville Records, 1996).
Steve Azar recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘As Long As Harley Gets To Play’, which was co-written with Steve Azar and A.J. Masters (Wednesday 20 December 1950 – Monday 12 January 2015), and included the track on ‘Heartbreak Town’ (River North Nashville Records, 1996).
Steve Azar recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘You Don’t Even Have To Try’, which was co-written with Steve Azar and A.J. Masters (Wednesday 20 December 1950 – Monday 12 January 2015), and included the track on ‘Heartbreak Town’ (River North Nashville Records, 1996); this track was co-produced by Steve Azar and A.J. Masters (Wednesday 20 December 1950 – Monday 12 January 2015).
Steve Azar recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Heartbreak Town’ (co-written with Steve Azar and Bob Regan) and included the track on ‘Heartbreak Town’ (River North Nashville Records, 1996).
Personnel involved in the recording of Steve Azar’s ‘Heartbreak Town’ (River North Nashville Records, 1996) included the following:
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Glen Duncan (guitar)
Larry Franklin (fiddle)
Sonny Garrish (pedal steel guitar)
Greg Leisz (electric guitar, lap steel guitar, pedal steel guitar)
Brent Mason (electric guitar)
A.J. Masters (Wednesday 20 December 1950 – Monday 12 January 2015) (acoustic guitar, bass guitar, background vocals)
Steve Nathan (piano, Hammond B-3 organ)
Johnny Neal (piano)
Bob Regan (electric guitar)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass guitar)
Brent Rowan (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
John Wesley Ryles (background vocals)
John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Paradise’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Paradise’ (BNA Records, 1996).
Travis Tritt recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Where Corn Won’t Grow’ (co-written with Mark Alan Springer) and included the track on ‘The Restless Kind’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1996); the track, which reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1997, earned a BMI Airplay Award and a BMI Millionaire Award.
John Anderson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Somebody Slap Me’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Takin’ The Country Back’ (Mercury Records, 1997); the track reached No.22 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1997.
Barbara Mandrell recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I Won’t Be Home Tonight’ (co-written with Bob Gaudio) and included the track on ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997).
John Berry recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Over My Shoulder’ (co-written with Marcus Hummon) and included the track on ‘Better Than A Biscuit’ (Capitol Records, 1998).
Benny Berry recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Some Things I Want To Sing About’ and included the track on ‘Things I Want To Sing About’ (Acoustic Revival Records, 1999).
Tanya Tucker recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Over My Shoulder’ (co-written with Marcus Hummon) and included the track on ‘Tanya’ (Tuckertime Records, 2002).
Tanya Tucker recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘A Memory Like I’m Gonna Be’ (co-written with Jerry Laseter) and included the track on ‘Tanya’ (Tuckertime Records, 2002); the track reached No.34 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2002.
Tanya Tucker recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Borrowed Wings’ (co-written with Pat Terry) and included the track on ‘Tanya’ (Tuckertime Records, 2002).
Tanya Tucker recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Waiting For The Sun’ (co-written with Monty Criswell) and included the track on ‘Tanya’ (Tuckertime Records, 2002).
Lost & Found recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Country Pride’ (co-written with John Schweers and Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘It’s About Time’ (Rebel Records, 2002).
Steve Azar recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘River’s On The Rise’ (co-written with Mark Paul and Steve Azar) and included the track on ‘Waitin’ On Joe’ (Mercury Records, 2002).
Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 August 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘High Cotton’ (co-written with Scott Anders) and included the track on ‘Where I Come From’ (OMS Records, 2002).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Ole Gravel Road (Was Easy Street)’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘The Journey’ (Spring Hill Records, 2004).
Sammy Sadler recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Ole Gravel Road (Was Easy Street)’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Hard On A Heart’ (Tri Records, 2004).
Blake Shelton recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Goodbye Time’ (co-written with James Dean Hicks) and included the track on ‘Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2004); the track, which reached No.10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2005, earned a BMI Airplay Award.
Johnny Mathis recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘We’re In This Love Together’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘Night To Remember’ (Columbia Records, 2008).
Rebecca Lynn Howard recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘We’re In This Love Together’ (co-written with Keith Stegall) and included the track on ‘No Rules’ (Saguaro Records, 2008).
Steve Azar recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘Flatlands’ and included the track on ‘Indianola’ (Dang Records, 2008).
Alan Jackson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘True Love Is A Golden Ring’ (co-written with Alan Jackson) and included the track on ‘Freight Train’ (Arista Records, 2010).
Wesley Dennis recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Dog Won’t Hunt’ (co-written with John Schweers) and included the track on ‘Country Enough’ (Dirt Road Records, 2012).
Sammy Sadler recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘That Ole Gravel Road (Was Easy Street)’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Heart Shaped Like Texas’ (S Records, 2012).
In 2013, Florida Georgia Line recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘I’m In A Hurry (& Don’t Know Why)’, which was co-written with Randy Van Warmer (Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004); the track was included on ‘Alabama & Friends’ (Showdog-Universal Music Records, 2013), a various artists tribute album honouring the country music super-group Alabama.
Gene Watson recorded Roger Murrah’s ‘A Bridge That Just Won’t Burn’ (co-written with Jim McBride) and included the track on ‘Real.Country.Music‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016).
Randy Van Warmer
Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004
Randy Van Warmer recorded a number of Roger Murrah’s songs, including the following:
‘Bridges & Walls’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
‘I Am’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer and Tom Collins)
‘I’ll Be On The Next Dream Home’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
‘I Will Hold You’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
‘Love Will Wash It Away’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer and Bobby Hamilton)
‘That’s What Your Smile Does For Me’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer and Bobby Hamilton)
‘Third Child’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
‘Used Cars Don’t Run Some Times’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
‘Where The Rocky Mountains Touch The Morning Sky’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
‘Words I Never Meant’ (co-written with Randy Van Warmer)
• Visit Roger Murrah‘s Nashville Songwriters Foundation Profile