Gene Watson’s ‘Gene Watson: Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012)

‘Gene Watson: Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’
Fourteen Carat Music FCM0001 (2012)

Gene Watson’s ‘Gene Watson: Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012) was officially released by Fourteen Carat Music on Tuesday 14 February 2012, and reached No.64 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2012.

Gene Watson’s ‘Gene Watson: Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012) discography information is presented on the Gene Watson Fan Site for educational purposes only and no infringement of copyright is intended.

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About ‘Gene Watson: ‘Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’

Gene Watson: 'Best of The Best: 25 Greatest Hits' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2014)

Note from Gene Watson
‘Making this album has been like writing my autobiography. Old memories flooded back. Sometimes I’d remember the exact day I was in the studio recording the original or where I was when I first heard the song.

Other times I’d recall hearing a guitar riff as we laid down the original. All of that was with me as I recorded these key pieces of my life. I hope the love I feel for these songs, the words and the music shines through.

I owe a huge thank you to my producer, Dirk Johnson, for the many hours in the studio spent putting his magic touch on every song.

To all of the great musicians and background vocalists on this collection, you deserve a standing ovation for re-creating the magic from another era.

To my fans, thank you for believing in me. These songs are for you.

Thanks to Sean Brady at www.gene-watson.com, to my Farewell Party Band, to my booking agent, Carrie Moore Reed, to CCB, to Dave Lindsey for his publishing expertise and to Sarah Brosmer, Hannah Sanford, Denise Roberts and Chaise Crosslin at Lytle Management for their enthusiasm and hard work.

Most of all I want to thank my manager, John Lytle, who believed in this project, urged me to do it and has been a huge supporter throughout the entire process’

‘Gene Watson: Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’
Fourteen Carat Music FCM0001 (2012)

1 ‘Fourteen Carat Mind’
Writers: Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Larry Lee Favorite (Saturday 6 January 1940 – Saturday 26 May 2001)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Gail Rudisill-Johnson
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back

The original version of ‘Fourteen Carat Mind’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Larry Lee Favorite (Saturday 6 January 1940 – Saturday 26 May 2001), was included on Gene Watson’s ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January 1982.

Gene Watson re-recorded ‘Fourteen Carat Mind’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Larry Lee Favorite (Saturday 6 January 1940 – Saturday 26 May 2001), and included the track on ‘A Way to Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997).

2 ‘Paper Rosie’
Writer: Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Mike Johnson
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Lead Acoustic, Gut String and Fretted Dobro Guitar: Gregg Galbraith
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

The original version of ‘Paper Rosie’, which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019), was included on Gene Watson’s ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977).

‘Paper Rosie’, which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019), was also included on Gene Watson’s ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon & Paper Rosie‘ (Hux Records, 2002).

3 ‘Nothing Sure Looked Good On You’
Writer: Jim Rushing

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitars: Gregg Galbraith and Kelly Back

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Nothing Sure Looked Good On You’ (written by Jim Rushing) and included the track on ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979).

The original version of ‘Nothing Sure Looked Good On You’ (written by Jim Rushing) was also included on ‘Reflections & Should I Come Home‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

4 ‘You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without’
Writers: Bo Roberts and Allen Frizzell

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without’ (written by Bo Roberts and Allen Frizzell) and included the track on ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky‘ (MCA Records, 1983).

The original version of ‘You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without’ (written by Bo Roberts and Allen Frizzell) was also included on Gene Watson’s ‘Greatest Hits‘ (MCA Records, 1985) and Gene Watson’s ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001).

5 ‘Bedroom Ballad’
Writer: Joe Allen

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Gregg Galbraith
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman and Gene Watson

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Bedroom Ballad’ (written by Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979).

The original version of ‘Bedroom Ballad’ (written by Joe Allen) was also included on ‘Reflections & Should I Come Home‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

6 ‘Farewell Party’
Writer: Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Mike Johnson
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Lead Acoustic, Gut String and Fretted Dobro Guitars: Gregg Galbraith
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Farewell Party’, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).

The original version of ‘Farewell Party’, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), was also included on ‘Reflections & Should I Come Home‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

7 ‘Got No Reason Now For Going Home’
Writer: Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Gail Rudisill-Johnson
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmony Vocals: Gene Watson

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Got No Reason Now For Going Home’, which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001), and included the track on ‘Heartaches, Love & Stuff‘ (MCA Records, 1984).

The original version of ‘Got No Reason Now For Going Home’, which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001), was also included on ‘Texas Saturday Night‘ (MCA / Curb Records, 1985) and ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990).

The original version of ‘Got No Reason Now For Going Home’, which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001), was also included on ‘Best of Gene Watson‘ (Curb Records, 1996) and ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001).

8 ‘One Sided Conversation’
Writer: Joe Allen

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘One Sided Conversation’ (written by Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).

The original version of ‘One Sided Conversation’ (written by Joe Allen) was also included on ‘Gene Watson’s ‘Reflections & Should I Come Home‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

9 ‘Carmen’
Writer: Steve Spurgin

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: James Gordon Freeze
Drums: Aaron Minick
Steel Guitar: Mike Johnson
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Lead Acoustic, Gut String and Fretted Dobro Guitars: Gregg Galbraith
Acoustic Guitar: Joel Key

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Carmen’ (written by Steve Spurgin) and included the track on ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985).

The original version of ‘Carmen’ (written by Steve Spurgin) was also included on Gene Watson’s ‘Memories to Burn & Starting New Memories‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

10 ‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’
Writers: Steve Spurgin and J.D. Mendenhall

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Lead Acoustic, Gut String and Fretted Dobro Guitars: Joel Key
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Gregg Galbraith

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’ (written by Steve Spurgin and J.D. Mendenhall) and included the track on ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).

The original version of ‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’ (written by Steve Spurgin and J.D. Mendenhall) was also included on ‘Greatest Hits‘ (MCA Records, 1985) and ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001).

Gene Watson re-recorded ‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’ (written by Steve Spurgin and J.D. Mendenhall) and included the track on ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996).

11 ‘Don’t Waste It On The Blues’
Writers: Sandy Ramos and Jerry Vandiver

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Don’t Waste It On The Blues’ (written by Sandy Ramos and Jerry Vandiver) and included the track on ‘Back in The Fire‘ (Warner Bros. Capitol Records, 1988).

The original version of ‘Don’t Waste It On The Blues’ (written by Sandy Ramos and Jerry Vandiver) was also included on Gene Watson’s ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001).

12 ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’
Writers: Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Gail Rudisill-Johnson
Acoustic Guitar: Bruce Watkins
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’, which was written by Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003), and included the track on ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975).

The original version of ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’, which was written by Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003), was also included on ‘The Best of Gene Watson‘ (Capitol Records, 1978) and ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990).

The original version of ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’, which was written by Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003), was also included on ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001) and ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon & Paper Rosie‘ (Hux Records, 2002).

Gene Watson re-recorded ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’, which was written by Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003) and included the track on ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996).

13 ‘The Old Man & His Horn’
Writer: Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Violas, Violins and Cellos: Gail Rudisill-Johnson
Lead Acoustic, Gut String and Fretted Dobro Guitars: Ben Hall
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Ben Hall
Electric Guitar: Gregg Galbraith
Horns: Mike Haynes
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘The Old Man & His Horn’, which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019), and included the track on ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1977).

The original version of ‘The Old Man & His Horn’, which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019), was also included on ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990) and ‘Because You Believed in Me & Beautiful Country‘ (Hux Records, 2005).

14 ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’
Writer: Joe Allen

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ (written by Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1977).

The original version of ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ (written by Joe Allen) was also included on ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990) and ‘Because You Believed in Me & Beautiful Country‘ (Hux Records, 2005).

Gene Watson re-recorded ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ (written by Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996).

15 ‘Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)’
Writer: Joe Allen

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)’ (written by Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979).

The original version of ‘Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)’ (written by Joe Allen) was also included on ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990) and ‘Reflections & Should I Come Home‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

16 ‘What She Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Her’
Writers: Dave Lindsey and Ernie Rowell

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘What She Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Her’ (written by Dave Lindsey and Ernie Rowell) and included the track on ‘This Dream’s on Me‘ (MCA Records, 1982).

The original version of ‘What She Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Her’ (written by Dave Lindsey and Ernie Rowell) was also included on ‘Greatest Hits‘ (MCA Records, 1985), ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001) and ‘Matters of the Heart‘ (Hump Head Country, 2008).

17 ‘Because You Believed In Me’
Writers: Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999), Shorty Hall (Walter Harrison Hall) (Tuesday 5 April 1927 – Thursday 21 March 2002) and Gene Vowell

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020)
Electric Guitar: Gregg Galbraith
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Because You Believed In Me’, which was written by Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999), Shorty Hall (Walter Harrison Hall) (Tuesday 5 April 1927 – Thursday 21 March 2002) and Gene Vowell, and included the track on ‘Because You Believed in Me‘ (Capitol Records, 1976).

The original version of ‘Because You Believed In Me’, which was written by Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999), Shorty Hall (Walter Harrison Hall) (Tuesday 5 April 1927 – Thursday 21 March 2002) and Gene Vowell, was also included on ‘The Best of Gene Watson‘ (Capitol Records, 1978) and ‘Because You Believed in Me & Beautiful Country‘ (Hux Records, 2005).

18 ‘Cowboys Don’t Get Lucky All The Time’
Writer: Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Mike Johnson
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitar: Kelly Back
Electric Guitars: Gregg Galbraith
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Cowboys Don’t Get Lucky All The Time’, which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019), and included the track on ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1977).

The original version of ‘Cowboys Don’t Get Lucky All The Time’, which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 – Saturday 12 October 2019), was also included on ‘Convoy’ (United Artists Records, 1978), ‘The Best of Gene Watson, Volume 2‘ (Capitol Records, 1980) and ‘Because You Believed in Me & Beautiful Country‘ (Hux Records, 2005).

19 ‘This Dream’s On Me’
Writer: Fred Koller

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins, Gregg Galbraith and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020)
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘This Dream’s On Me’ (written by Fred Koller) and included the track on ‘This Dream’s on Me‘ (MCA Records, 1982).

The original version of ‘This Dream’s On Me’ (written by Fred Koller) was also included on ‘Greatest Hits‘ (MCA Records, 1985), ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001) and ‘Matters of the Heart‘ (Hump Head Country, 2008).

20 ‘Memories To Burn’
Writers: Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins and Ben Hall
Electric Guitar: Kelly Back

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Memories To Burn’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb, and included the track on ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985).

The original version of ‘Memories To Burn’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb was also included on ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001) and ‘Memories to Burn & Starting New Memories‘ (Hux Records, 2011).

21 ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky & Forget’
Writers: Ernie Rowell and Bobby Lee House (Friday 11 February 1949 – Thursday 25 November 2004)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Robb Tripp
Steel Guitar: Mike Johnson
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitar: Gregg Galbraith
Electric Guitar: James Mitchell

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky & Forget’, which was written by Ernie Rowell and Bobby Lee House (Friday 11 February 1949 – Thursday 25 November 2004), and included the track on ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky‘ (MCA Records, 1983).

The original version of ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky & Forget’, which was written by Ernie Rowell and Bobby Lee House (Friday 11 February 1949 – Thursday 25 November 2004), was also included on ‘Greatest Hits‘ (MCA Records, 1985) and ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001).

Gene Watson re-recorded ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky & Forget’, which was written by Ernie Rowell and Bobby Lee House (Friday 11 February 1949 – Thursday 25 November 2004), and included the track on ‘Gene Watson: Then & Now‘ (Koch Records Nashville, 2005).

22 ‘Between This Time & The Next Time’
Writer: Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins and Gregg Galbraith
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Between This Time & The Next Time’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016), and included the track on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).

The original version of ‘Between This Time & The Next Time’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016), was also included on ‘Greatest Hits‘ (MCA Records, 1985) and ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001).

23 ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’
Writer: Joe Allen

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Mike Johnson
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Lead Acoustic, Gut String and Fretted Dobro Guitars: Gregg Galbraith
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins and Kelly Back
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ (written by Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).

The original version of ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ (written by Joe Allen) was also included on ‘The Best of Gene Watson, Volume 2‘ (Capitol Records, 1980) and ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990).

The original version of ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ (written by Joe Allen) was also included on ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001) and ‘Reflections & Should I Come Home‘ (Hux Records, 2009).

24 ‘Where Love Begins’
Writer: Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Violas, Violins and Cellos: Gail Rudisill-Johnson
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020)
Electric Guitar: Gregg Galbraith
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Where Love Begins’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016), and included the track on ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975).

The original version of ‘Where Love Begins’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016), was also included on ‘The Best of Gene Watson‘ (Capitol Records, 1978) and ‘Gene Watson: Greatest Hits‘ (Curb Records, 1990).

The original version of ‘Where Love Begins’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016), was also included on ‘Ultimate Collection‘ (Universal / Hip-O Records, 2001) and ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon & Paper Rosie‘ (Hux Records, 2002).

25 ‘Drinkin’ My Way Back Home’
Writers: Don Scaife, Ronnie Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010) and Phil Thomas (1944 – Saturday 5 January 2019)

Musician Credits
Session Leader, String Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards, Flute and Percussion: Dirk Johnson
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Drums: Eddy Anderson
Steel Guitar: Sonny Garrish
Fiddle: Aubrey Haynie
Acoustic Guitars: Bruce Watkins, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Ben Hall
Electric Guitars: Gregg Galbraith
Harmony Vocals: Cindy Richardson-Walker and John Wesley Ryles with Judy Rodman

Gene Watson recorded the original version of ‘Drinkin’ My Way Back Home’, which was written by Don Scaife, Ronnie Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010) and Phil Thomas (1944 – Saturday 5 January 2019), and included the track on ‘Little by Little‘ (MCA Records, 1984 & 1990).

The original version of ‘Drinkin’ My Way Back Home’, which was written by Don Scaife, Ronnie Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010) and Phil Thomas (1944 – Saturday 5 January 2019), was also included on ‘Texas Saturday Night‘ (MCA / Curb Records, 1984).

‘Gene Watson: Best of The Best – 25 Greatest Hits’
Fourteen Carat Music FCM0001 (2012)

Produced by Dirk Johnson for DirkWorks Productions
Executive Producer: Gene Watson

Tracks recorded at SoundShop, Ronnie’s Place, Hilltop and DirkWorks Recording
Vocals and Overdubs recorded at DirkWorks and Hilltop Recording
Mixed at DirkWorks Recording and Mastermine by Dirk Johnson and Anthony Johnson
Recorded by Anthony Johnson, Joe Carrell, Steve C. Chandler and Dirk Johnson
Second Engineers: Steve Allen, John Nicholson and David Biondolillo
Mastered by Anthony Johnson at Mastermine, Hendersonville, TN

A&R Coordinator: CCB

Production Assistant: Ben Hall
Production Coordinator: Sarah Brosmer

Photography: Stephen Shepherd
Historical Photography: HEE HAW photograph courtesy of Gaylord Program Services, Inc., Les Leverett, Grand Ole Opry Archives
Graphic Design: Luellyn Latocki (art direction) and Maggie Berry (graphic design) for Latocki Team Creative

Gene Watson Fan Club, Music & Merchandise available at Official Gene Watson Site

Follow Gene Watson on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter

Management: Lytle Management Group
Please address all management queries to Sarah Brosmer or telephone 615-770-2688

Gene Watson: 'Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012) / Country Music People (CMP) Review written by Duncan Warwick / Published in February 2012

• Read a Country Music People review of Gene Watson’s ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012)

The review, which was written by Duncan Warwick, was published in the February 2012 issue of the United Kingdom monthly publication Country Music People.