Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2013, 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 Dickey Lee, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 6 June 2013.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Dickey Lee who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Dickey Lee
This quote was submitted on Sunday 2 June 2013.
‘I believe that Gene Watson is truly one of the greatest country voices of our time!’
Thank you, Dickey Lee, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Dickey Lee…
Dickey Lee was born Royden Dickey Lipscomb on Sunday 21 September 1941 in Memphis and began playing in a band while in high school. The group won several talent shows, earning them a spot on a local radio station.
In 1954, Dickey Lee got his first break from disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who was the first person to play a single by Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977).
Dewey Philips introduced Dickey Lee to ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013) who, at the time, was a studio engineer at Sun Records; Dickey Lee was signed to the label and saw the release, in 1957, of two singles, ‘Good Loving’ and ‘Fool, Fool, Fool’. Neither of the singles did especially well on the charts.
In early 1962, Dickey Lee finally hit the big time when George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘The New Favourites of George Jones’ (United Artists Records, 1962); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for six weeks in 1962.
As a result of George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recording ‘She Thinks I Still Care’, Dickey Lee’s ‘Patches’ (written by Barry Mann and Larry Kolber) reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart on Saturday 6 October 1962.
‘Patches’ (written by Barry Mann and Larry Kolber) was included on Dickey Lee’s debut album, ‘The Tale of Patches’ (Smash Records, 1962), which was released by Smash Records in September 1962.
Dickey Lee’s debut album, ‘The Tale of Patches’ (Smash Records, 1962), also included the following tracks:
‘Wolverton Mountain’, which was written by Merle Kilgore (Thursday 9 August 1934 – Sunday 6 February 2005) and Claude King (Monday 5 February 1923 – Thursday 7 March 2013)
‘Little Bitty Tear’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Tell Laura I Love Her’ (written by Ray Peterson)
‘Travelin’ Man’ (written by Jerry Fuller)
‘Miller’s Cave’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Teen Angel’ (written by Jean Surrey and Red Surrey)
‘Running Bear’, which was written by J.P. Richardson (Friday 24 October 1930 – Tuesday 3 February 1959)
‘Devil Woman’, which was written by Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 – Wednesday 8 December 1982)
‘Ebony Eyes’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016)
‘Ballad of A Teenage Queen’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
Eddy Arnold (Wednesday 15 May 1918 – Thursday 8 May 2008) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Our Man Down South’ (RCA Records, 1963).
The Wilburn Brothers – Doyle Wilburn (Monday 7 July 1930 – Saturday 16 October 1982) & Teddy Wilburn (Monday 30 November 1931 – Monday 24 November 2003) – recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Trouble’s Back In Town’ (Decca Records, 1963).
In 1965, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘I Saw Linda Yesterday’ (Smash Records, 1965), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart:
‘I Saw Linda Yesterday’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds) (No.14, 1965)
Dickey Lee’s ‘I Saw Linda Yesterday’ (Smash Records, 1965) also included the following tracks:
‘Stay True Baby’
‘Good Lovin’
‘Memories Never Grow Old’
‘Dreamy Nights’
‘Fool Fool Fool’
‘Hey Heart’
‘Life In A Teenage World’
‘Travelin’ Man’
‘Tell Laura I Love Her’
‘Patches’
‘She’s Walking Away’
‘Don’t Wanna Thing About Paula’
‘Party Doll’
‘She Wants To Be Bobby’s Girl’
‘Marie’
‘Ten Million Faces’
‘Girl I Used To Know’
Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Big Brother’, which was co-written with ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013) and Allen Reynolds, and included the track on ‘Jukebox Charlie’ (Little Darlin’ Records, 1967).
Hank Thompson (Thursday 3 September 1925 – Tuesday 6 November 2007) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘The Gold Standard Collection’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1967).
Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Lookin’ Back’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969).
Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Stuckey Style’ (Paula Records, 1969).
• Ann M. Stuckey submitted a ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson on Saturday 25 January 2014
Hank Williams Jr. recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Hank Williams Jr. Live At Cobo Hall, Detroit’ (MGM Records, 1969).
In 1970, Dickey Lee signed with RCA Victor Records and persuaded legendary record producer, Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001), to let him record country music singles.
Dickey Lee’s first release on RCA Victor Records was ‘Mahogany Pulpit’, which reached No.55 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1971.
In December 1971, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Never Ending Song of Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971), which was produced by Allen Reynolds; the album reached No.12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1972, while the title track reached No.8 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1971.
Dickey Lee’s ‘Never Ending Song of Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971) included the following tracks:
‘Never Ending Song of Love’, which was written by Delaney Bramlett (Saturday 1 July 1939 – Saturday 27 December 2008)
‘On The Southbound’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds)
‘The Year That Clayton Delaney Died’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds)
‘Take Me Home Country Roads’, which was written by John Denver (Friday 31 December 1943 – Sunday 12 October 1997), Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert
‘Weekends’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds)
‘My Blue Tears’ (written by Dolly Parton)
‘Mahagony Pulpit’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds)
‘There’s Nobody Home To Go Home To’, which was written by Dickey Lee, Allen Reynolds and Milton ‘Mitt’ Addington (1924 – 1979)
‘Special’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
Michael Nesmith (Wednesday 30 December 1942 – Friday 10 December 2021) recorded Dicky Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Tantamount To Treason, Volume 1’ (RCA Records, 1972).
In June 1972, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Ashes of Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Saw My Lady’ (written by Gove Scrivenor) (No.25, 1972)
‘Ashes of Love’, which was written by Johnnie Robert Wright Jr. (Wednesday 13 May 1914 – Tuesday 27 September 2011), Jack Anglin (Saturday 13 May 1916 – Friday 8 March 1963) and Jim Anglin (No.15, 1972)
Dickey Lee’s ‘Ashes of Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) also included the following tracks:
‘Waiting For A Train’, which was written by Jimmie Rodgers (8 September 1897 – Friday 26 May 1933)
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy)
‘Kingdom I Call Home’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds)
‘Catfish John’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘Got Leavin’ On Her Mind’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Let Time Be Your Friend’ (written by Allen Reynolds and Susan Taylor)
‘It’s Four In The Morning’, which was written by Jerry Donald Chesnut (Thursday 7 May 1931 – Saturday 15 December 2018)
‘Sparkling Brown Eyes’ (written by Billy Cox)
Personnel involved in the recording of Dickey Lee’s ‘Ashes of Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977), Dale Sellers and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Buddy Spicher and Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (fiddle)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ, accordion)
Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (banjo)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Backroads’ (Jolly Rogers Records, 1972).
Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Glen Travis Campbell’ (Capitol Records, 1972).
Stoney Edwards (Tuesday 24 December 1929 – Saturday 5 April 1997) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘A Kingdom I Call Home’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Stoney Edwards’ (Capitol Records, 1972).
Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘I Forgot To Live Today’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘The Mayor of McLellan, Florida’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972).
In November 1972, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Baby Bye Bye’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972), which included the following tracks:
‘Baby Bye Bye’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘On Susan’s Floor’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003)
‘Song Sung Blue’ (written by Neil Diamond)
‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘Tupelo County Jail’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) and Webb Pierce (Monday 8 August 1921 – Sunday 24 February 1991)
‘Crystal Chandeliers’, which was written by Ted Harris (1937 – Sunday 22 November 2015)
‘Sleep Walkin’ Blues’ (written by Chesse Curver)
‘That Heart Belongs To Me’, which was written by Webb Pierce (Monday 8 August 1921 – Sunday 24 February 1991)
‘Let The Chips Fall’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Way To Go On’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
Personnel involved in the recording of Dickey Lee’s ‘Baby Bye Bye’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) included the following:
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977), Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019), Jerry Shook and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) and Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 2005) (steel guitar)
Tommy Cogbill (bass guitar)
Henry Strzelecki (Tuesday 8 August 1939 – Monday 29 December 2014) (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and Jim Isbell (drums)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) and Bobby Wood (piano, organ)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica)
In March 1973, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Crying Over You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), which included the following tracks:
‘If She Turns Up In Ohio’ (written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee)
‘Shelter of Your Eyes’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Country Song’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Little Drops of Hurt’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘If She Just Helps Me Get Over You’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘If You Really Want Me To, I’ll Go’ (written by Delbert McClinton)
‘Nothing Compared To Now’ (written by Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds)
‘This Is My Year For Mexico’, which was written by Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003)
‘My World Around You’ (written by Dickey Lee, Allen Reynolds and James Casey)
‘Crying Over You’ (written by Danny Flowers)
Personnel involved in the recording of Dickey Lee’s ‘Crying Over You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), Dale Sellers and Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) (guitar)
Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014), Bob McDill, Allen Reynolds and Rick Simpson (rhythm guitar)
Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019) (bass guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Joe Allen (bass)
Jim Isbell (drums)
Buddy Spicher, Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015), Vassar Clements (Wednesday 25 April 1928 – Tuesday 16 August 2005) and Jim Buchanan (fiddle)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ)
Bobby Wood (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica)
The Gary Sanford Paxton (Thursday 18 May 1939 – Sunday 17 July 2016) Singers, Allen Reynolds and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (background vocals)
Brenda Lee recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Brenda’ (MCA Records, 1973).
Anne Murray recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Danny’s Song’ (Capitol Records, 1973); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in July 1974.
In 1975, Jo-El Sonnier (Wednesday 2 October 1946 – Saturday 13 January 2024) recorded a Cajun version, partially translated into French, of Dickey Lee’s ‘I’ve Been Around Enough To Know’ (co-written with Bob McDill) for Mercury Records; the track, which was released as a non-album single, reached No.78 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘The Door Is Always Open’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Dreaming My Dreams With You’ (RCA Records, 1975).
In October 1975, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Rocky’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975), which was produced by Dickey Lee and Roy Dea, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Use The Soap’ (written by David Gates) (No.46, 1974)
‘Give Me One Good Reason’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.90, 1974)
‘Busiest Memory In Town’ (written by Geoff Morgan) (No.22, 1974)
‘Rocky’ (written by Jay Stevens) (No.1 for one week in November 1975)
Dickey Lee’s ‘Rocky’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:
‘Tennessee Blues’ (written by Bobby Charles)
‘You Make It Look So Easy’, which was written by Bob McDill and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Darcy Farrow’ (written by Steve Gillette and Tom Campbell)
‘The Door Is Always Open’ (written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee)
‘Closest Thing To You’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Sweet Fever’ (written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee)
Personnel involved in the recording of Dickey Lee’s ‘Rocky’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) included the following:
The Gary Sanford Paxton (Thursday 18 May 1939 – Sunday 17 July 2016) Singers (backing vocals)
Tommy Cogbill (bass)
Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019) (bass guitar, rhythm guitar)
Henry Strzelecki (Tuesday 8 August 1939 – Monday 29 December 2014) (bass, upright double bass)
Haywood Bishop, Jimmy Isbell and Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Robert Wakeman and William Collins (guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (lead guitar, electric guitar)
Bobby Emmons (organ)
Bobby Wood and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ)
Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014), Jerry Shook and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) (rhythm guitar)
Jeff Newman and Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar) (steel guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Ernest Tubb’ (MCA Records, 1975).
In 1975, Ray Lynam recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘The Door Is Always Open’ (co-written with Bob McDill); the track, which reached No.9 on the Irish Singles Chart in 1975, was subsequently included on Ray Lynam’s ‘Brand New Mister Me’ (Harp Records, 1978).
In May 1976, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Angels, Roses & Rain’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Angels, Roses & Rain’ (written by Bob Morrison, Jim Zerface and Bill Zerface) (No.9, 1976)
‘Makin’ Love Don’t Always Make Love Grow’ (written by Sterling Whipple) (No.35, 1976)
‘9,999,999 Tears’, which was written by Razzy Bailey (Tuesday 14 February 1939 – Thursday 5 August 2021) (No.3, 1976) / this track also reached No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976
Dickey Lee’s ‘Angels, Roses & Rain’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘I Never Will Get Over You’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Dickey Lee
‘Smile As You Go By’, which was written by Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014)
‘I’ll Be Leaving Alone’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Dickey Lee
‘Yours For Life’ (written by David Gates)
‘Danna’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Dickey Lee
‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’, which was written by Bob McDill and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘I’ve Just Seen A Face’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney
In August 1976, Dave & Sugar saw the release of their self-titled debut album, ‘Dave & Sugar’ (RCA Records, 1976), which was produced by Jerry Bradley, Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) and Dave Rowland (Monday 26 January 1942 – Thursday 1 November 2018), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Queen of The Silver Dollar’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.25, 1975)
‘The Door Is Always Open’ (written by Bob McDill and Dickey Lee) (No.1 for one week in July 1976)
‘I’m Gonna Love You’, which was written by Thomas Baker Knight Jr. (Tuesday 4 July 1933 – Wednesday 12 October 2005) (No.3, 1976)
Dave & Sugar’s self-titled debut album, ‘Dave & Sugar’ (RCA Records, 1976), also included the followinng tracks:
‘Can’t Help But Wonder’ (written by Sharon Sanders)
‘Whole Lotta Things To Sing About’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005)
‘I’ve Been So Wrong For So Long’, which was written by Bud Reneau and Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022)
‘Fools’, which was written by Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006)
‘Late Nite Country Lovin’ Music’, which was written by Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006)
‘I’m Leavin’ The Leavin’ To You’ (written by Jim Rushing and Bobby David)
‘Queen of My Heart’ (written by Billy Swan and Benny Whitehead)
Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Moody Blue’ (RCA Records, 1977); the track was the ‘B’ side of ‘Moody Blue’ (written by Mark James), which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1977.
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘I’ll Be Leaving Alone’, which was co-written with Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024), and included the track on ‘She’s Just An Old Love Turned Memory’ (RCA Records, 1977); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1977.
Johnny Rodriguez recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Rodriguez Was Here’ (Mercury Records, 1979).
In 1979, Dickey Lee signed a recording contract with Mercury Records, and saw the release of three albums; ‘Dickey Lee’ (Mercury Records, 1979) in August 1979, ‘Again’ (Mercury Records, 1980) in August 1980, which was produced by Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024), Garth Fundis and Roy Dea, and ‘Everybody Loves A Winner’ (Mercury Records, 1981) in 1981.
In August 1979, Dickey Lee saw the release of a self-titled album, ‘Dickey Lee’ (Mercury Records, 1979), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I’ve Just A Heartache Away’ (No.58, 1979)
‘He’s An Old Rock ‘N’ Roller’ (No.94, 1979)
‘Don’t Look Back’ (No.61, 1980)
Dickey Lee’s self-titled album, ‘Dickey Lee’ (Mercury Records, 1979), also included the following tracks:
‘It’s Best I Hit The Road’
‘I’m Trustin’ A Feelin’
‘Never Say Never’
‘It Hurts To Be In Love’
‘Watered Down Love’
‘If You Want Me’
‘My Love’s Still Strong’
‘Midnight Flyer’
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Blues Don’t Care Who’s Got ‘Em’, which was co-written with Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024), and included the track on ‘That’s All That Matters To Me’ (Epic Records, 1980).
In August 1980, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Again’ (Mercury Records, 1980), which was produced by Buzz Cason (Monday 27 November 1939 – Sunday 16 June 2024), Garth Fundis and Roy Dea, and proved to be the most successful of Dickey Lee’s three Mercury Records albums.
Dickey Lee’s ‘Again’ (Mercury Records, 1980) included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Workin’ My Way To Your Heart’ (No.30, 1980)
‘Lost In Love’ (No.30, 1980) / this track, which was a duet with Kathy Burdick, also became a Billboard Hot 100 pop music hit single for Air Supply, also in 1980
Dickey Lee’s ‘Again’ (Mercury Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘Love Will Find A Way’
‘Piece of My Heart’
‘Again’
‘Maybe It’ll Turn Into Love’
‘One I Sing My Love Songs To’
‘Emmylou’
‘New York (Hold Her Tight)’
‘Right Out of A Country Song’
Ronnie Milsap recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Milsap Magic’ (RCA Records, 1980).
Johnnie Allan recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Cajun Country’ (Jin Records, 1980).
In 1981, Dickey Lee saw the release of ‘Everybody Loves A Winner’ (Mercury Records, 1981), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Honky Tonk Hearts’ (No.37, 1981)
‘I Wonder If I Care As Much’ (No.53, 1981)
‘Everybody Loves A Winner’ (No.56, 1982)
Dickey Lee’s ‘Everybody Loves A Winner’ (Mercury Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘I Can’t Quit You’
‘I’ve Never Had A Dream Like You’
‘In Need of Holding You’
‘You Won’t Be Here Tonight’
‘Further Than A Country Mile’
‘I Only Wish We’d Met Ten Years Ago’
‘Dying To Believe’
In 1981, following a disappointing period with Mercury Records, Dickey Lee decided to pursue songwriting exclusively, a decision which proved to be very successful.
Kirsty (Anna) MacColl (Saturday 10 October 1959 – Monday 18 December 2000) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘He Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Desperate Character’ (Polydor Records, 1981), which was her first solo album, and was re-released, in March 1985, as ‘Kirsty MacColl’, with three tracks replaced with other songs.
On Monday 8 October 2012, Kirsty (Anna) MacColl’s ‘Desperate Character’ (Polydor Records, 1981) was remastered and received a CD release for the first time, on Union Square Music Records, and featured the original twelve track listing.
Charly McClain recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Do It Again (A Little Bit Slower)’, which was co-written with Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) and Randy Hatch, and included the track on ‘Too Good To Hurry’ (Epic Records, 1982).
Reba McEntire recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘You’re The First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving’, which was co-written with Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘Unlimited’ (Mercury Records, 1982); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in April / May 1983.
Melba Montgomery recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘He Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘I Still Care’ (Phonorama Records, 1983).
Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 – Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘B.J. – Billie Jo Spears Today’ (Ritz Records, 1983).
Reba McEntire recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘He Broke Your Memory Last Night’ (co-written with Bucky Jones) and included the track on ‘Just A Little Love’ (MCA Records, 1984); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984.
George Strait recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Let’s Fall To Pieces Together’, which was co-written with Tommy Rocco and Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001), and included the track on ‘Right Or Wrong’ (MCA Records, 1984); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1984.
Dan Seals (Sunday 8 February 1948 – Wednesday 25 March 2009) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘San Antone’ (EMI America Records, 1984).
Emmylou Harris recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Someone Like You’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Profile 2’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984); the track reached No.26 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984.
John Schneider recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘I’ve Been Around Enough To Know’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Too Good To Stop Now’ (MCA Records, 1984); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in November 1984.
Jeanne Pruett recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘I’ve Been Around Enough To Know’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Jeanne Pruett’ (Dot Records, 1985).
Jeanne Pruett recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Let’s Fall To Pieces Together’, which was co-written with Tommy Rocco and Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001), and included the track on ‘Jeanne Pruett’ (Dot Records, 1985).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘The Heart of Country Music’ (Step One Records, 1986).
Nicolette Larson (Thursday 17 July 1952 – Tuesday 16 December 1997) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘That’s More About Love (Than I Wanted To Know)’ (co-written with Bob McDill and Bucky Jones) and included the track on ‘Rose of My Heart’ (MCA Records, 1986).
Tom Wopat recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Cars’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘A Little Bit Closer’ (EMI America Records, 1987).
Crystal Gayle recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Ain’t Gonna Worry’ (Capitol Records, 1990).
Louise Morrissey recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ as ‘He Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘When I Was Yours’ (Ritz Records, 1990).
Doug Stone recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘In A Different Light’ (co-written with Bucky Jones and Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Doug Stone’ (Epic Records, 1990); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for one week in May 1991.
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Standing Knee Deep In A River (Dying of Thirst)’ (co-written with Bucky Jones and Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Currents’ (RCA Records, 1992).
Kathy Mattea recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Standing Knee Deep In A River (Dying of Thirst)’ (co-written with Bucky Jones and Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Lonesome Standard Time’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992); the track reached No.19 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993.
The Cox Family recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone’ (co-written with Allen Reynolds) and included the track on ‘Everybody’s Reaching Out For Someone’ (Rounder Records, 1993).
James Taylor recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘James Taylor: Live’ (Columbia Records, 1993).
Tracy Byrd recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘The Keeper of The Stars’, which was co-written with Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999) and Karen Staley, and included the track on ‘No Ordinary Man’ (MCA Records, 1994); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994.
Lisa Brokop recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Never Gonna Be Your Fool Again’, which was co-written with Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999) and DeAnna Cox, and included the track on ‘Every Little Girl’s Dream’ (Patriot Records, 1994).
In 1995, one year after its release, ‘The Keeper of The Stars’, was named ‘Song of The Year’ by the Country Music Association (CMA).
It was also in 1995 when Dickey Lee was inducted as a member of The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Randy Travis recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Long On Lonely (Short On Pride)’ (co-written with Bob McDill and Bucky Jones) and included the track on ‘Full Circle’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1996).
Logue & McCool – Chris Logue and Pat McCool (Tuesday 14 October 1952 – Monday 18 October 2010) – recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘You’ve Got Her Eyes’ (co-written with Mark Samari) and included the track on ‘Unconditional Love’ (Hazel Music, 1997).
Tracy Byrd re-recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘The Keeper of The Stars’, which was co-written with Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999) and Karen Staley, and included the track on ‘Ten Rounds’ (RCA Nashville Records, 2001); Tracy Byrd’s original version of this track was included on ‘No Ordinary Man’ (MCA Records, 1994), and reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994.
In 1995, one year after its release, ‘The Keeper of The Stars’, was named ‘Song of The Year’ by the Country Music Association (CMA).
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘Field of Dreams’ (co-written with Jim Casey) and included the track on ‘Comfort of Her Wings’ (Music City Records, 2003).
Con Hunley recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Sweet Memories’ (IMMI Records, 2003).
Doug Stone re-recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘In A Different Light’ (co-written with Bucky Jones and Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘In A Different Light’ (Lofton Creek Records, 2005).
Patty Loveless recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Sleepless Nights’ (Saguaro Records, 2008).
Jamey Johnson recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘The Door Is Always Open’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘That Lonesome Song’ (Mercury Nashville Records, 2008).
Gina Jeffreys recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on ‘Old Paint’ (Ocean Road Music / Sony Music Australia, 2010).
Shooter Jennings recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (co-written with Steve Duffy) and included the track on a 5-track (extended play) EP disc, ‘Don’t Wait Up (For George)’ (Black Country Rock, 2014).
The Malpass Brothers (Christopher Malpass and Taylor Dunn) recorded Dickey Lee’s ‘That’ll Be The Day’ (co-written with Christopher Malpass and Conrad Fisher) and included the track on ‘Lonely Street’ (Billy Jam Records / Orchard / Malpass Records, 2023).
On Sunday afternoon, 19 May 2024, it was another good time with old friends as Gene Watson and his Farewell Party Band performed in Adkins, Texas for the ‘No Bull Radio God and Country’ show.
Note from Gene Watson
‘I enjoyed a great visit with the legendary, Dickey Lee.
Dickey is one of the few that has successfully had big hits on both the pop and the country charts.
I’m sure you know his songs, like ‘I Saw Linda Yesterday’, ‘Never Ending Song of Love’, ‘Patches’, ‘Laurie’, ‘Rocky’, and more.
Dickey is also in the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his many big hits recorded by others; ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), ‘I’ve Been Around Enough To Know’ was recorded by John Schneider, ‘Keeper of The Stars’ was recorded by Tracy Byrd, ‘The Door Is Always Open’ was recorded by Dave & Sugar, ‘Let’s Fall To Pieces Together’ was recorded by George Strait, ‘You’re The First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving’ was recorded by Reba McEntire, and many more’
• Visit Saving Country Music‘s profile of Dickey Lee