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 Clinton Gregory, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 26 November 2013.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Clinton Gregory who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to say ‘thank you’ to Jamie Creasy at Melody Roundup Music (118 16th Avenue South, Suite 210, Nashville, TN 37203), without whom this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote’ from Clinton Gregory would not have been possible.
Clinton Gregory
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 26 November 2013.
‘It’s rare in life to have had a chance to work with one of the most perfectly consistent voices in music.
One of the first conversations we had, just out of the blue, I looked at him and said, ‘Well, I hope you’re happy!’
He said, ‘What do you mean?’
I said, ‘You’ve set the bar almost too high for the rest of us!’
I treasure every note of music I’ve played with Gene and, as a human being, just being around him has made me a better person and performer.
God bless you, Gene Watson, and may you live and sing forever’
Thank you, Clinton Gregory, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Clinton Gregory…
Clinton Gregory was born in Martinville, Virginia on Sunday 1 March 1964 and came from a long line of fiddle players.
As a small child playing in the dirt of Henry County, Virginia Clinton Gregory knew his life was going to differ from all those around him, but he could not have anticipated the great highs and lows his life adventures would bring.
Clinton Gregory began playing the fiddle at the age of five; by the time he was six years old, he was performing at bluegrass festivals. A fifth-generation fiddle player, Clinton Gregory was born into a family steeped in traditional country music.
When he was twelve years old, Clinton Gregory and his family moved to Nashville, where his father, Willie Gregory, performed on the hallowed stage of The Grand Ole Opry.
During the early 1990s, Clinton Gregory celebrated a string of successes with the release of six national recording projects while signed to Step One Records, eleven Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart singles, including ‘Play, Ruby Play’, ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ and ‘Who Needs It’, becoming the first independent artist in over a decade to reach the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart.
Clinton Gregory also performed alongside a number of highly acclaimed country music artists, including Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn (Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn), Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt, Aaron Tippin, Billy Dean, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020), Mark Chesnutt, The Statler Brothers and Suzy Bogguss.
In 1990, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘Rocking The Country’ (written by Tommy Barnes and Tony Stampley), a non-album single, which did not chart; the track was subsequently included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993), which was released on Step One Records, a record label founded by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016).
In 1990, Clinton Gregory saw the release of his debut album, ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and engineered by Kevin McManus; the album included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine’, which was written by Jimmie Davis (11 September 1899 – Sunday 5 November 2000) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Made For Lovin’ You’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘She Put The Music In Me’ (written by Al DeLory and Lee Johnson) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Couldn’t Love Have Picked A Better Place To Die’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Bucky Jones (No.64, 1991) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘A Way To Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997)
Clinton Gregory’s debut album, ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990), also included the following tracks:
‘Moccasin Man’, which was written by Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004)
‘Back On Track’, which was written by D. Gibson, Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004) and M. Johnson
‘Darlin’ Does He’ (written by K. Steele, R. Steele and John Wiggins)
‘Love Is A Road’ (written by Jim Rushing, Rory Bourke and J. Hicks)
‘Loving On Backstreets’ (written by Hugh H. King)
‘You Can’t Take It With You’, which was written by Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022) and Jim Kandy
‘I Can’t Be Myself’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) / the original version of this track was recorded by Merle Haggard, who included it on ‘Hag’ (Capitol Records, 1971); Merle Haggard‘s version of the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970, and No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1970
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory’s debut album, ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990), included the following:
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Roger Ball (rhythm guitar)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Gregg Galbraith and Brent Mason (lead guitar)
Clinton Gregory (fiddle, lead vocals)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
David Smith (bass)
Dennis Wilson and Rhonda Hart (background vocals)
Making his Grand Ole Opry debut in 1990, Clinton Gregory enjoyed the privilege of gracing the stage at the Mother Church of country music nearly thirty times over, including the cherished moment, in February 1992, when his father joined him and they performed for the very last time as father and son (Clinton Gregory’s father passed away just two short months later).
In 1991, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and engineered by Kevin McManus; the album included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (written by Alan Syms) (No.26, 1991)
‘One Shot At A Time’ (written by Curt Ryle) (No.51, 1991)
‘Satisfy Me & I’ll Satisfy You’ (written by Bill Dees) (No.53, 1991)
Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Never Always Love You’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Maybe I Should Have Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Sunday 13 October 2024) / the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Between This Time &The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981); Gene Watson‘s version of the track reached No.23 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981, and No.12 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
‘Heartbreak Highway’, which was written by Lonnie Wilson, Brent Mason and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) / the original version of this track was recorded by Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 – Tuesday 9 May 1989), who included it on ‘I Wonder Do You Think of Me’ (RCA Records, 1989)
‘Blue Country Frame of Mind’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘House of Diamonds’ (written by Curt Ryle and Mike Baker)
‘There’s Never Been A Honky Tonk’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Your Uncharted Mind’ (written by Mel Holt) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Uncharted Mind‘ (Step One Records, 1993)
‘For Crying Out Loud’, which was written by David Brewer, Faye Brewer and Jerry Cupit (1954 – Wednesday 10 September 2014)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991) included the following:
Clinton Gregory (fiddle)
Roger Ball and Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Brent Mason (lead guitar)
Jerry Kroon and Gene Chrisman (drums)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (acoustic piano)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
David Smith (bass)
Clinton Gregory, Dennis Wilson and Rhonda Hart (background vocals)
In December 1991, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and engineered by Kevin McManus, included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Play, Ruby, Play’ (written by Troy Seals and Tony Brown) (No.25, January 1992) / this track also reached No.20 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1992
‘She Takes The Sad Out of Saturday Night’ (written by Curt Ryle and Billy Henderson) (No.50, 1992)
‘Who Needs It’ (written by J. Mehaffey and Brent Mason) (No.29, 1992)
‘Look Who’s Needing Who’, which was written by Clinton Gregory, Randy Hardison (Saturday 11 March 1961 – Tuesday 4 June 2002) and Kevin Grantt (No.65, 1993)
Clinton Gregory’s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991), also included the following tracks:
‘If A Broken Heart Could Kill’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Allen Henson
‘Freeborn Man’ (written by Mark Lindsay and Keith Allison)
‘Til This Ring Turns Green’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘The Game Is The Same’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘She Can’t Believe My Eyes (written by Roger Ball)
‘Here’s To You, Tears To Me’ (written by Andrew Wilson Jr.)
‘The Jukebox Has A 45’ (written by B. Charles and C. McGuyer)
‘I Wish It Was That Easy Going Home’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory’s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991) included the following:
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Roger Ball (acoustic guitar)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Brent Mason and Redd Volkaert (lead guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Clinton Gregory (fiddle)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Gary Prim (synthesizers)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Clinton Gregory, Jennifer O’Brian and Dennis Wilson (background vocals)
The Geezinslaws recorded Clinton Gregory’s ‘Help, I’m White & I Can’t Get Down’ (co-written with Roger Ball) and included the track on ‘Feelin’ Good, Gittin’ Up, Gittin’ Down’ (Step One Records, 1992); the track, which reached No.56 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992, earned The Geezinslaws the ‘Indie Best Seller Award’ from The National Association of Record Merchandisers in 1993.
On Monday 21 June 1993, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and engineered by Kevin McManus; the album included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Standing On The Edge of Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Troy Seals) (No.52, 1993)
‘Master of Illusion’ (written by Curt Ryle and Mel Tillis Jr.) (No.59, 1993)
Clinton Gregory’s ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993) also included the following tracks:
‘If I Were A Painting’ (written by Skip Ewing, Donald R. Ewing II and Don Sampson)
‘The Day The Boys Leave The Girls Alone’ (written by Troy Seals)
‘In The Arms of Love’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) and Gene Price
‘Somewhere Beyond Nowhere’ (written by Mel Holt) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996)
‘Surrender’, which was written by Kent Blazy, Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) and Lonnie Wilson
‘Rocking The Country’ (written by Tommy Barnes and Tony Stampley)
‘Watermelon Time In Georgia’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Ladies Choice’ (written by Don Singleton and Rick Yancey)
‘Wish You Were Here’ (written by Bob Dellaposta)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory’s ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993) included the following:
Clinton Gregory (fiddle)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
David Smith (bass)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Gregg Galbraith, Brent Mason and Kelly Back (electric guitar)
Roger Ball and Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Buddy Spicher and Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Anthony LaMarchina (cello)
Lee Bradley and Clinton Gregory (background vocals)
Members of Clinton Gregory’s Band were also involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory’s ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993), and included the following:
Jim Murphy (steel guitar)
Jimmy Dormire (electric guitar)
Marty Privette (bass)
Eddie Davidson (drums)
On Saturday 7 August 1993, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘For Christmas’ (Step One Records, 1993), which included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Christmas In Virginia’, which was written by Clinton Gregory, Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and Jack Robertson / this track was released as a single in 1993, but it did not chart
Clinton Gregory’s ‘For Christmas’ (Step One Records, 1993) also included the following tracks:
‘For Christmas’ (written by Josh Logan)
‘Home Pulls The Heartstrings’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘Silver Bells’, which was written by Raymond Bernard Evans (4 February 1915 – Thursday 15 February 2007) and Jay Livingston (28 March 1915 – Wednesday 17 October 2001)
‘Christmas In Texas’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Thank God For Christmas’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘In Bethlehem’ (written by Roger Ball)
‘Christmas Time’s A-Coming’ (written by Tex Logan)
‘Pretty Paper’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’, which was written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram (Thursday 21 November 1907 – Tuesday 1 January 1991)
In 1992 and 1993, Clinton Gregory won the Music Row Industry’s ‘Independent Artist of The Year’ Award.
On Tuesday 17 January 1995, Clinton Gregory saw the release of his one and only album for Polydor Records, the self-titled ‘Clinton Gregory’ (Polydor Records, 1995), which included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘The Gulf & The Shell’, which was written by Dewayne L. Blackwell (Thursday 17 September 1936 – Sunday 23 May 2021) and Cal Sweat / this track was released as a single in 1994, but it did not chart
‘You Didn’t Miss A Thing’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and Sharon Rice (No.68, 1995)
‘A-11’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was released as a single in 1995, but it did not chart
Clinton Gregory’s ‘Clinton Gregory’ (Polydor Records, 1995) also included the following tracks:
‘Today’s Just Not Your Day’ (written by Linda Buell and Jody Emerson)
‘No Relief In Sight’, which was written by Rory Bourke, Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson
‘Three Shorts & A Long’ (written by Jim Martin and Tony Toliver)
‘Don’t Our Love Look Natural’, which was written by Don Cook and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘I’ve Got A Double’ (written by Ken Forsythe and Danny Steagall)
‘Sweet Healing’, which was written by Gene Pistilli (Thursday 27 March 1947 – Tuesday 26 December 2017) and Anthony Smith
‘I Can’t Take A Full Moon On An Empty Heart’ (written by Bill Anderson, Jeanne Chennault and Karen Staley)
‘Hacksaw’ (written by Clinton Gregory)
David Parmley, Scott Vestal & Continental Divide recorded Clinton Gregory’s ‘Look Who’s Needin’ Who’, which was co-written with Randy Hardison (Saturday 11 March 1961 – Tuesday 4 June 2002) and Kevin Grant, and included the track on ‘David Parmley, Scott Vestal & Continental Divide’ (Pinecastle Records, 1995).
Six brief years after Billboard chart and tour successes skyrocketed, Clinton Gregory’s life began to unravel and the foundation he had built came crashing down.
Trials and tribulations appeared around every corner; the loss of Clinton Gregory’s record deal, steadily declining tour dates and heart-breaking personal difficulties, including a divorce and the separation from his two little girls, Haley and Ali.
The year 1996 would begin what Clinton Gregory has referred to as the ‘lost years’ where he purposely became ‘hard to find’; separating himself from friends, family and faith, his journey took him down a long dark road as he searched for direction, purpose and meaning, in all the wrong places.
Seeing gray, day after day, Clinton Gregory revisited his direction to rely on his faith in God for everyday necessities, while life became his muse, hope fed his hunger and music his healer. His ‘lost years’ led Clinton Gregory through scenes that could be scripted in dramatic and tragic screenplays and Hollywood films. Clinton Gregory crossed paths with gangs, shook hands with dope dealers and walked away from punks with guns.
Along the way, God also put ‘good’ before him; Clinton Gregory befriended the great Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), who he says was his oak and taught him the most valuable thing in life and music – how to listen.
In 1998, Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) & Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘Live At Joe’s Flora-Bama’ (NQD Records, 1998), which included the following tracks:
‘Ain’t Life Hell’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurtin’ Me’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘I Fall To Pieces’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘It’s Not Love, But It’s Not Bad’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘Little Bitty Tear’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Make The World Go Away’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Miss You To Tears’
‘Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine’, which was written by Jimmie Davis (11 September 1899 – Sunday 5 November 2000)
‘Who Goes There’
Retrieved from the ‘lost and found’ in 2005, Clinton Gregory’s talents were sought out by one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest songwriters and performers, Neil Young, who extended a personal invitation to Clinton to appear on two projects.
In 2005, Clinton Gregory was featured on Neil Young’s album, ‘Prairie Wind’ (Reprise Records, 2005), which was released on Tuesday 27 September 2005; Clinton Gregory played fiddle on the track ‘No Wonder’ (written by Neil Young).
In 2006, Clinton Gregory played fiddle and sang back-up vocals on the guitar hero’s autobiographical film, ‘Neil Young: Heart of Gold’ (Paramount Pictures, 2006). The album debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at No.11, charting for twenty-seven consecutive weeks, was recognised as a ‘Top 100 Editor’s Picks of 2005’ on Amazon and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including ‘Best Rock Album of The Year’.
The ‘Neil Young: Heart of Gold’ film, documenting Neil Young’s decorated history, premiered at The Sundance Film Festival and was released to theatres in February 2006.
On Tuesday 24 July 2007, courtesy of Sarah Brosmer at Lytle Management in Brentwood, TN Gene Watson’s Fan Site exclusively revealed that Gene Watson had hired a new band member – Clinton Gregory.
Clinton Gregory’s first gig with Gene Watson‘s Farewell Party Band (playing fiddle and acoustic guitar, and providing background vocals) took place on Friday 27 July 2007 at The Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee, Georgia; Clinton Gregory graced the stage with then current Farewell Party Band members, Joe Eddie Gough (Friday 27 January 1939 – Friday 14 August 2009) (piano), Staley Rogers (bass guitar), Corky Owens (steel guitar), Steve Anderson (guitar) and Todd Hines (drums).
On Wednesday 12 September 2007, Gene Watson was a special guest on Eddie Stubbs’ radio show, ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’, on WSM 650AM, a radio station which is known as Nashville’s Country Legend.
‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’ was broadcast ‘live’ from The Ford Theatre at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville between 7:00pm and 9:00 pm Central Standard Time (CST).
During the course of the show, Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson performed the classic country music song, ‘Together Again’, and was accompanied by producer Brent Rowan playing guitar and Clinton Gregory on fiddle; ‘Together Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006), was included on Gene Watson‘s then new Shanachie Records album, ‘In A Perfect World‘ (Shanchie Records, 2007).
Gene Watson Farewell Party Band member, Clinton Gregory, was asked to sit in and play fiddle with Rhonda Vincent.
On the night, Gene Watson had copies of ‘In A Perfect World‘ (Shanchie Records, 2007), his then new album on Shanachie Records, available for sale on that evening only (as a special event promotion), so if fans lived near the Nashville area, they could purchase the album before the official release date of Tuesday 25 September 2007.
Gene Watson also stated on the night that he adored the members of his highly acclaimed Farewell Party Band and he gave a special mention to its then latest member, Clinton Gregory, whom he said had added wonderful acoustic guitar, fiddle and harmony vocals to the overall sound of The Farewell Party Band.
Between Wednesday 3 October 2007 and Friday 19 October 2007, Gene Watson and The Farewell Party Band – Joe Eddie Gough (Friday 27 January 1939 – Friday 14 August 2009), Clinton Gregory, Todd Hines, Kenneth ‘Corky’ Owens, Staley Rogers and Bryan ‘Woody’ Woodruff – undertook a highly successful tour of various venues in Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), including the following:
• Wednesday 3 October 2007: The TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, County Mayo
• Thursday 4 October 2007: The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, County Donegal
• Friday 5 October 2007: University Concert Hall, Limerick University Theatre, Limerick, County Limerick
• Sunday 7 October 2007: The Waterfront Hall, Belfast, County Antrim
• Tuesday 9 October 2007: The Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown, County Tyrone
• Wednesday 10 October 2007: The Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
• Thursday 11 October 2007: The Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
• Friday 12 October 2007: The Market Place Theatre, Armagh City, County Armagh
• Saturday 13 October 2007: St. Joseph’s Hall, Omagh, County Tyrone
• Sunday 14 October 2007: The Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney, County Monaghan
• Monday 15 October 2007: The Riverside Theatre at The University of Ulster, Coleraine
• Wednesday 17 October 2007: The Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena, County Antrim
• Thursday 18 October 2007: The Red Cow Hotel, Dublin, County Dublin
• Friday 19 October 2007: The Sligo Southern Hotel, Sligo, County Sligo
Following Gene Watson & The Farewell Party Band’s appearance, on Sunday 14 October 2007, at The Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Sean Brady had the pleasure of meeting Clinton Gregory backstage.
On Saturday 2 August 2008 and Sunday 3 August 2008, Gene Watson & The Farewell Party Band graced the stage at the UTV Country Festival, which took place in Dungannon Park, on Moy Road in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Sean & Lisa Brady had the pleasure of attending UTV Country Festival in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland on Sunday 3 August 2008.
The Farewell Party Band, with Corky Owens (steel guitar), Woody Woodruff (lead guitar), Todd Hines (drums), Steve Nelson (piano) and Staley Rogers (bass guitar), ably assisted fellow (FPB) member Clinton Gregory when they graced the stage between 4:25pm and 4:35pm.
Clinton Gregory performed two classic Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) songs, ‘The Bottle Let Me Down’ and ‘A Place To Fall Apart’.
UTV, the ITV (Independent Television) company serving Northern Ireland, supported the event and were present on both days to capture the varied and unique performances. A special television show was broadcast on UTV on Sunday 24 August 2008 at 3:50pm (United Kingdom / Ireland time), and included behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
In 2009, Gregory Clinton saw the release of ‘Best of The Best of Gregory Clinton’ (Gusto Records, 2009), which included the following tracks:
‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (written by Alan Syms) / this track, which was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991), and reached No.26 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
‘Satisfy Me & I’ll Satisfy You’ (written by Bill Dees) / this track, which was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991), and reached No.53 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
‘Couldn’t Love Have Picked A Better Place To Die’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Bucky Jones / this track, which was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s debut album, ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990), and reached No.64 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
‘Look Who’s Needing Who’, which was written by Clinton Gregory, Randy Hardison (Saturday 11 March 1961 – Tuesday 4 June 2002) and Kevin Grantt / this track, which was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991), reached No.65 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993
‘The Jukebox Has A 45’ (written by B. Charles and C. McGuyer) / this track was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991)
‘Blue Country Frame of Mind’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) / this track was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991)
‘There’s Never Been A Honky Tonk’ (written by Mel Holt) / this track was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991)
‘The Game Is The Same’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) / this track was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991)
‘She Can’t Believe My Eyes (written by Roger Ball) / this track was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991)
‘I’ll Never Always Love You’ (written by Mel Holt) / this track was originally included on Clinton Gregory’s ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991)
On Monday 15 February 2010, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘I’m Back’ (Out of The Box Records, 2010), which included the following tracks:
‘El Paso’
‘Walkin’ In Jerusalem’
‘All Over Town’
‘Letter To Santa’
‘Honky Tonk Nighttime’
‘Home For Sale’
‘Big Bad No’
‘Big Love In A Small Town’
‘I Never Thought I’d Live To See My Dyin’ Day’
‘I Won’t Be There’
‘Heartbreak Line’
‘If A Broken Heart Could Kill’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Allen Henson
The Godsend relationships formed with Hank Cochran(Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), Neil Young and current producer, Jamie Creasy, made for an awakening. With a brand new understanding of music and the power of lyrics, the support and belief of his friends, and a new lease on life, Clinton Gregory put pen to paper and began to develop his own songwriting craft, determined to re-enter the world of entertainment as a multi-faceted artist: a world-class fiddle player, singer, songwriter and performer worth hearing.
On Monday 16 April 2012, Clinton Gregory saw the release of his first album for Jamie Creasy’s Melody Roundup Music, ‘Too Much Ain’t Enough’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2012), which was co-produced by Clinton Gregory and Jamie Creasy.
At the time, Clinton Gregory felt that joining Melody Roundup Music ‘opened the door to the place he calls ‘home’, revealing his sense of humour, his vision and his deeply rooted passion for raw and real traditional country music’.
After a seventeen-year departure from the spotlight as a performer and sought-after fiddle player, both in-studio and on stage, Clinton Gregory’s ‘Too Much Ain’t Enough’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2012) was the product of humility, tragedy and light.
Clinton Gregory’s ‘Too Much Ain’t Enough’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2012) included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart:
‘She Did’, which was written by Craig Matthew Martin, Sr. (Thursday 14 September 1967 – Friday 3 July 2020) / this track was released as a single in 2012, but it did not chart
‘Too Much Ain’t Enough’, which was written by Tony Ramey, Trey Matthews and Earl Cranston Clark (Saturday 24 November 1945 – Friday 7 July 2017) / this track was released as a single in 2013, but it did not chart
‘You Smile’ (written by Pebe Sebert and Gerald Smith) / this track was released as a single in 2013, but it did not chart
Clinton Gregory’s ‘Too Much Ain’t Enough’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2012) also included the following tracks:
‘Too Country For Nashville’ (written by Tommy Barnes and Wild Bill Emerson)
‘Bridges’ (written by Gary Hannan and Marty Brown)
‘You Play Like Chet’ (written by Paula Jo Taylor, Larry Williams and Gerald Smith)
‘Has Love Taken It’s Toll’ (written by Clinton Gregory)
‘It Took Every Tear’, which was written by Jimmy Rinehart and Craig Matthew Martin, Sr. (Thursday 14 September 1967 – Friday 3 July 2020)
‘If That Ain’t Jones’ (written by Buck Moore and Gerald Smith)
‘Chase Away The Lonely’ (written by Jerry Salley and Amanda Martin)
‘Crucifixion’ (written by Clinton Gregory)
‘The New’ (written by Johnny Holland)
On Wednesday 8 May 2013, the official CD release party for The Clinton Gregory Bluegrass Band’s debut album, ‘Roots of My Raising’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2013), took place between 5:00pm and 6:00pm at The Station Inn, 402 12th Avenue South in Nashville; those who attended the event received a free CD upon entry, along with free admission.
On Monday 13 May 2013, The Clinton Gregory Bluegrass Band saw the release of its debut album, ‘Roots of My Raising’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2013), which was produced by Jamie Creasy and IBMA multi-award winning banjoist / producer, Scott Vestal, who had worked alongside Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Jim Lauderdale, Ralph Stanley (Friday 25 February 1927 – Thursday 23 June 2016), Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas.
The tracks on The Clinton Gregory Bluegrass Band’s debut album, ‘Roots of My Raising’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2013), were a handpicked collection of twelve acoustic tunes, including some of Bluegrass and country music’s classic songs, with Clinton Gregory’s vocals, distinct in character, blending seamlessly in timeless arrangements, on tracks such as ‘Sittin’ On Top of The World’, ‘How Mountain Girls Can Love’ and ‘Somehow Tonight’.
As an honorable nod to the forefathers, Clinton Gregory tipped his hat to Bill Monroe (Wednesday 13 September 1911 – Monday 9 September 1996), The Stanley Brothers – Carter Stanley (Thursday 27 August 1925 – Thursday 1 December 1966) & Ralph Stanley (Friday 25 February 1927 – Thursday 23 June 2016) – and Flatt & Scruggs – Lester Flatt (Friday 19 June 1914 – Friday 11 May 1979) and Earl Scruggs (Sunday 6 January 1924 – Wednesday 28 March 2012), while the band showcased ‘newgrass’ interpretations of songs from Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) and Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975).
In the company of traditional standards, Clinton Gregory displayed his fiddle wizardry in the age old rosin and bow tune, ‘Katy Hill’. The conclusion of the project presents one of the most exceptional moments; with just four-and-a-half minutes remaining, Clinton Gregory performs the faithful and passionate original composition ‘Crucifixion’, which was written by the bandleader himself.
‘This Bluegrass album has been forty years in the making’, said Clinton Gregory. ‘The project came to life when we spent a weekend up at a cabin; we played until our fingers couldn’t play anymore. Something really rare happened and we knew we needed to get into the studio. In fact, the songs on the record are the very same songs from those inspiring evenings at the cabin’.
The Clinton Gregory Bluegrass Band is composed of accomplished players, who have lent their talents to a number of famed album projects, and included the following:
Shannon Mays (banjo, baritone vocals) / Jimmy Martin, Jerry Douglas and Ricky Skaggs have tapped Shannon Mays for his finger-pickin’ and vocals
Doug Flowers (mandolin, tenor vocals) / Doug Flowers has appeared with Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs (Sunday 6 January 1924 – Wednesday 28 March 2012), Little Roy Lewis and Betty Fisher
Scott Terry (bass, harmonica)
Clinton Gregory (fiddle, lead vocals)
In a time-honoured recording and production style, Scott Vestal captured the sound ‘live’ as each musician called and answered to one another’s instrumentation in real time.
The Clinton Gregory Bluegrass Band’s debut album, ‘Roots of My Raising’ (Melody Roundup Music, 2013), included the following tracks:
‘How Mountain Girls Can Love’, which was written by Carter Stanley (Thursday 27 August 1925 – Thursday 1 December 1966)
‘I Never Go Around Mirrors’, which was written by Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975) and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘Little Cabin Home On The Hill’, which was written by Lester Flatt (Friday 19 June 1914 – Friday 11 May 1979) and Bill Monroe (Wednesday 13 September 1911 – Monday 9 September 1996)
‘Roots of My Raising’, which was written by Tommy Collins (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 14 March 2000)
‘Dark Hollow’ (written by Bill Browning)
‘Katy Kill’ (traditional)
‘New Patches’, which was written by Tommy Collins (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 14 March 2000)
‘Sittin’ On Top of The World’ (written by Lonnie Carter and Walter Jacobs)
‘Looking For A Place To Fall Apart’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), Willie Nelson and Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016)
‘Living With The Shades Pulled Down’, which was written by Boudleaux Bryant (Friday 13 February 1920 – Thursday 25 June 1987), Felice Bryant (Friday 7 August 1925 – Tuesday 22 April 2003) and Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘Somehow Tonight’, which was written by Earl Scruggs (Sunday 6 January 1924 – Wednesday 28 March 2012)
‘Crucifixion’ (written by Clinton Gregory)
At the time of the acquisition of this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote’, in November 2013, Clinton Gregory was signed with Jamie Creasy’s Melody Roundup Music, based at 118 16th Avenue South, Suite 210 in Nashville, TN 37203.
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