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 2009, 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 Howard & David Bellamy, which they submitted to this site on Saturday 15 August 2009.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Howard & David Bellamy who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Howard & David Bellamy
This quote was submitted on Saturday 15 August 2009.
‘Gene Watson is one of the greatest voices ever in country music.
Howard and I are in complete agreement; Gene is one of our all-time favourites’
Thank you, Howard & David Bellamy, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Howard & David Bellamy (Bellamy Brothers)…
Howard & David Bellamy (Bellamy Brothers) are an American country and pop music duo composed of brothers Homer Howard Bellamy (born on Saturday 2 February 1946) and David Milton Bellamy (born on Saturday 16 September 1950), who were both born in Darby, Florida.
Howard & David Bellamy enjoyed considerable musical success in the 1970s and 1980s, starting with the release, in 1976, of their crossover hit ‘Let Your Love Flow’, which was written by Larry E. Williams, a former roadie for Neil Diamond; the track was a No.1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart, and was the title cut of their debut album, ‘Let Your Love Flow’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1976), which was released in April 1976.
In April 1976, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of their debut album, ‘Let Your Love Flow’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1976), which included the following tracks:
‘Satin Sheets’ (written by Willis Allan Ramsey) / this track reached No.73 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976
‘Nothin’ Heavy’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Rainy Windy Sunshine (Rodeo Road)’ (written by Howard Bellamy and David Bellamy)
‘Let Fantasy Live’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Highway 2-18 (Hang On To Your Dreams)’ (written by Howard Bellamy and David Bellamy) / this track was released as a single on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976, but it did not chart
‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams) (No.21, 1976) / this track also reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976
‘Livin’ In The West’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘I’m The Only Sane Man Left Alive’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Inside of My Guitar’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford)
‘Hell Cat’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.70, 1976)
Starting in the late 1970s, Howard & David Bellamy found success in country music as well, charting twenty No.1 singles and more than fifty hits overall on the Billboard country music singles chart. To date, Howard & David Bellamy have seen the release of more than fifty albums, primarily on Curb Records.
Howard & David Bellamy were inspired by many musical sources from an early age. Their father played country music around the house and he was also a member of a local Western Swing band; in addition, Howard & David Bellamy were inspired by the rock ‘n’ roll music their sister played, as well as the calypso music sung by Jamaican harvesters working in the family orange groves.
Despite having never had formal music training, Howard & David Bellamy learned how to play guitar, mandolin and banjo. In addition, David Bellamy learned accordion, fiddle, organ and piano.
Their first musical gig was in 1968 at a benefit concert with their father in San Antonio, Florida at Rattlesnake Roundup. Soon after, Howard & David Bellamy moved to Atlanta, Georgia and formed a band called Jericho.
However, playing in bands and clubs proved tiresome for Howard & David Bellamy, who soon moved back home.
Howard & David Bellamy were soon noticed by a friend of recording artist, Jim Stafford, who eventually recorded ‘Spiders & Snakes’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford) (No.3, 1974), which became a Billboard Top 5 pop music hit single, providing The Bellamy Brothers with the money to move to Los Angeles, California.
‘Spiders & Snakes’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford) also reached No.3 on the Cash Box Top 100 Chart in 1974, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Chart.
‘Spiders & Snakes’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford) spent five and a half months on the United States charts, sold over one million copies, and was awarded a ‘Gold’ disc by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on Friday 8 March 1974.
‘Spiders & Snakes’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford) was included on Jim Stafford’s self-titled debut album, ‘Jim Stafford’ (MGM Records, 1974).
Howard Bellamy became a road manager for Jim Stafford; Jim Stafford’s previous road manager, Leo Gallagher, later gained fame as a comedian.
Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) & Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded David Bellamy’s ‘Spiders & Snakes’ (co-written with Jim Stafford) and included the track on ‘Country Partners’ (MCA Records, 1974).
In 1975, Howard & David Bellamy signed to Curb Records; a single, which featured only David Bellamy, ‘Nothin’ Heavy’ (written by David Bellamy), was released, but it was not successful.
However, at the suggestion of Neil Diamond’s drummer, Dennis St. John, Howard & David Bellamy recorded and released the single, ‘Let Your Love Flow’, which was written by Larry E. Williams, a former roadie for Neil Diamond.
Released in 1976, ‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams) was No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976, in addition to a dozen countries worldwide.
In May 1978, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Beautiful Friends’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1978), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Bird Dog’, which was written by Boudleaux Bryant (Friday 13 February 1920 – Thursday 25 June 1987) (No.86, 1978)
‘Slippin’ Away’ (No.19, 1978)
‘Wild Honey’ (No.99, 1978)
Although ‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams) was also a hit on the Billboard country music singles chart, where it reached No.21, Howard & David Bellamy’s country music success was limited until 1979, when ‘If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold it Against Me’ (written by David Bellamy) was released; the track was included on ‘The Two & Only’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979), an album which also included ‘You Ain’t Just Whistling Dixie’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.5, 1979).
‘If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold it Against Me’ (written by David Bellamy), whose double-entendre title was derived from a Groucho Marx (2 October 1890 – Friday 19 August 1977) quote, landed Howard & David Bellamy their first country music No.1 hit single in the United States (No.1 for three weeks in May / June 1979) and secured a Grammy Award nomination in the process.
The song was first played on radio in the United Kingdom, in Northern Ireland, before becoming ‘Song of The Year’ for all of the United Kingdom in 1979.
Following the success of ‘If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold it Against Me’ (written by David Bellamy), Howard & David Bellamy decided to revamp their sound and headed back to Florida in order to put a new band together. They enlisted the help of Ron & The Starfires, a Billboard Top 40 R&B group, along with bass player Jesse Chambers and his cousin, guitarist Carl Chambers.
This new group of musicians also supported Howard & David Bellamy in the recording studio and played on ‘The Two & Only’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979) and ‘You Can Get Crazy’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980).
In April 1979, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘The Two & Only’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979), which was produced by Michael Lloyd, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Lovin’ On’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005) (No.16, 1978) / this track also reached No.25 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
‘If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold It Against Me’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for three weeks in May / June 1979) / this track also reached No.24 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979, No.3 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1979, and No.2 on the Switzerland Singles Chart in 1979 / this track, whose double-entendre title was derived from a Groucho Marx (2 October 1890 – Friday 19 August 1977) quote, landed Howard & David Bellamy their first country music No.1 hit single in the United States, and secured them a Grammy Award nomination in the process / the track was first played on radio in the United Kingdom, in Northern Ireland, before becoming ‘Song of The Year’ for all of the United Kingdom in 1979
‘You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie’ (writen by David Bellamy) (No.5, 1979) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘The Two & Only’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
‘May You Never’ (written by John Martyn)
‘Miss Misunderstood’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Makin’ Music Mamma’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Ole Faithful’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Why Did We Die So Young’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Blue Ribbons’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Wet T-Shirt’ (written by David Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘The Two & Only’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers & The Dizzy Rambler Band
David and Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Carl Chambers (lead guitar, acoustic guitar)
Jesse Chambers (bass guitar)
Dannie Jones (steel guitar)
Jon LaFrandre (keyboards)
Rodney Price and Carlos Vega (drums)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘The Two & Only’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979, and No.12 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1979.
In January 1980, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘You Can Get Crazy’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980), which was produced by Michael Lloyd, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sugar Daddy’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in April 1980)
‘Dancin’ Cowboys’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in August 1980)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘You Can Get Crazy’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘Foolin’ Around’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Comin’ Back For More’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘I Could Be Makin’ Love To You’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Dean Aim’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘You Can Get Crazy With Me’ David Bellamy)
‘Fast Train Out of Texas’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford)
‘Naked Lady’ (written by Deborah Allen and Rafe Van Hoy)
‘Let Me Waltz Into Your Heart’ (written by David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘You Can Get Crazy’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers & The Dizzy Rambler Band
David and Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Carl Chambers (lead guitar, acoustic guitar)
Jesse Chambers (bass guitar)
Dannie Jones (steel guitar)
Jon LaFrandre (keyboards)
Rodney Price (drums)
Guest musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘You Can Get Crazy’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) included the following:
Carlos Vega (Friday 7 December 1956 – Tuesday 7 April 1998) (drums)
Alan Eastos (percussion)
Bobby Bruce (fiddle)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘You Can Get Crazy’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
In November 1980, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Sons of The Sun’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980), which was produced by Michael Lloyd and The Bellamy Brothers, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Lovers Live Longer’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.3 in early 1981)
‘Do You Love as Good as You Look’, which was written by Jerry Gillespie, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Rory Bourke (No.1 for one week in March 1981)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Sons of The Sun’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘It’s Hard To Be A Cowboy These Days’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Dancin’ Romance’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Endangered Species’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Givin’ Into Love Again’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Honey, We Don’t Know No One In Nashville’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Spiders & Snakes’ (written by David Bellamy and Jim Stafford)
‘Classic Case of The Blues’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Illusions of Love’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Sons of The Sun’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers & Diamond Back
David and Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Jesse Chambers (bass guitar)
Randy Ferrell (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar)
Dannie Jones (steel guitar, lap steel guitar, Dobro)
Jon LaFrandre (piano, organ, keyboards, background vocals)
Rodney Price (drums)
Guest musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Sons of The Sun’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) included the following:
Ricky Skaggs (fiddle, mandolin)
Bobbye Hall (percussion)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Sons of The Sun’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980) reached No.18 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
In 1981, Howard & David Bellamy ended an agreement with Warner Bros. Records by releasing two singles which never appeared on any album; ‘They Could Put Me in Jail’ (written by Bob McDill) peaked at No.12 in 1981, while ‘You’re My Favourite Star’ (written by David Bellamy), blending country music with Jamaican rhythms, became the only reggae record ever to hit the Top 10 on the Billboard country music singles chart (No.7, 1981).
Signing with Elektra Records, Howard & David Bellamy were sceptical of working with another producer, and persuaded Elektra Records head, Jimmy Bowen, to allow them to make their next album at home.
In April 1982, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘When We Were Boys’ (Elektra Records, 1982), which was produced by Jimmy Bowen and The Bellamy Brothers; the album was recorded in Florida, and mixed in Nashville, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘For All The Wrong Reasons’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in June 1981)
‘Get Into Reggae Cowboy’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.21, 1981)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘When We Were Boys’ (Elektra Records, 1982), which was produced by The Bellamy Brothers and Jimmy Bowen, also included the following tracks:
‘When We Were Boys’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘You Make Love So Easy’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Goin’ Sane’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘We’re Just A Little Ole Country Band’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘This Time’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Until The Money’s Gone’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘We Can Handle It’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘When We All Get To Heaven’ (written by David Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘When We Were Boys’ (Elektra Records, 1982), which was recorded in Florida and mixed in Nashville, and included the following:
Bellamy Brothers Band
David Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, accordion)
Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Randy Ferrell (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo)
Donnie Helms (bass guitar)
Dannie Jones (steel guitar, lap steel guitar, Dobro)
Jon LaFrandre (keyboards, background vocals)
Juan Perez (drums, percussion)
Guest musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘When We Were Boys’ (Elektra Records, 1982) included the following:
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
John Hummerick (mandolin)
Wally Dentz (harmonica)
The Darby Angels (Ginger Bellamy Clements and Lucille Musser) (background vocals on ‘When We All Get To Heaven’)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘When We Were Boys’ (Elektra Records, 1982) reached No.15 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
Even after Howard & David Bellamy left Warner Bros. Records and started releasing product on Elektra Records, they still owed their prior label (Warner Bros. Records) more material. The company closed out the agreement with ‘Greatest Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1982), which was released in August 1982 and included the following tracks:
‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams) (No.21, 1976) / this track also reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976
‘If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body, Would You Hold it Against Me’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for three weeks in May / June 1979); this track also reached No.39 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1979
‘You Ain’t Just Whistling Dixie’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.5, 1979)
‘Sugar Daddy’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in April 1980)
‘Dancin’ Cowboys’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in August 1980)
‘Lovers Live Longer’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.3 in early 1981)
‘Do You Love As Good As You Look’, which was written by Jerry Gillespie, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Rory Bourke (No.1 for one week in March 1981)
‘For All The Wrong Reasons’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in June 1981)
‘Get Into Reggae Cowboy’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.21, 1981)
‘Redneck Girl’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in December 1982) / this track was also included on ‘Strong Weakness’ (Elektra Records, 1982)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1982) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
In December 1982, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Strong Weakness’ (Elektra Records, 1982), which was produced by Jimmy Bowen and The Bellamy Brothers, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Redneck Girl’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in December 1982)
‘When I’m Away from You’ (written by Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller) (No.1 for one week in April 1983) / this track was Howard & David Bellamy’s last single to be released by Elektra Records
‘I Love Her Mind’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.4, 1983)
‘Strong Weakness’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.15, 1983)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Strong Weakness’ (Elektra Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
‘Doin’ It The Hard Way’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Almost Jamaica’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Lazy Eyes’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Number Two’ (written by Randy Ferrell)
‘The Night They Killed Country Music’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Long Distance Love Affair’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Strong Weakness’ (Elektra Records, 1982) included the following:
Bellamy Brothers Band
David Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, electric piano on ‘Lazy Eyes’)
Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Randy Ferrell (electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Donnie Helms (bass guitar)
Dannie Jones (steel guitar, lap slide guitar, Dobro)
Jon LaFrandre (keyboards, background vocals)
Juan ‘The Breeze’ Perez (drums, percussion)
Guest musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Strong Weakness’ (Elektra Records, 1982) included the following:
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Wally Dentz (harmonica)
Dewey Dorough (saxophone)
Rick Pupello (rhythm guitar)
Lea Jane Berinati and Yvonne Hodges (background vocals)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Strong Weakness’ (Elektra Records, 1982) reached No.17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
In January 1983, Elektra Records / Asylum Records merged its country music division with Warner Bros. Records.
In May 1984, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Restless’ (MCA / Curb Records, 1984), which was produced by The Bellamy Brothers and Steve Klein; the album was recorded at Criteria Sound Studios in North Miami Beach, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Forget About Me’, which was written by Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller, Troy Seals and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.5, 1984)
‘World’s Greatest Lover’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.6, 1984)
‘I Need More of You’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in April 1985)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Restless’ (MCA / Curb Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Down To You’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘We’re Having Some Fun Now’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Rock-A-Billy’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Restless’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘I Love It’, which was written by Tommy Rocco and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021)
‘Diesel Cafe’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Tragedy’ (written by Henry Paul, Billy Crain and Wally Dentz)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Restless’ (MCA / Curb Records, 1984) included the following tracks:
Bellamy Brothers Band
David & Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Billy Crain (lead guitar, rhythm electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Wally Dentz (bass guitar, harmonica)
Dannie Jones (pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar)
Jon LaFrandre (keyboards on ‘Tragedy’)
Juan Perez (drums, percussion)
Guest musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Restless’ (MCA / Curb Records, 1984) included the following:
George Bitzer (keyboards, synthesizer, string & horn arrangements)
George Terry and Joey Murcia (guitar)
Ed Calle (saxophone)
Joe Galdo (drums, programming)
Steve Klein (string & horn arrangements)
Kim Wertz (French girl on ‘World’s Greatest Lover’)
Kitty Woodson (background vocals on ‘We’re Having Some Fun Now’)
Chuck Kirkpatrick and John Sambatero (background vocals on ‘Down To You’ and ‘I Need More of You’)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Restless’ (MCA / Curb Records, 1984) reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
In June 1985, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Howard & David’ (MCA Records, 1985), which was produced by Jimmy Bowen and Emory Gordy Jr., and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Old Hippie’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.2, 1985)
‘Lie To You For Your Love’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy, Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller and Jeff Barry) (No.2, 1985)
‘Feeling The Feeling’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.2, 1985)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Howard & David’ (MCA Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Wheels’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024)
‘Season of The Wind’ (written by David Bellany, Howard Bellamy and Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller)
‘The Single Man & His Wife’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘I’m Gonna Hurt Her On The Radio’ (written by Mac McAnally and Tom Brasfield)
‘You’re My Favourite Waste of Time’ (written by Marshall Crenshaw)
‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Darlin’ ‘ (written by Dickey Lee and Bob McDill)
‘Jeannie Rae’, which was written by Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill and Tim Krekel (Tuesday 10 October 1950 – Wednesday 24 June 2009)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Howard & David’ (MCA Records, 1985) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers
David Bellamy and David Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals)
Musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Howard & David’ (MCA Records, 1985) included the following:
Richard Bennett (guitar, guitar solos on ‘Wheels’ and ‘I’m Gonna Hurt Her On The Radio’)
Matt Betton (drums)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
Emory Gordy Jr. (bass guitar)
John Barlow Jarvis (keyboards)
Nicolette Larson (Thursday 17 July 1952 – Tuesday 16 December 1997) (background vocals on ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Darlin’ ‘)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica on ‘Old Hippie’)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (guitar, all guitar solos, except ‘Wheels’ and ‘I’m Gonna Hurt Her On The Radio’)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Howard & David’ (MCA Records, 1985) reached No.10 three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
In September 1986, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Country Rap’ (MCA Records, 1986), which was produced by Emory Gordy Jr., and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Too Much Is Not Enough’ (written by David Bellamy and Ron Taylor) (No.1 for one week in December 1986) / this track was a duet with The Forester Sisters (Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester)
‘Kids of The Baby Boom’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in April 1987)
‘Country Rap’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.31, 1987) / this track has been cited as one of the first songs to combine country music with rap music
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Country Rap’ (MCA Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘Sweet Nostalgia’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘One Too Many Times’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Go Ahead – Fall In Love’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘D-D-D-D-Divorcee’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Our Family’ (written by David Bellamy and Bobby Braddock)
‘Hard On A Heart’ (written by Howard Bellamy
‘Where The Lights Come From’ (written by Thom Schuyler and Don Schlitz)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Country Rap’ (MCA Records, 1986) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers
David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals)
Musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Country Rap’ (MCA Records, 1986) included the following:
Richard Bennett (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lap steel guitar, 6-string bass guitar on ‘Kids of The Baby Boom’)
Matt Betton (drums)
Wally Dentz (harmonica)
The Forester Sisters (Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester) (duet vocals on ‘Too Much Is Not Enough’)
Emory Gordy Jr. (percussion, lead acoustic guitar on ‘Hard On A Heart’, E-mu Emulator on ‘Go Ahead – Fall In Love’)
David Hungate (bass guitar)
John Barlow Jarvis (Yamaha DX7, piano)
Dannie Jones (steel guitar)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar, lead electric guitar on ‘Where The Lights Come From’)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Country Rap’ (MCA Records, 1986) reached No.21 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In October 1986, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits 2’ (MCA Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
‘Feeling The Feeling’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.2, 1985)
‘When I’m Away From You’ (written by Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller) (No.1 for one week in April 1983)
‘Old Hippie’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.2, 1985)
‘Lie To You For Your Love’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy, Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller and Jeff Barry) (No.2, 1985)
‘Too Much Is Not Enough’ (written by David Bellamy and Ron Taylor) (No.1 for one week in December 1986) / this track was a duet with The Forester Sisters (Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester)
‘Forget About Me’, which was written by Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller, Troy Seals and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) (No.5, 1984)
‘World’s Greatest Lover’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.6, 1984)
‘I Need More of You’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in April 1985)
‘Strong Weakness’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.15, 1983)
‘I Love Her Mind’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.4, 1983)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Greatest Hits 2’ (MCA Records, 1986) reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In October 1987, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Crazy From The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1987), which was produced by Emory Gordy Jr., and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Crazy From The Heart’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz) (No.3, 1987)
‘Santa Fe’ (written by David Bellamy and Ron Taylor) (No.5, 1988)
‘I’ll Give You All My Love Tonight’ (written by David Bellamy, Billy Crain and Wally Dentz) (No.6, 1988)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Crazy From The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘It’s Rainin’ Girls’ (written by David Bellamy and Richard Bennett)
‘Ying Yang’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Melt Down’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Ramblin’ Again’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘We Don’t Wanna Go For It’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Your Name’ (written by David Bellamy, Richard Bennett and Simon Stokes)
‘White Trash’ (written by David Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Crazy From The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1987) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers
David Bellamy (lead vocals)
Howard Bellamy (harmony vocals)
Musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Crazy From The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1987) included the following:
Matt Betton (drums)
Billy Crain and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Charlie Daniels (Wednesday 28 October 1936 – Monday 6 July 2020) and Patty Loveless (harmony vocals
Wally Dentz (harmonica)
David Hungate (bass guitar)
John Barlow Jarvis (DX-7, piano)
Mike Lawler (synthesizer)
George Terry (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (acoustic guitar)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Crazy From The Heart’ (MCA Records, 1987) reached No.50 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
In Monday 19 September 1988, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (MCA Records, 1988), which was produced by James Stroud and Jimmy Bowen, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.9, 1988)
‘Big Love’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.5, 1989)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (MCA Records, 1988) also included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Help You Hurt Him’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘The Fountain of Middle Age’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Stayin’ In Love’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘Get Your Priorities In Line’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘When The Music Meant Everything’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘The Courthouse’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘The Andy Griffith Show’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘A Little Naive’ (written by David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (MCA Records, 1988) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers
David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy (lead vocals, harmony vocals)
Musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (MCA Records, 1988) included the following:
Pat Flynn (acoustic guitar, mandolin)
Lisa Germano (fiddle)
John Barlow Jarvis (piano, keyboards)
Rick Marotta (drums)
Leland Sklar (bass guitar)
Ron Taylor (B-3 organ)
Wally Waldimare (harmonica)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (MCA Records, 1988) reached No.45 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1988.
In June 1989, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits 3’ (MCA Records, 1989), which included the following tracks:
‘Hillbilly Hell’ (written by David Bellamy and Bobby Braddock) (No.51, 1989) / this track was new
‘Crazy From The Heart’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz) (No.3, 1987)
‘The Center of My Universe’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz) (No.37, 1989) / this track was new
‘Kids of The Baby Boom’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.1 for one week in April 1987)
‘Santa Fe’ (written by David Bellamy and Ron Taylor) (No.5, 1988)
‘I’ll Give You All My Love Tonight’ (written by David Bellamy, Billy Crain and Wally Dentz) (No.6, 1988)
‘You’ll Never Be Sorry’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz) (No.10, 1989) / this track was new
‘Rebels Without A Clue’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.9, 1988)
‘Big Love’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.5, 1989)
‘Country Rap’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.31, 1987)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Greatest Hits 3’ (MCA Records, 1989) reached No.50 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
In Wednesday 25 April 1990, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Reality Check’ (MCA Records, 1990), which was produced by Emory Gordy Jr., and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘I Could Be Persuaded’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz) (No.7, 1990) / this track was Howard & David Bellamy’s last hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Reality Check’ (MCA Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Too Late’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Kostas)
‘Have A Little Compassion’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Was There Life Before This Love’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Makin’ Promises’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘What’s This World Coming To’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Forever Ain’t Long Enough’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘How Can You Be Anywhere At The Same Time’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘I Don’t Wanna Lose You’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘Reality Check’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
Personnel involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Reality Check’ (MCA Records, 1990) included the following:
The Bellamy Brothers
David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy (vocals)
Musicians involved in the recording of Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Reality Check’ (MCA Records, 1990) included the following:
Ed Enoch, Vince Gill, Tony King, Larry Strickland and Woody Wright (background vocals)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar)
Emory Gordy Jr. (bass guitar, 6-string bass guitar)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
John Barlow Jarvis, Mike Lawler and Chuck Ward (keyboards)
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums)
Jeff Ross (electric guitar)
Biff Watson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Reality Check’ (MCA Records, 1990) reached No.71 on the Billboard Top Country Albums & Tracks Chart in 1990.
In 1991, Howard & David Bellamy switched record labels, moving from MCA Records to Atlantic Records.
Their tenure with Atlantic Records produced only one album, ‘Rollin’ Thunder’ (Atlantic Records, 1991), which was produced by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Ron Taylor, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘She Don’t Know That She’s Perfect’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Jerry Lynn Williams) (No.46, 1991)
Howard & David Bellamy’s one and only album for Atlantic Records, ‘Rollin’ Thunder’ (Atlantic Records, 1991), also included the following tracks:
‘All In The Name of Love’ (written by Jerry Lynn Williams)
‘Down To You’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘The Strength of The Weaker Sex’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Anyway I Can’ (written by Howard Bellamy, David Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘Rollin’ Thunder’ (written by Howard Bellamy, David Bellamy and Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller)
‘What’s The Dang Deal’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘Our Love’ (written by Jerry Lynn Williams)
‘Lone Eyes’ (written by Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller and Jeff Barry)
‘I Make Her Laugh’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
Clint Black recorded David Bellamy’s ‘A Woman Has Her Way’ (co-written with Clint Black and Jerry Lynn Williams) and included the track on ‘The Hard Way’ (RCA Records, 1992).
In 1992, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ (Jupiter Records, 1992), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Cowboy Beat’ (No.23, 1992)
‘Can I Come On Home To You’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.64, 1992)
‘A Hard Way To Make An Easy Living’ (No.62, 1992)
In July 1993, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Rip Off The Knob’ (Bellamy Brothers Records, 1993), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Rip Off The Knob’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.66, 1993)
‘Not’ (written by David Bellamy) (No.71, 1994)
In October 1999, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Lonely Planet’ (Blue Hat Records, 1999), which included the following tracks:
‘Houston (We Have A Problem)’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Highway of Regret’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Come Back Gene & Roy’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Vertical Expression (of Horizontal Desire)’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Kookaburra Blues’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘Lonely Planet’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘(Don’t Put Me In The) Ex-Files’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track was a duet with Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘Old Country, New Country’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Shero’ (written by David Bellamy and Vanessa Hill)
‘Fountain of Middle Age’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Forever Ain’t Long Enough’ (written by David Bellamy)
In 2005, Howard & David Bellamy returned to the roster at Curb Records and saw the release of ‘Angels & Outlaws, Volume 1’ (Curb Records, 2005), a compilation album, which featured re-recordings of the duo’s older hits, along with additional artists, including Dolly Parton, George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), Alan Jackson, Tanya Tucker and Montgomery Gentry.
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Angels & Outlaws, Volume 1′ (Curb Records, 2005) marked the initial release of the Bellamy Brothers’ two-disc retrospective, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of their first No.1 hit single, ‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams), in 1976.
To commemorate the occasion, Howard and David Bellamy assembled a wide array of guest artists, including Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and Tanya Tucker, to add a new twist to several of their most recognisable hits.
As an added bonus, Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Angels & Outlaws, Volume 1’ (Curb Records, 2005), included two new songs; ‘Guardian Angel’ (written by David Bellamy) featured guest vocals from Willie Nelson, while ‘Alligator Alley’ (written by Willie Nelson) featured guest vocals from John Anderson.
Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘Angels & Outlaws, Volume 1’ (Curb Records, 2005) included the following tracks:
‘You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from Alan Jackson
‘Old Hippie’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from Montgomery Gentry
‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams)
‘Guardian Angel’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from Willie Nelson
‘If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track, which featured guest vocals from Dolly Parton, spent one week at No.60 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2005
‘Redneck Girl’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from Pat Green
‘Dancin’ Cowboys’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from Trini Triggs
‘Sugar Daddy’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
‘Crazy From the Heart’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz) / this track featured guest vocals from Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen and Rhonda Vincent
‘Reggae Cowboy’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from David Allan Coe and Tanya Tucker
‘Kids of The Baby Boom’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from Bobby Bare and Charlie Daniels (Wednesday 28 October 1936 – Monday 6 July 2020)
‘Alligator Alley’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track featured guest vocals from John Anderson
On Tuesday 8 May 2007, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Jesus Is Coming’, an album of Gospel music; the title track had originally been included on ‘Native American’ (Jupiter Records, 1995).
In 2008, ‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams) was used in the Barclaycard commercial for their new contactless cards. The song re-entered the United Kingdom Singles Chart at No.48 based on downloads, and peaked at No.21 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in March 2009; it was listed on BMI’s list of Top 100 ‘Song of the Century’ at No.68 that same year.
On Tuesday 29 September 2009, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘The Anthology, Volume 1’ (Bellamy Brothers Records, 2009), a 2-CD set, which included the following (re-recorded) tracks:
Disc 1
‘Let Your Love Flow’ (written by Larry E. Williams)
‘If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Guilty of The Crime’ (written by Frankie Miller) / this track was new, and was a duet with The Bacon Brothers (Michael & Kevin Bacon)
‘Redneck Girl’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘The Fires of Time’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Old Hippie’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘I Could Be Persuaded’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘I Need More of You’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Do You Love As Good As You Look’, which was written by Jerry Gillespie, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021)and Rory Bourke
‘Trust Me’ (written by David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy)
‘Dancin’ Cowboys’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘When I’m Away From You’ (written by Francis John ‘Frankie’ Miller)
‘Crazy From The Heart’ (written by David Bellamy and Don Schlitz)
‘Heart of My Heart’ (written by David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy)
‘Feelin’ The Feelin’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Sugar Daddy’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Where Did The Common Sense Go’ (written by Howard Bellamy)
‘For All The Wrong Reasons’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘Kids of The Baby Boom’ (written by David Bellamy)
‘The Old Bulls’ (written by David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy)
Disc 2 – this disc included ten tracks, along with a DVD, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary of ‘Guilty of the Crime’, which features The Bacon Brothers (Michael & Kevin Bacon) and actress Shannon Doherty (of ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ fame)
‘Guilty of The Crime’
‘Hard Way To Make An Easy Living’
‘What’ll I Do’
‘Almost Jamaica’
‘Over The Line’
‘The Vertical Expression of Horizontal Desire’
‘Catahoula’
‘Don’t Put Me In The Ex-Files’
‘Old Hippie (The Sequel)’
‘We Dared The Lightning’
‘The Making of Guilty of The Crime’ (Behind The Scenes)
Cliff Richard recorded Howard & David Bellamy’s ‘I Could Be Persuaded’ (written by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘The Air That I Breathe’ (Rhino+ Records / Warner Music, 2020); the track was a duet with Howard & David Bellamy / the original version of this track was recorded by Howard & David Bellamy, who included it on ‘Reality Check’ (MCA Records, 1990); Howard & David Bellamy’s version of the track reached No.7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990
On Thursday 8 February 2024, Gene Watson expressed his thanks to people.com for debuting his & The Bellamy Brothers’ new video for ‘Forever Ain’t Long Enough’ that day.
On Friday 1 November 2024, Howard & David Bellamy saw the release of ‘Double Dog Dare’ (Bellamy Brothers Records / Select-O-Hits, 2024, which was produced by David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy and Randy Hiebert, and included the following tracks:
‘Terpene Dreams’
‘Song About My Home’
‘Normal Ain’t Coming Back’ / this track was a duet with The Isaacs
‘Crawl In A Hole’
‘Lap Dog’
‘Doin It This Way’
‘Forever Ain’t Long Enough’ (written by David Bellamy) / this track was a duet with Gene Watson
‘Neon Rain’
‘Double 7s’
‘Dance With Your Dog’
‘I’m Gonna Find Somebody New (To Break My Heart)’
‘Lie To You For Your Love’ / this track was a duet with Kay Toinette (K.T.) Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020)
• Visit Howard & David Bellamy’s official site at bellamybrothers.com