Gene Watson Peer’s Quote from Bergen White: January 2022

Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!

All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted during 2022, 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 Bergen White, which he submitted to this site on Monday 24 January 2022.

Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Bergen White who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.

Bergen White

Bergen White
This quote was submitted on Monday 24 January 2022.

‘I became extremely busy in the late 1960s through to the 1980s, and worked with just about every artist at one time or another.

I worked with Gene, either as a background vocalist or as an arranger.

In my opinion, he is one of the finest male singers in the business ever.

I’m reminded daily of artists that I’ve worked with, and Gene Watson is one that I certainly worked with!’

Thank you, Bergen White, for your support of Gene Watson.

About Bergen White…

Bergen White

Bergen White was born Dee Bergen White in Miami, Oklahoma on Tuesday 18 July 1939.

Bergen White is a long-time arranger, producer, conductor, musician, composer and singer, who is based in Nashville.

Bergen White was the son of a Baptist minister, who regularly moved his family from city to city throughout the southern half of the United States.  The White family finally settled in Nashville when Bergen White was fourteen years old.  It was while Bergen White was in Nashville that he befriended fellow music fans, Bobby Russell and Buzz Cason, with whom he later recorded a single credited to The Todds.


After college, Bergen White taught maths and science for two years before Bobby Russell persuaded him to resume their musical collaboration, this time as staff vocalists with Bill Beasley’s label Hit Records, an imprint famous for cutting carbon-copy recordings of chart hit singles which were commonly sold in supermarkets and priced to move.

Hit Records not only offered Bergen White an opportunity to hone his vocal skills, but he was also allowed to compose original material for release via the B-sides of the Hit Records singles.

In time, Bergen White was taken under the wing of Nashville producer, Bill Justis, and offered the chance to begin arranging recording sessions.  Bergen White also joined the Bill Justis-sponsored hot rod group, Ronny & The Daytonas, as a vocalist, who were best known for their pop smash single, ‘G.T.O.’; the band’s ranks later included Bergen White’s old schoolmate, Buzz Cason as well.


With a growing number of session dates now under his belt, Bergen White signed to Monument Records in 1967 to record his first solo single, ‘If It’s Not Asking Too Much’ (written by Bergen White) (arranged by Charlie McCoy), an exquisitely melancholy slice of string-sweetened pop; the record earned little commercial attention, and its creator resumed his work behind the scenes.


In 1969, Bergen White agreed to record a full-length album for SSS International Records, a record label, which was owned by Shelby Singleton (Wednesday 16 December 1931 – Wednesday 7 October 2009), enlisting the assistance of noted session guitarist and engineer, Wayne Moss, owner of Nashville’s legendary Cinderella Studio.


Bergen White: 'For Women Only' (SSS International Records, 1970)

In 1970, Bergen White saw the release of ‘For Women Only’ (SSS International Records, 1970), which included the following tracks:

‘She Is Today’ (written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil)
‘It’s Your Time’ (written by Bergen White)
‘Let Me Stay Awhile’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
‘Look At Me’ (written by David Gates)
‘Lisa Was’ (written by Barry Mann)
‘Hurt So Bad’, which was written by Bobby Weinstein, Robert Harsman and Teddy Randazzo (Monday 13 May 1935 – Friday 21 November 2003)
‘On & On’ (written by Bergen White)
‘Gone Again’ (written by David Gates)

Townes Van Zandt: 'Our Mother The Mountain' (16th Avenue Records, 1969)

‘Second Lover’s Song’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997) / the original version of this track was recorded by Townes Van Zandt, who included it on ‘Our Mother The Mountain’ (16th Avenue Records, 1969)

‘The Bird Song’ (written by Bergen White and Wayne Moss)
‘Now’ (written by Bergen White and Bob Tubert)
‘It’s Over Now’ (written by Bergen White and Wayne Moss)
/ this track was released as a single in 1970, but it did not chart

Personnel involved in the recording of Bergen White’s ‘For Women Only’ (SSS International Records, 1970) included the following:

Norbert Putnam (bass)
Kenny Buttrey and Tommy Amato (drums)
Mac Gayden (guitar)
Charlie McCoy (guitar, bass)
Don Sheffield, George Tidwell, Johnny Duke, Rufus Long and Wayne Butler (horns)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
Bobbe Gorin ‘Beegie’ Adair (Saturday 11 December 1937 – Sunday 23 January 2022) and David Briggs (piano)
Bergen White (producer, arrangements, organ, bass, piano, harpsichord)
Wayne Moss (producer, engineer, guitar, bass)


Bergen White: 'Spread The Word', which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 - Friday 22 December 2006) (SSS International Records, 1970)

Following the release of ‘Spread The Word’, a Gospel-influenced, non-LP single, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006), SSS International Records terminated Bergen White’s recording contract.


Tony Joe White: 'Black & White' (Monument Records, 1969)

Although his recording career had faltered, Bergen White’s session career was reaching critical mass.  Bergen White’s work on ‘Polk Salad Annie’, a Billboard Top 10 pop music hit single for Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018), brought him to the attention of no less than Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977), who wanted Bergen White to arrange a version of the song for him to perform in his Las Vegas show.

Elvis Presley: 'Elvis Presley On Stage' (RCA Records, 1970)

Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) recorded Tony Joe White’s ‘Polk Salad Annie’ and included the track on ‘Elvis Presley On Stage’ (RCA Records, 1970); Elvis Presley’s version of the track reached No.23 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1973, and No.16 on The Netherlands pop music singles chart in 1973.


Bergen White went on to arrange several Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) sessions in the years to follow, on occasion contributing backing vocals as a substitute Jordanaire.

Elvis Presley: 'Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old)' (RCA Records, 1971)

Bergen White undertook the horn arrangements, on all tracks, on Elvis Presley’s ‘Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)’ (RCA Records, 1971).


In 1975, Bergen White signed to the Private Stock record label, and saw the release of a cover of The Del Vikings classic, ‘Come Go With Me’, which was written by Clarence E. Quick (Tuesday 2 February 1937 – Thursday 5 May 1983), and was soon followed by the David Gates-penned ‘Have You Taken A Good Look Lately’.

Bergen White’s third effort for Private Stock Records, a rendition of the Gene Chandler perennial, ‘Duke of Earl’, began to accrue some commercial momentum, but touring behind the single would have forced Bergen White to turn down some studio projects.  When Bergen White balked at hitting the road, Private Stock cut its promotional funding and, for all intents and purposes, Bergen White’s pop music career was over.


Ronnie Milsap: 'A Legend In My Time' (RCA Records, 1975)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on four tracks (‘Too Late To Worry, Too Blue To Cry’, ‘(I’d Be) A Legend In My Time’, ‘I’ll Leave This World Loving You’ and ‘I Honestly Love You’) on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘A Legend In My Time’ (RCA Records, 1975).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Night Things' (RCA Records, 1975)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements, on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Night Things’ (RCA Records, 1975).


Elvis Presley: 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee' (RCA Records, 1976)

Bergen White undertook the string and horn arrangements, on all tracks, on Elvis Presley’s ‘From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee’ (RCA Records, 1976).


Ronnie Milsap: '20/20 Vision' (RCA Records, 1976)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on four tracks (’20/20 Vision’, ‘Not That I Care’, ‘Looking Out My Window Through The Pain’ and ‘You’ve Still Got A Place In My Heart’) on Ronnie Milsap‘s ’20/20 Vision’ (RCA Records, 1976).


Elvis Presley: 'Moody Blue' (RCA Records, 1977)

Bergen White undertook the string and horn arrangements, on all tracks, on Elvis Presley’s ‘Moody Blue’ (RCA Records, 1977).


Mickey Gilley: 'First Class' (Playboy Records, 1977)

Bergen White, along with Bobby Dyson, undertook the arrangements on ‘First Class’ (Playboy Records, 1977), an album recorded by Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022).


Ronnie Milsap: 'It Was almost Like A Song' (RCA Records, 1977)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on three tracks (‘What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life’, ‘Future’s Not What It Used To Be’ and ‘Crystal Fallin’ Rain’) on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘It Was almost Like A Song’ (RCA Records, 1977).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Y'all Come Back Saloon' (ABC Records / Dot Records, 1977)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (provided by Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen, Virginia Christensen, Carl Gorodetzky, Lennie Haight, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Steven Smith, Donald Teal, Gary Vanosdale and Stephanie Woolf) on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Y’all Come Back Saloon’ (ABC Records / Dot Records, 1977).


Mickey Gilley: 'Flyin' High' (Playboy Records, 1978)

Bergen White, along with Bobby Dyson, undertook the arrangements on ‘Flyin’ High’ (Playboy Records, 1978), an album recorded by Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Room Service' (ABC Records, 1978)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Room Service’ (ABC Records, 1978).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Images' (RCA Records, 1979)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings), on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Images’ (RCA Records, 1979).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived' (MCA Records, 1979)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by George Binkley, Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen, Carl Gorodetzky, Lennie Haight, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Martha McCrory, Steven Smith, Gary Vanosdale, Pamela Vanosdale, Samuel Terranova and Stephanie Woolf) and horn arrangements (performed by Roger Bissell, Dennis Good, Bill Puett, Don Sheffield and George Tidwell) on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived’ (ABC Records, 1979).


Bergen White: 'Praise The Lord: Contemporary Choral Settings By Bergen White' (Myrrh Records, 1980)

In 1980, Bergen White saw the release of ‘Praise The Lord: Contemporary Choral Settings By Bergen White’ (Myrrh Records, 1980), a Gospel project, which included the following tracks:

‘One More Song For You’
‘He Has Given Everything’
‘Live For Jesus’
‘I Am Ready For Your Love’
‘Praise The Lord’
‘All My Life’
‘Oh, So Wonderful’
‘All of Me’
‘The Master’s Love For You’
‘Hallowed By The Name’


Ronnie Milsap: 'Milsap Magic' (RCA Records, 1980)

Bergen White undertook the string and horn arrangements, on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Milsap Magic’ (RCA Records, 1980).


Mickey Gilley: 'That's All That Matters to Me' (Epic Records, 1980)

Bergen White, along with Dennis Burnside and Mike Leech, undertook the arrangements (performed by The Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings) on ‘That’s All That Matters To Me’ (Epic Records, 1980), an album recorded by Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Together' (MCA Records, 1980)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by George Binkley III, John Catchings, Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen, Carl Gorodetzky, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Wilfred Lehmann, Dennis Molchan, Samuel Terranova, Gary Vanosdale and Stephanie Woolf) on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Together’ (MCA Records, 1980).


Tanya Tucker: 'Dream Lovers' (MCA Records, 1980)

Bergen White, along with Tanya Tucker, Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017), Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017), Sheri Kramer and Diane Tidwell, provided background vocals on Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Dream Lovers’ (MCA Records, 1980).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Fancy Free' (MCA Records, 1981)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by John David Boyle, Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen, Connie Ellison, Carl Gorodetzky, Lennie Haight, Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Dennis Molchan, Samuel Terranova, Gary VanOsdale and Stephanie Woolf) on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Fancy Free’ (MCA Records, 1981).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Out Where The Bright Lights Are Glowing' (RCA Records, 1981)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by The Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings), on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Out Where The Bright Lights Are Glowing’ (RCA Records, 1981).


Mickey Gilley: 'You Don't Know Me' (Epic Records, 1981)

Bergen White, along with Dennis Burnside, undertook the arrangements on ‘You Don’t Know Me’ (Epic Records, 1981), an album recorded by Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022).


Ronnie Milsap: 'There's No Gettin' Over Me' (RCA Records, 1981)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings), on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘There’s No Gettin’ Over Me’ (RCA Records, 1981).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Bobbie Sue' (MCA Records, 1982)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Bobbie Sue’ (MCA Records, 1982).


Mickey Gilley: 'Put Your Dreams Away' (Epic Records, 1982)

Bergen White undertook the arrangements (performed by The Nashville String Machine) on ‘Put Your Dreams Away’ (Epic Records, 1982), an album recorded by Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Inside' (RCA Records, 1982)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Nashville String Machine), on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Inside’ (RCA Records, 1982).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Deliver' (MCA Records, 1983)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Deliver’ (MCA Records, 1983).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Keyed Up' (RCA Records, 1983)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Nashville String Machine), on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Keyed Up’ (RCA Records, 1983).


Mickey Gilley: 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me' (Epic Records, 1983)

Bergen White, along with Tom Brannon, undertook the arrangements (performed by Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) Strings) on ‘You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me’ (Epic Records, 1983), an album recorded by Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022).


Alabama: 'Christmas' (RCA Nashville Records, 1985)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by The ‘A’ Strings) on Alabama’s ‘Christmas’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1985).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Seasons' (MCA Records, 1986)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Nashville String Machine) on The Oak Ridge Boys‘ ‘Seasons’ (MCA Records, 1986).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Lost In The Fifties Tonight' (RCA Records, 1986)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Nashville String Machine, and conducted by Carlos Gorodetzky), on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Lost In The Fifties Tonight’ (RCA Records, 1986); Bergen White also provided background vocals on the album.


The Statler Brothers: 'Four For The Show' (Mercury Records, 1986)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Nashville String Machine) on The Statler Brothers‘ ‘Four For The Show’ (Mercury Records, 1986).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Heart & Soul' (RCA Records, 1987)

Bergen White undertook the horn arrangements, on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Heart & Soul’ (RCA Records, 1987).


Dolly Parton: 'White Limozeen' (Columbia Records, 1989)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements on Dolly Parton’s ‘White Limozeen’ (Columbia Records, 1989).


Bergen White, along with Jana King, Lisa Silver,Dennis Wilson, Mark Wright and Curtis Young, provided background vocals on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘Too Cold At Home’ (MCA Records, 1990).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Back To The Grindstone' (RCA Records, 1991)

Bergen White undertook the horn arrangements, along with Chuck Jones and J.D. Martin, on all tracks, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Back To The Grindstone’ (RCA Records, 1991).


Gene Watson: 'At Last' (Warner Bros. Records, 1991)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by Nashville String Machine: Concertmaster: Carl Gorodetzky / Violins: Carl Gorodetzky, George Binkley, Dennis Molchan, Pamela Sixfin, Lee Larrison, Connie Ellisor, Ted Mansen, Laura Molyneaux, David Davidson and Mary Kathryn Vanosdale / Viola: Kathryn Plummer, Jim Grosjean, Gary Vanosdale and Virginia Christensen / Cello: Bob Mason and Anthony LaMarchina) on three tracks (‘At Last’, ‘I Catch Myself’ and ‘Only Yesterday’) on Gene Watson‘s ‘At Last‘ (Warner Bros. Records, 1991), which was released by Warner Bros. Records in January 1991.

Gene Watson: 'At Last' (Warner Bros. Records, 1991) Gene Watson: 'Back in the Fire' (Warner Bros. Records, 1988) Gene Watson: 'Back in the Fire & At Last' (Morello Records, 2016)

On Friday 11 November 2016, Gene Watson‘s ‘At Last‘ (Warner Bros. Records, 1991), along with Gene Watson‘s  ‘Back in the Fire‘ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988), was released, by Morello Records, as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set (WMRLL 66).

Morello Records

This special CD brought together two pivotal albums from Gene Watson‘s brief, but extraordinary time, with Warner Bros. Records; ‘At Last‘ (Warner Bros. Records, 1991) and ‘Back in the Fire‘ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988).


Bergen White, along with Curtis Young, Jim Lauderdale, Alison Krauss, Wendy Suits Johnson, Jana King, Keith Morris, Wayne Toups, Dennis Wilson and Vince Gill, provided background vocals on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘Longnecks & Short Stories’ (MCA Records, 1992); Bergen White also arranged the strings of the Nashville String Machine, with strings conducted by Carl Gorodetzky.


Ronnie Milsap: 'Greatest Hits, Volume 3' (RCA Records, 1992)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (provided by The Nashville String Machine) on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 3’ (RCA Records, 1992).


Bergen White, along with Tom Flora, Christopher Harris, Jana King, John Wesley RylesLisa Silver, Dennis Wilson and Curtis Young, provided background vocals on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘Almost Goodbye’ (MCA Records, 1993); Bergen White also arranged the strings of the Nashville String Machine, with strings conducted by Carl Gorodetzky.


Randy Travis: 'Wind In The Wire' (Warner Bros. Records, 1993)

Bergen White, along with Kapena, Karen Taylor-Good, Willie K., Dennis Wilson and Curtis Young, provided background vocals on Randy Travis‘ ‘Wind In The Wire’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993).


Bergen White, along with Curtis Young, John Wesley Ryles, Jana King, Lisa Silver, Dennis Wilson, Cindy Walker, Tom Flora, Chris Harris, Matt Kaminski, Ann Wright and Kim Rogers, provided background vocals, on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘What A Way To Live’ (MCA Records, 1994); Bergen White also arranged the strings of the Nashville String Machine, with strings conducted by Carl Gorodetzky.


Tanya Tucker: 'Fire To Fire' (Liberty Records, 1995)

Bergen White arranged the strings, led by Carl Gorodetzky, of the Nashville String Machine, on Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Fire To Fire’ (Liberty Records, 1995).


Bergen White, along with Liana Manis, Gene Miller, John Wesley Ryles, Leslie SatcherLisa Silver, Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White Skaggs, and Curtis Young, provided background vocals, on Lee Ann Womack‘s self-titled debut album, ‘Lee Ann Womack’ (Decca Records, 1997); Bergen White also arranged the strings of the Nashville String Machine, with strings conducted by Carl Gorodetzky.


Bergen White, along with Jana King Evans and Lisa Silver, provided background vocals on two tracks – ‘Numbers On The Jukebox’ (written by Mark Chesnutt, Roger Springer and Slugger Morrissette) and ‘Goodbye Heartache’ (written by Mark Chesnutt, Steve Leslie and Roger Springer) – on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘Thank God For Believers’ (Decca Records, 1997); Bergen White also arranged the strings of the Nashville String Machine, with strings conducted by Carl Gorodetzky.


Bergen White: 'Bergen White Christmas Singers' (Hickory Records / Orchard Records, 1998)

In 1998, Bergen White saw the release of ‘Bergen White Christmas Singers’ (Hickory Records / Orchard Records, 1998) a seasonal release, which included the following tracks:

‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’ (traditional)
‘Winter Wonderland’ (written by Felix Bernard and Dick Smith)
‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ (written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram)
‘It’s Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas’ (written by Meredith Wilson)
‘Country Christmas’
‘Tennessee Christmas’
‘Let It Snow, Let It Snow’ (written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne)
‘Holly Jolly Christmas’
‘Deck The Halls With Boughs of Holly’
(traditional)
‘Jolly Ole Saint Nicholas’ (traditional)
‘Jingle Bell Rock’ (written by Joseph Carleton Beal and Jim Boothe)
‘Christmas Time’s A Coming’ (written by Tex Logan)
‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ (written by Johnny Marks)
‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’
(finale) (traditional)


Tim McGraw: 'A Place In The Sun' (Curb Records, 1999)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements and conductor on three tracks (‘You Don’t Love Me Anymore’, ‘Please Remember Me’ and ‘A Place In The Sun’) on Tim McGraw’s ‘A Place In The Sun’ (Curb Records, 1999).


Garth Brooks: 'Garth Brooks & The Magic of Christmas' (Capitol Nashville Records, 1999)

Bergen White undertook the choir arrangements and conductor on Garth Brooks’ ‘Garth Brooks & The Magic of Christmas’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1999).


Bergen White provided the string arrangements, was the conductor, and provided background vocals, on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘Lost In The Feeling’ (MCA Records, 2000).


Billy Gilman: 'One Voice' (Epic Records Nashville, 2000)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by The Nashville String Machine) on Billy Gilman’s debut album, ‘One Voice’ (Epic Records Nashville, 2000).


Billy Gilman: 'Dare To Dream' (Epic Records Nashville, 2001)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements (performed by The Nashville String Machine) on Billy Gilman’s ‘Dare To Dream’ (Epic Records Nashville, 2001).


Bergen White arranged the strings – string section included Carl Gorodetzky, Pamela Sixfin, Lee Larrison, David Davidson and Conni Ellisor (violins), Kris Wilkinson and Gary Vanosdale (violas), and Robert Mason (cello) – on ‘If You Only Knew’, which was included on Randy Travis‘ ‘Rise & Shine’ (Word Records / Warner Bros. Records / Curb Records, 2002).


Randy Travis: 'Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship & Praise' (Word Records / Warner Bros. Records / Curb Records, 2004)

Bergen White arranged the strings, with Carl Gorodetzky, the string contractor, and on violin, on all tracks, on Randy Travis‘ ‘Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship & Praise’ (Word Records / Warner Bros. Records / Curb Records, 2004).


Randy Travis: 'Songs of The Season' (Word Records, 2007)

Bergen White was the conductor of The Nashville String Machine, and arranged the strings (Carl Gorodetzky was the string contractor), on all tracks, on Randy Travis‘ ‘Songs of The Season’ (Word Records, 2007).


Randy Travis: 'Around The Bend' (Warner Bros. Nashville Records, 2008)

Bergen White was the conductor, and arranged the strings (Carl Gorodetzky was the string contractor) of The Nashville String Machine, on all tracks, on Randy Travis‘ ‘Around The Bend’ (Warner Bros. Nashville Records, 2008).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Then Sings My Soul' (Star Song Communications, 2009)

Bergen White, along with Noreen Crayton, Bruce Dees, Kevin Durham, Jon Mark Ivey, Louis Dean Nunley (The Jordanaires) (Thursday 15 October 1931 – Friday 26 October 2012), Lisa Silver, Kira Small and Russell Terrell, provided background vocals, on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Then Sings My Soul’ (Star Song Communications, 2009).


Ronnie Dunn: 'Ronnie Dunn' (United States: Arista Records, 2011 / England: Hump Head Country / Wrasse Records, 2011)

Bergen White undertook the string arrangements and was the conductor on Ronnie Dunn‘s self-titled album, ‘Ronnie Dunn’ (United States: Arista Records, 2011 / England: Hump Head Country / Wrasse Records, 2011).


Randy Travis: 'Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am' (Warner Bros. Records Nashville, 2013)

Bergen White, along with Wes Hightower, Jon Mark Ivey, Lisa Silver and Kira Small, provided background vocals on Randy Travis‘ ‘Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records Nashville, 2013).


Ray Price: 'Beauty Is...The Final Sessions: A Tribute To Ray Price' (Amerimonte Records, 2014)

Bergen White was the conductor on Ray Price‘s ‘Beauty Is…The Final Sessions: A Tribute To Ray Price’ (Amerimonte Records, 2014), an album dedicated to the music of Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013).


Bergen White: 'Finale (There Will Be No More)' (Bergen White Independent Release, 2015)

In 2015, Bergen White saw the release of ‘Finale (There Will Be No More)’ (Bergen White Independent Release, 2015), which included the following tracks:

‘Duke of Earl’, which was written by Gene Chandler, Earl G. Edwards (Friday 1 May 1936 – Tuesday 23 April 2019) and Bernice Williams / the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Chandler, who included it on ‘The Duke of Earl’ (Vee Jay Records, 1962); Gene Chandler’s version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1962

‘Take Time To Love’
‘Have You Taken A Good Look Lately’ (written by David Gates)
‘Come Go With Me’
/ this track was a cover of The Del Vikings’ classic song
‘We Could Make It Together’
‘Curious To Know’
‘She Won’t Let You Down’
‘He Likes To Hurt You’
‘Billy, You’re My Friend’

‘Lookout Mountain’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) / the original version of this track was recorded by Brother Phelps (Ricky Lee on guitar & vocals) and Doug Phelps (on bass guitar & vocals), who included it on ‘Any Way The Wind Blows’ (Asylum Records, 1995)

Bergen White completed the ‘Finale (There Will Be No More)’ (Bergen White Independent Release, 2015) album for Private Stock Records in 1975, and saw the release of two singles from the recording sessions, but Bergen White’s second album lay unreleased until 2015.


Willie Nelson: 'For The Good Times: A Tribute To Ray Price' (Legacy Recordings, 2016)

Bergen White was the conductor and provided background vocals on Willie Nelson’s ‘For The Good Times: A Tribute To Ray Price’ (Legacy Recordings, 2016).


Ronnie Milsap: 'Ronnie Milsap: The Duets' (Riser House Records / Sony, ‎2019)

Bergen White undertook the horn arrangements on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Ronnie Milsap: The Duets’ (Riser House Records, ‎2019).

Bergen White

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