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 2004, 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 Billy Yates, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 7 October 2004.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Billy Yates who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Billy Yates
This quote was submitted on Thursday 7 October 2004.
‘While country music seems to be ever changing more toward a pop sound, you can count on Gene Watson to keep it honest and real.
He’s never strayed!
Gene Watson is one of the few consistent artists in country music today!
He’s my hero!’
Thank you, Billy Yates, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Billy Yates…
Billy Yates was born in Doniphan, Missouri where he was raised on a small farm five miles outside the town, which is located near the Arkansas line. Both of Billy Yates’ parents came from musical backgrounds and Billy received an early initiation into performing live during a regular Sunday morning broadcast on radio station KDFN-AM in Doniphan.
Country music was all Billy Yates ever knew.
Billy Yates began singing harmonies while digging through his parents’ record collection, which was extensive, and which included records from a number of acclaimed country music artists, including the following:
• Jim Reeves (Monday 20 August 1923 – Friday 31 July 1964)
• Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984)
• George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
• Mac Wiseman (Saturday 23 May 1925 – Saturday 23 February 2019)
• Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
• Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
• The Louvin Brothers – Ira Louvin (Monday 21 April 1924 – Sunday 20 June 1965) and Charlie Louvin (Thursday 7 July 1927 – Wednesday 26 January 2011)
Billy Yates’ musical tastes later evolved into listening to a number of country music stylists, including Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) and Emmylou Harris.
After his high school graduation, Billy Yates visited Lake Wappapello Opry in Missouri where, following a performance of ‘Cryin’ My Heart Out Over You’, he was hired and started working there the next weekend. Billy Yates stayed there for three years, during which time he also made a number of trips to Nashville.
Billy Yates later moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri where he trained as a barber. Billy Yates returned to his hometown, where he cut hair for five years in his own shop.
Billy Yates also played music at the weekends and worked at KOEA, a local FM radio station.
In 1987, following years of contemplating a move to Nashville, Billy Yates finally arrived in ‘Music City’. His father’s advice about learning a trade was useful; while singing demos and learning the songwriter’s craft, he used his barber’s license to support himself and his wife Nancy.
Billy Yates landed his first writer’s deal with Hori Pro Entertainment Group.
Billy Yates’ first cut as a songwriter was ‘I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair’, which was co-written with Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012) and Kerry Kurt Philips; the track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and was named by the Country Music Association (CMA) as ‘Vocal Event of The Year’ in 1993.
In 1992, Billy Yates also supplied the title cut of George Jones‘ ‘Walls Can Fall’ (MCA Records, 1992).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) went on to record Billy Yates’ Grammy nominated song, ‘Choices’, which was written by Michael Curtis and Billy Yates.
Billy Yates has also had his songs recorded by an impressive number of country music artists, including the following:
• Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020)
• George Strait
• Kenny Chesney
• Sara Evans
• Gary Allan
• Joe Nichols
• John Michael Montgomery
• Jeff Bates
• Chris Young
• Tracy Lawrence
• Doug Stone
• Ricochet
• Ricky Van Shelton
• David Allan Coe
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair’, which was co-written with Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012) and Kerry Kurt Philips, and included the track on ‘Walls Can Fall’ (MCA Records, 1992); the track featured guest vocals from Alan Jackson, T. Graham Brown, Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless, Mark Chesnutt, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020), Clint Black and Garth Brooks, and won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for ‘Vocal Event of The Year’ in 1992.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Walls Can Fall’, which was co-written with Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012) and Bruce C. Bouton, and included the track on ‘Walls Can Fall’ (MCA Records, 1992).
Dude Mowrey recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Turn For The Worse’, which was co-written with Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012) and Kerry Kurt Philips, and included the track on ‘Dude Mowrey’ (Arista Nashville Records, 1993).
In 1993, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Turn For The Worse’, which was written by Billy Yates and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012), a non-album single, which didn’t chart on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart.
Ricky Van Shelton recorded Billy Yates’ ‘A Bridge I Didn’t Burn’, which was co-written with Tracy Byrd and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012), and included the track on ‘A Bridge I Didn’t Burn’ (Columbia Nashville Records, 1993).
David Allan Coe recorded Billy Yates’ ‘A Place Like This’ and included the track on ‘Standing Too Close To The Flames’ (King Records, 1994).
Ricochet recorded Billy Yates’ ‘From Good To Bad To Worse To Gone’, which was co-written with Chris Cummings and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012), and included the track on ‘Ricochet’ (Columbia Records, 1996).
Kenny Chesney recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Turn For The Worse’, which was co-written with Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012) and Kerry Kurt Philips, and included the track on ‘Me & You’ (BNA Records, 1996).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Honky Tonk Song’ (co-written with Frank Myers) and included the track on ‘I’ve Lived To Tell It All’ (MCA Records, 1996).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Lone Ranger’ (co-written with Gerald Smith and John Northrup) and included the track on ‘I’ve Lived To Tell It All’ (MCA Records, 1996).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Hello Heart’ (co-written with Melba Montgomery) and included the track on ‘I’ve Lived To Tell It All’ (MCA Records, 1996).
Sara Evans recorded Billy Yates’ ‘If You Ever Want My Lovin’ (co-written with Sara Evans and Melba Montgomery) and included the track on ‘Three Chords & The Truth’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1997).
In Tuesday 17 June 1997, Billy Yates saw the release of his self-titled debut album, ‘Billy Yates’ (Almo Sounds, 1997), which was produced by Scott Paschall, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘I Smell Smoke’ (written by Monty Criswell, Lee Miller and Billy Yates) (No.69, 1997)
‘Flowers’ (written by Monty Criswell and Billy Yates) (No.36, 1997) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Gene Watson…Sings‘ (Intersound Records, 2003)
‘When The Walls Come Tumblin’ Down’ (written by Monty Criswell and Billy Yates) (No.69, 1997)
Billy Yates’ self-titled debut album, ‘Billy Yates’ (Almo Sounds, 1997), also included the following tracks:
‘Would You Believe Me If I Lie’ (written by Billy Yates and Kostas)
‘Choices’ (written by Michael Curtis and Billy Yates)
‘Honky Tonk Baby’ (written by Melba Montgomery and Billy Yates)
‘Mama Said’ (written by Melba Montgomery and Billy Yates)
‘Goodbye Makes The Saddest Sound’ (written by Monty Criswell, Heath Wright and Billy Yates)
‘Broken Hearted Me’ (written by Monte Warden and Billy Yates)
‘Long Neck Connected To The Beer Joint’ (written by Monty Criswell, J.T. Blanton and Billy Yates)
‘Easier Said Than Done’ (written by Melba Montgomery and Billy Yates)
Personnel involved in the recording of Billy Yates’ self-titled debut album, ‘Billy Yates’ (Almo Sounds, 1997), included the following:
Brent Mason, Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017), Biff Watson and Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (guitar)
John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007), Steve Hinson and Buddy Gene Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Dave Pomeroy (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) and John Gardner (drums)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Steve Nathan (organ, keyboards)
Larry Franklin (fiddle)
Garth Fundis (harmonica)
John Wesley Ryles, Liana Manis, Curtis Young and Andrea Zonn (voices)
Billy Yates’ self-titled debut album, ‘Billy Yates’ (Almo Sounds, 1997), reached No.56 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1997.
Sara Evans recorded Billy Yates’ ‘These Days’ (co-written with Sara Evans) and included the track on ‘No Place That Far’ (RCA Records, 1998).
Gary Allan recorded Billy Yates’ ‘I’ve Got A Quarter In My Pocket’ (co-written with Jake Kelly) and included the track on ‘It Would Be You’ (Decca Records, 1999).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Choices’ (co-written with Michael Curtis) and included the track on ‘Cold Hard Truth’ (Asylum Records, 1999); the track reached No.30 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999.
Melba Montgomery recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Hello Heart’ (co-written with Melba Montgomery) and included the track on ‘This Time Around’ (CMC Records, 2000).
In 2000, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘What Do You Want From Me Now’, a non-album single, which reached No.53 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart.
In 2001, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Shadows’, a non-album single, which did not chart.
In 2001, Billy Yates also saw the release of ‘If I Could Go Back’ (My Own Damn Label, 2001), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Too Country & Proud of It’ (written by Austin Cunningham and Billy Yates) / this track was released as a single in 2001, but it did not chart
‘Daddy Had A Cardiac, Momma Got A Cadillac’ (written by Craig Wiseman, Rex Wiseman and Billy Yates) / this track was released as a single in 2002, but it did not chart
Billy Yates’ ‘If I Could Go Back’ (My Own Damn Label, 2001) also included the following tracks:
‘In The Light of Day’ (written by Melba Montgomery and Billy Yates)
‘Better Place’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘I Think I Like It’ (written by Jerry Salley and Billy Yates)
‘If I Ever Get Her Back’ (written by Billy Lawson and Billy Yates)
‘You’ll Never See Me Crawling’ (written by Monty Criswell and Billy Yates)
‘As The Crow Flies’ (written by Melba Montgomery and Billy Yates)
‘They Don’t Make Us Like They Used To’ (written by Austin Cunningham and Billy Yates)
‘If I Could Go Back’ (written by Lee Miller and Billy Yates)
Tracy Lawrence recorded Billy Yates’ ‘God’s Green Earth’ (co-written with Monty Criswell) and included the track on ‘Tracy Lawrence’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2001).
Adam Harvey recorded Billy Yates’ ‘The House That Jack Built’ and included the track on ‘Workin’ Overtime’ (Open Road Records, 2001); the track reached No.1 on the Australian country music singles chart in 2001.
Doug Stone recorded Billy Yates’ ‘The Long Way’ (co-written with Monty Criswell) and included the track on ‘The Long Way’ (Audium Records / Koch Records, 2002).
Gene Watson recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Flowers’ (co-written with Monty Criswell) and included the track on ‘Gene Watson…Sings‘ (Intersound Records, 2003); the original version of this track was recorded by Billy Yates, who included it on ‘Billy Yates’ (Almo Sounds Records, 1997).
Gene Watson recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Hold Me’, which was co-written with Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), and included the track on ‘Gene Watson…Sings‘ (Intersound Records, 2003); the original version of this track was recorded by Billy Yates, who included it on ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003).
In September 2003, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003), which was produced by Billy Yates, and included the following tracks:
‘Down At The Station’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Billy Yates)
‘What We Don’t Have’ (written by Shake Russell)
‘I Just Can’t Trust Myself With You’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Me Marie’ (written by Roger Brown and Billy Yates)
‘Daddy’s Radio’ (written by Charles Dubois)
‘Day I Never Will Forget’ (written by Rory Lee Feek and Billy Yates)
‘Smokin’ Grass’ (written by Shannon Lawson and Billy Yates)
‘Dreaming Out Loud’ (written by Michael Woody and Billy Yates)
‘Hold Me’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) and Billy Yates
‘Country’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Wrong Side of The Bed’ (written by Jay Knowles, Cory Mayo and Billy Yates)
‘I Pray’ (written by Irene Kelly and Billy Yates)
‘That’s Just Me’ (written by Terry Clayton and Billy Yates)
‘Let’s Go’ (written by Billy Yates)
Personnel involved in the recording of Billy Yates’ ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003) included the following:
Larry Beaird, Danny Parks and J.T. Corenflos (Wednesday 6 November 1963 – Saturday 24 October 2020) (guitar)
Dan Dugmore (steel guitar)
Mike Johnson (steel guitar, Dobro)
Dave Pomeroy and Kevin Grantt (bass)
Lonnie Wilson and Paul Scholton (drums, percussion)
Joe Spivey (fiddle)
Gordon Mote (piano)
Russell Terrell (vocals)
George Strait recorded Billy Yates’ ‘My Infinite Love’ (co-written with Annette Grossberg and Byron Hill) and included the track on ‘Honkytonkville’ (MCA Records, 2003).
Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Am I’ (co-written with Joe Diffie) and included the track on ‘Tougher Than Nails’ (Broken Bow Records, 2004).
Joe Nichols recorded Billy Yates’ ‘If I Ever Get Her Back’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Revelation’ (Universal South Records, 2004).
Irene Kelley recorded Billy Yates’ ‘I Pray’ (co-written with Irene Kelley) and included the track on ‘Thunderbird’ (Me & My Records, 2004).
Byron Hill recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Traditions’ (co-written with Byron Hill) and included the track on ‘Ramblings’ (BHP Music, 2004).
In June 2004, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004), which included the following tracks:
‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (written by Jeff Stevens and Billy Yates)
‘All By My Lonesome’ (written by Terry Clayton and Billy Yates)
‘This Song Doesn’t Rock’ (written by Dean Miller and Billy Yates)
‘Best Thing In The World’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates)
‘What Are We Thinking’ (written by Benjamin Hayslip and Billy Yates)
‘Blinded By The Bud Light’ (written by Jason Owens and Billy Yates)
‘Roxanne’s Bayou’ (written by Donny Lowery and Billy Yates)
‘Love Is Standing Still’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Alcohol Abuse’, which was written by Kim Williams (Saturday 28 June 1947 – Thursday 11 February 2016) and Billy Yates
‘Blue Ain’t Just A Mood’ (written by Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘I’m Just Drinking’ (written by Roger Brown and Billy Yates)
‘Nothin’ Better Than Our Love’ (written by Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘My Infinite Love’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates)
‘You’re Why God Made Me’ (written by Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘American Voices’ (written by Terry Clayton and Billy Yates)
‘Little Annie’s Christmas Wish’ (written by Larry Holden and Billy Yates)
Mike Bella recorded Billy Yates’ ‘What We Don’t Have’ (co-written with Jerry Salley) and included the track on ‘Lost In The Shuffle’ (Five Star Entertainment Records, 2005).
On Tuesday 24 May 2005, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Harmony Man’ (My Own Damn Label, 2005), which included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Harmony’ (written by Jeff Stevens and Billy Yates) / this track was released as a single in 2005, but it did not chart
Billy Yates’ ‘Harmony Man’ (My Own Damn Label, 2005) also included the following tracks:
‘I Don’t Think You’re Pretty’ (written by Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘Forever For A While’ (written by Jamie O’Neil and Jon McElroy)
‘Her Only Downfall’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Alone Some’ (written by Gary Harrison and Billy Yates)
‘Brothers’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Circus Is Over’ (written by Guy Lois)
‘I Wouldn’t Want To Be Her Man’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Teach Me’ (written by Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘Every Man’ (written by Bart Butler and Billy Yates)
‘Perfect Woman’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Talk About Suffering’ (written by Billy Yates)
Chris Young recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Flowers’ (co-written with Monty Criswell) and included the track on ‘Chris Young’ (Sony / BMG Records, 2006).
Jeff Bates recorded Billy Yates’ ‘I Can’t Write That’, which was co-written with Jeff Bates and Kenny Beard (Thursday 26 February 1959 – Sunday 1 October 2017), and included the track on ‘Leave The Light On’ (RCA Nashville Records, 2006).
Shane Yellowbird (Saturday 7 July 1979 – Monday 25 April 2022) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Life Is Calling My Name’ (co-written with Byron Hill) and included the track on ‘Life Is Calling My Name’ (306 Entertainment, 2006).
In Tuesday 5 December 2006, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Favorites’ (My Own Damn Label, 2006), which included the following tracks:
‘Better Every Beer’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates) / this was a new track, and was exclusive to this collection
‘Choices’ (written by Michael Curtis and Billy Yates) / this track, which was newly recorded, featured guest vocals from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
‘Too Country & Proud of It’ (written by Austin Cunningham and Billy Yates) / this track, which was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘If I Could Go Back’ (My Own Damn Label, 2001), was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2001, but it did not chart
‘In The Light of Day’ (written by Melba Montgomery and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘If I Could Go Back’ (My Own Damn Label, 2001)
‘Better Place’ (written by Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘If I Could Go Back’ (My Own Damn Label, 2001)
‘Daddy Had A Cardiac, Momma Got A Cadillac’ (written by Craig Wiseman, Rex Wiseman and Billy Yates) / this track, which was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘If I Could Go Back’ (My Own Damn Label, 2001), was released as a single in 2002, but it did not chart
‘Down At The Station’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003)
‘Me Marie’ (written by Roger Brown and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003)
‘Daddy’s Radio’ (written by Charles Dubois) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003)
‘Smokin’ Grass’ (written by Shannon Lawson and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003)
‘Dreaming Out Loud’ (written by Michael Woody and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Country’ (My Own Damn Label, 2003)
‘My Infinite Love’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004)
‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (written by Jeff Stevens and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004)
‘Roxanne’s Bayou’ (written by Donny Lowery and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004)
‘This Song Doesn’t Rock’ (written by Dean Miller and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004)
‘All By My Lonesome’ (written by Terry Clayton and Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004)
‘Circus Is Over’ (written by Guy Lois) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Harmony Man’ (My Own Damn Label, 2005)
‘Alcohol Abuse’, which was written by Kim Williams (Saturday 28 June 1947 – Thursday 11 February 2016) and Billy Yates / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Anywhere But Nashville’ (My Own Damn Label, 2004)
‘Perfect Woman’ (written by Billy Yates) / this track was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Harmony Man’ (My Own Damn Label, 2005)
‘Harmony’ (written by Jeff Stevens and Billy Yates) / this track, which was originally included on Billy Yates’ ‘Harmony Man’ (My Own Damn Label, 2005), was released as a single in 2005, but it did not chart
‘Flowers’ (written by Monty Criswell and Billy Yates) / this track, which was originally included on Billy Yates’ self-titled debut album, ‘Billy Yates’ (Almo Sounds, 1997), reached No.36 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1997
Tracy Lawrence recorded Billy Yates’ ‘You’re Why God Made Me’ (co-written with Wil Nance) and included the track on ‘For The Love’ (Rocky Comfort Records / Co5 Records, 2007).
Todd Fritsch recorded Billy Yates’ ‘No Part Of’ (co-written with Wil Nance) and included the track on ‘Sawdust’ (Diamond Records, 2007).
Bettye LaVette recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Choices’ (co-written with Michael Curtis) and included the track on ‘The Scene of The Crime’ (ANTI Records, 2007).
On Tuesday 4 March 2008, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘That’s Why I Run’ (My Own Damn Label, 2008), which included the following tracks:
‘Like A Radio’ (written by Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘One House Over Two Streets’ (written by Roger Brown and Billy Yates)
‘I Don’t Know How To Live’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates)
‘That’s Why I Run’ (written by Billy Droze, David Kroll and Billy Yates)
‘Standin’ In My Way’ (written by James McCormick and Billy Yates)
‘Take Me Back & Keep Me There’ (written by Byron Hill, Bob Minner and Billy Yates)
‘There When He Falls’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates)
‘That Makes One of Us’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates)
‘Life’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘She Didn’t Say A Word’ (written by Roger Brown and Billy Yates)
‘Happy’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Under Your Bed’ (written by Paul Overstreet, Wil Nance and Billy Yates)
‘Man Who Knows’ (written by Byron Hill and Billy Yates)
Aaron Watson recorded Billy Yates’ ‘That’s What I Like About A Country Song’ (co-written with Aaron Watson) and included the track on ‘Angels & Outlaws’ (Big Label Records / Thirty Tigers Records, 2008); the track featured guest vocals from Jack Ingram, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, and Ray Benson (of Asleep At The Wheel).
The Grascals recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Choices’ (co-written with Michael Curtis) and included the track on ‘Keep On Walkin’ (Rounder Records, 2008).
Lonesome River Band recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Flowers’ (co-written with Monty Criswell) and included the track on ‘No Turning Back’ (Rural Rhythm Records, 2008).
Gene Watson recorded Billy Yates’ ‘We’ve Got A Pulse’ (co-written with Jerry Salley) and included the track on ‘A Taste of the Truth‘ (Shanachie Records, 2009); the track was a duet with Trace Adkins.
Liz Talley recorded Billy Yates’ ‘What We Don’t Have’ and included the track on ‘More Than Satisfied’ (Diamond Music Group, 2009); the track was a duet with Tony Booth.
In December 2009, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Bill’s Barber Shop’ (My Own Damn Label, 2009), which included the following tracks:
‘Famous For Bein’ Your Fool’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Tell Me I’m Wrong’ (written by Carson Chamberlain, Billy Ryan and Billy Yates)
‘Margarita Meltdown’ (written by Bart Butler, Jason Allen and Billy Yates)
‘Bill’s Barber Shop’ (written by Monty Criswell, Calvin Sweat and Billy Yates)
‘I’d Do It For You’ (written by Mark D. Sanders and Troy Verges) / this track featured guest vocals from Nicole Broussard
‘Alphabet’ (written by Bart Butler and Billy Yates)
‘It Goes Without Saying’, which was written by Mark D. Sanders, Lisa Palas and John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001)
‘Already Gone’ (written by Craig Wiseman and Steve Robson)
‘Fishin’ Around’ (written by Jeff Stevens and Billy Yates)
‘Get Ready, Get Set, She’s Gone’ (written by Philip Douglas and Billy Yates)
‘Wayward Ways’ (written by Leslie Satcher and Billy Yates)
‘I Just Can’t See It’ (written by Irene Kelley and Billy Yates)
‘One Beer A Day’ (written by Bart Butler and Billy Yates)
‘This Pain Inside of Me’ (written by Billy Yates)
Daryle Singletary (Wednesday 10 March 1971 – Monday 12 February 2018) recorded Billy Yates’ ‘If I Ever Get Her Back’ (co-written with Billy Lawson) and included the track on ‘Rockin’ In The Country’ (E1 Music Records, 2009).
Steff Nevers recorded Billy Yates’ ‘The Alphabet Song’ (co-written with Bart Butler) and included the track on ‘Closest To My Heart’ (AGR Television Records, 2009).
Sammy Kershaw recorded Billy Yates’ ‘I Ain’t Fallin’ For That’ (co-written with Buddy Cannon) and included the track on ‘Better Than I Used To Be’ (Big Hit Records, 2010).
On Friday 20 May 2011, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Just Be You’ (My Own Damn Label, 2011), which included the following tracks:
‘M.F.C. (Mama’s Fried Chicken)’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Til Someone Gets Hurt’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘What Goes Around’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Our House of Love’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘She’s My Country Girl’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Drunk On Love’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘My Daddy Was A Chevy Man’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Just Be You’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Mother’s Love’ (written by Billy Yates) / this track featured guest vocals from Grayson Yates
‘On My Way (The Norway Song)’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘What Goes Around’ (written by Billy Yates) / this track was a dance mix
Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Alone Together Tonight’ (co-written with Ashley Monroe and Terry Clayton) and included the track on ‘Your Money & My Good Looks‘ (Upper Management Music, 2011).
In March 2013, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘Only One George Jones’ (My Own Damn Label, 2013), an album project, which honoured George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), and included the following tracks:
‘Only One George Jones’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘I Learned A Lot’ (written by Billy Yates and Billy Lawson)
‘House That Jack Built’ (written by Billy Yates and Jerry Salley)
‘The Man I Used To Be’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘She Ain’t Got Nobody’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘As I Kiss My World Goodbye’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Til The Old Wears Off’ (written by Billy Yates and Jerry Salley)
‘The Shoulder’ (written by Billy Yates and Casey Beathard)
‘It Wasn’t That Funny’ (written by Billy Yates and Donny Lowery)
‘I’m A One Band Man’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘Chill My Beer’ (written by Billy Yates and Byron Hill)
‘Father & The Son’ (written by Billy Yates and Tom Douglas)
‘Sad Songs’ (written by Billy Yates and Jamie Teachenor)
‘A Country Boy Just Don’t Care’ (written by Billy Yates and Robby Vaughn)
‘That’s Your Memory On My Mind’ (written by Billy Yates and Monty Criswell)
‘Choices’ (written by Billy Yates and Michael Curtis) / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus’ track, featured guest vocals from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
Rhonda Vincent recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Only Me’ (co-written with Roger Brown) and included the track on (disc 1 of a 2-CD set) ‘Only Me’ (Upper Management Music, 2014); the track featured guest vocals from Willie Nelson.
On Tuesday 13 January 2015, Billy Yates saw the release of ‘These Old Walls’ (My Own Damn Label, 2015), which included the following tracks:
‘Her Old Stompin’ Grounds’ (written by Billy Yates and Lee Thomas Miller)
‘No Fool Like An Old Fool’ (written by Billy Yates, Melba Montgomery and Tommy Polk)
‘These Old Walls’ (written by Billy Yates and Melba Montgomery)
‘Fallin’ All Over Myself’ (written by Billy Yates, Melba Montgomery and Monty Criswell)
‘She’s Got A Heart’ (written by Billy Yates, Melba Montgomery and Tommy Polk)
‘You Must Be Out of Your Mind’ (written by Billy Yates, Lee Thomas Miller and Monty Criswell)
‘Zeros’ (written by Billy Yates, Lee Thomas Miller and Monty Criswell)
‘It’s Just A Scratch’ (written by Billy Yates, Melba Montgomery and Monty Criswell)
‘Waitin’ For The World To Turn My Way’ (written by Billy Yates and John Northrup)
‘Carry On’ (written by Billy Yates and Lee Thomas Miller)
‘Potter’s Hands’ (written by Billy Yates)
‘That’s All She Wrote’ (written by Billy Yates and Bill Able)
Mark Chesnutt recorded Billy Yates’ ‘I’ve Got A Quarter In My Pocket’ (co-written with Jake Kelly) and included the track on ‘Tradition Lives’ (BFD Records, 2016).
On Friday 7 July 2017, Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) saw the release of ‘Music In My Heart’ (Music City Records, 2017), which was produced by Billy Yates, and included the following tracks:
‘New Patches’, which was written by Tommy Collins (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 14 March 2000)
‘Make Me One More Memory’, which was written by Country Johnny Mathis (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 27 September 2011)
‘Natural Feeling For You’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005) and Justin Peters
‘All By My Lonesome’ (written by Terry Clayton and Billy Yates)
‘It Wasn’t That Funny’ (written by Donny Lowery and Billy Yates)
‘The Same Eyes That Always Drove Me Crazy’ (written by Lee Bach)
‘I Learned A Lot’ (written by Billy Lawson and Billy Yates)
‘You’re Still In These Crazy Arms of Mine’ (written by Lee Bach, Dave Lindsey and Larry Mercey)
‘The Way It Was In ‘51’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘I Just Can’t Stop Missing You’ (written by Lee Bach)
‘You Lied To Me’ (written by Bill Anderson)
‘Standing In My Way’ (written by Jim McCormick and Billy Yates)
‘Music In My Heart’, which was written by Country Johnny Mathis (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 27 September 2011)
Nathan Stanley recorded Billy Yates’ ‘Choices’ (co-written with Michael Curtis) and included the track on ‘Controversial Man’ (Nathan Stanley Entertainment, 2017).
Lonesome River Band recorded Billy Yates’ ‘As The Crow Flies’ (co-written with Melba Montgomery) and included the track on ‘Mayhayley’s House’ (Mountain Home Music Company, 2017).
Billy Yates has had the experience of travelling all over the United States performing at various venues, so much so that he also concentrates on bringing his brand of traditional country to venues across Europe.
Photo Credit: Vickie Vaughan
Billy Yates and Gene Watson, with Larry’s Country Diner, in Starlite Theatre, Branson, MO on Wednesday 20 September 2017
(photo credit: Phil Johnson)
• Visit Billy Yates’ official site at billyyates.com