Tuesday 11 September 2007
Gene Watson & The Farewell Party Band graced the hallowed stage of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville; Gene’s performance was taped for television transmission and was expected to be aired on the Great American Country (GAC) television network on Saturday 15 September 2007.
Gene Watson performed two songs for the televised portion; he also performed a third song, which would not be televised. Song choices included ‘Fourteen Carat Mind’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Larry Lee Favorite (1939 – Monday 26 May 2001) (No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week – Saturday 9 January 1982 – Saturday 16 January 1982 – in January 1982), and ‘Got No Reason Now For Goin’ Home’, which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 – Tuesday 3 July 2001) (No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985).
Gene Watson also performed, with Rhonda Vincent, a cover of Buck Owens’ 1964 hit single, ‘Together Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) (No.1 for two weeks in May 1964); the track was also a Billboard No.1 country music hit for Emmylou Harris, for one week in July 1976.
‘Together Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006), would be one of the tracks to be included on Gene Watson’s new Shanachie Records album ‘In a Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007), which would be officially released on Tuesday 25 September 2007.
Wednesday 12 September 2007
About Country Staff Writer Scott Sexton profiled Gene Watson in the September 2007 ‘Legends Corner’.
Wednesday 12 September 2007
Gene Watson was a special guest on the Eddie Stubbs’ radio show on ‘Nashville’s Country Legend’ WSM 650AM.
‘An Intimate Evening’ with Eddie Stubbs & Gene Watson on Nashville’s Country Legend WSM 650AM on Wednesday 12 September 2007.
The show, ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’, was broadcast ‘live’ from the Ford Theater at The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum on Wednesday 12 September 2007 between 7:00pm and 9:00pm Central.
Gene Watson with host Eddie Stubbs on the set of ‘An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs’
Ford Theater, at The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville
Wednesday 12 September 2007
The show, ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’, began with a Gene Watson classic, ‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’, a track originally included on Gene Watson’s ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Eddie Stubbs, following this opening track, formerly commenced ‘An Intimate Evening’ by stating that the show was being broadcast ‘live’ from the Ford Theater at The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville.
Eddie Stubbs then introduced Gene Watson to the audience.
The Ford Theater at The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum can accommodate two hundred and thirteen patrons; all seats were filled and there were also a number of people standing.
Upon ascending to the stage area, Gene Watson received a standing ovation.
The show, ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’, was a monthly WSM 650AM broadcast when a legendary artist within the country music community is invited along to discuss their career and music.
Gene Watson’s ‘Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’ coincided with the world premiere of tracks, on ‘Nashville’s Country Legend’ WSM 650AM, from Gene Watson’s new Shanachie Records album – ‘In a Perfect World‘ was due to be officially released on Tuesday 25 September 2007.
Eddie Stubbs began the conversation by asking Gene about his continuing desire to travel and entertain his fans although he is now in his early 60s. Gene responded by stating that he was in Nashville that night (Wednesday 12 September), would travel to Bay Minette in Alabama on Thursday 13 September and would then travel all the way back to Nashville the next day for a show at The Wheel in Nashville on Friday 14 September 2007.
Eddie Stubbs then stated that Gene continues to tour throughout the United States and that he was soon traveling overseas to Ireland. Gene responded by saying that he and The Farewell Party Band were looking forward to returning to Ireland where fans are so responsive to his music.
Gene added that they would be departing from the United States on Sunday 30 September 2007 and would have one free day (Monday 1 October 2007) before the commencement of the Irish tour on Tuesday 2 October 2007.
The conversation then changed to talk of the new album, ‘In a Perfect World‘. Gene stated that he was very appreciative of all the hard work being done on his behalf by Sarah Brosmer at Lytle Management, and by the promotional team at Shanachie Records.
Gene also said that he was delighted to have had such talented artists joining him on his new album; it was at this point that Eddie Stubbs introduced the title track of the album (‘In a Perfect World‘), a track which featured special guest vocals from Joe Nichols.
Following the airing of the title track, Eddie Stubbs stated that he was particularly impressed with the clarity of all the guest vocals on the album. Gene agreed, stating that he trusted producer Brent Rowan completely, while they were present in the recording studio.
Gene informed the attentive audience that it was Shanachie Records who approached him and that they wished to have an album that was very much Gene Watson. Gene added that he was delighted to have the opportunity to record with some of his favourite musicians, including Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) and Sonny Garrish.
It was at this point in the WSM show that Gene was joined by Rhonda Vincent, Brent Rowan and Clinton Gregory.
A glorious performance of the Buck Owens’ classic, ‘Together Again’, then followed, Gene Watson’s vocal accompanied by Rhonda Vincent on guest vocals (she also played fiddle), Brent Rowan on acoustic guitar and (new Farewell Party Band member) Clinton Gregory on fiddle.
Gene Watson received a standing ovation following this ‘live’ performance of this classic country song. He was deeply appreciative of Rhonda Vincent‘s visit to ‘Nashville’s Country Legend’ WSM 650AM to be with him, especially since she had an engagement out of town immediately following her appearance in Nashville.
The next track premiered on ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’ was ‘Let Me Be The First To Go’, which featured guest vocals from Vince Gill.
Eddie Stubbs inquired as to Shanachie Records’ plans to release a promo single in order to promote the album and Gene stated that they had released the track ‘I Buried Our Love’ (written by Tim Menzies and Tony Haselden) as such.
Following some commercials, ‘This Side of The Door’, featuring a duet vocal from Mark Chesnutt, was played in error instead of ‘I Buried Our Love’ (written by Tim Menzies and Tony Haselden).
Gene Watson then spoke of his great admiration for Mark Chesnutt who had given up a lot of his time taking part in various benefit concerts to help Gene with his medical expenses following a diagnosis of colon cancer in 2000.
Gene hoped that Mark Chesnutt was listening to the broadcast, and to expressed a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Mark for all he had done for him.
Gene Watson then spoke about the promo single, ‘I Buried Our Love’ (written by Tim Menzies and Tony Haselden); he said that he loved the song and felt that it had a different groove to the other tracks on the album. Gene also said that he enjoyed its haunting melody and its use of mandolin and was pleased that a number of radio stations had already taken a chance with the song and had added it to their play-lists.
Gene Watson then spoke of his admiration for the musicians who accompanied him in the recording studio for the ‘In a Perfect World‘ sessions. Eddie informed Gene that guitarist Gregg Galbraith was particularly honoured to be associated once again with Gene. Eddie also praised Brent Rowan‘s amazing production skills and the fact that there are large helpings of steel guitar and fiddle on Gene’s new album.
Eddie Stubbs then asked his special guest what it was that motivated Gene Watson to continue to do what he does.
Gene responded by saying that it was the undying loyalty of his fans that kept him going.
Gene also stated that he adored the members of his highly acclaimed Farewell Party Band and he gave a special mention to its latest member, Clinton Gregory, who he said had added wonderful acoustic guitar, fiddle and harmony vocals to the overall sound of the band.
Eddie Stubbs then introduced the Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) classic, ‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006), featuring guest vocals from Lee Ann Womack. Gene sounded genuinely pleased that Lee Ann had added her extraordinary vocal talents to his latest recording project.
The latter part of ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’ on ‘Nashville’s Country Legend’ WSM 650AM concentrated on Gene’s childhood, his early days performing in Texas honky tonks and dance halls, along with his love of country music legends Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), Webb Pierce (Monday 8 August 1921 – Sunday 24 February 1991), Carl Smith (Tuesday 15 March 1927 – Saturday 16 January 2010) and Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975).
‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’ on ‘Nashville’s Country Legend’ WSM 650AM concluded with Gene Watson informing listeners of his desire to live and react to each song he records and performs. The evening ended as it had begun, with Gene Watson receiving a standing ovation.
Farewell Party Band members Staley Rogers and Todd Hines had copies of ‘In a Perfect World‘, Gene’s new album on Shanachie Records, available for sale on the evening. This was a unique opportunity for Gene Watson fans present on the evening to purchase a copy of the CD before the official release date of Tuesday 25 September 2007.
Friday 14 September 2007
Gene Watson was interviewed by Bill Cody on ‘Nashville’s Country Legend’ WSM 650AM between 8:00am and 9:00am Central / 2:00pm and 3:00pm in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Gene Watson & The Farewell Party Band had been performing in Bay Minette, Alabama the previous evening and had traveled all night in order to get to Nashville in time for WSM’s early show.
Bill Cody
Nashville’s Country Legend, WSM 650AM
Bill Cody and Gene Watson are old friends and they are also great friends with singer / songwriter Tim Menzies, who contributed five of his compositions to Gene Watson’s new album, ‘In a Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007).
Prior to the commencement of the interview, Bill Cody replayed a recording of Gene’s performance of the Buck Owens classic ‘Together Again’ as broadcast as part of ‘An Intimate Evening With Eddie Stubbs’ on Wednesday 12 September 2007. This performance also featured Rhonda Vincent on guest vocals and fiddle and (Farewell Party Band member) Clinton Gregory on fiddle.
In his interview with WSM’s Bill Cody, Gene Watson spoke of his high regard for Rhonda Vincent, stating that he was so pleased that she joined him to sing ‘Together Again’ on the previous Wednesday evening.
Gene Watson also announced that Rhonda Vincent would also be appearing with him at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival in Bristol, Tennessee on Saturday 15 September 2007.
During the course of his interview with Bill Cody at WSM, Gene Watson spoke of his love for ‘I Buried Our Love’ (written by Tim Menzies and Tony Haselden), the track which had been selected as the first single from ‘In a Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007). Gene stated that he loved recording the album and found the recording of it to be quite a pleasure and praised the production skills of producer, Brent Rowan.
Gene Watson also praised his fellow Texan, Mark Chesnutt, who sings ‘This Side of The Door’ on the new album, and called him a true friend.
Gene Watson & Mark Chesnutt
Curb Studio in Nashville
Thursday 7 June 2007
Gene Watson stated that he was also highly honoured to have had Vince Gill sing harmony vocals on ‘Let Me Be The First To Go’, which had been written by acclaimed songwriter, Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002).
Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 – Wednesday 17 July 1985) recorded ‘Let Me Be The First To Go’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002), and included the track on ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’ (Capitol Records, 1970).
Gene Watson informed the WSM audience that he had recorded the song on a previous occasion, but it was never released. He said that he was delighted to have had a second opportunity to record, and release, this wonderful track.
In the latter part of the interview with WSM’s Bill Cody, Gene Watson was full of the highest praise for singer / songwriter Tim Menzies – there are no less than five cuts on Gene Watson’s new album which boast Tim Menzies‘ name as one of the co-writers.
Bill Cody and Gene Watson decided to play ‘In A Perfect World’ as the closing song and dedicated it to both Tim Menzies and Harley Allen (Monday 23 January 1956 – Wednesday 30 March 2011), who co-wrote the track with Tim Menzies.
Monday 17 September 2007
Gene Watson appeared as a special guest on ‘Ralph Emery – Live’, a show which was carried on the RFD-TV network and was broadcast at 6:00pm Central / 7:00pm Eastern.
Gene Watson with Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 – Saturday 15 January 2022), on the set of ‘Ralph Emery – Live’, in Nashville on Monday 17 September 2007
RFD-TV, which was launched in December 2000, was the United States’ first twenty-four hour television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of viewers in rural America.
Under its program banner of ‘Traditional and Ethnic Music’, RFD-TV broadcasts bluegrass, gospel, polka and traditional country music, along with original music specials from venues around the United States.
Tuesday 25 September 2007
Gene Watson’s new Shanachie Records album, ‘In a Perfect World‘, was officially launched worldwide.
Gene Watson fans were asked to request Gene’s new single, ‘I Buried Our Love’ (written by Tim Menzies and Tony Haselden), at their local radio station, see Gene on tour in the United States and Ireland (October 2007) and purchase the new ‘In a Perfect World‘ album at the all-new Gene Watson Official Store.
Friday 28 September 2007
Gene Watson’s Fan Site exclusively announced details of the all-new Gene Watson Official Store.
Gene Watson fans now had the opportunity to purchase Gene Watson’s fabulous new album, ‘In a Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007), along with CDs, t-shirts and baseball caps.
Many more items were expected to be added to the merchandise site as they became available.
Friday 28 September 2007
The all-new Official Gene Watson Site went ‘live’.
The all-new Official Gene Watson Site would be the very best place to find out about all things related to Gene Watson!
The Official Gene Watson Site offered fans the opportunity to buy Gene Watson’s (then latest) album, ‘In a Perfect World‘ (Shanachie Records, 2007), as well as many of his past CDs, along with all Gene Watson merchandise.
The Official Gene Watson Site would also offer fans the opportunity to sign up for a newsletter which would be absolutely free and would keep fans up to date with all the latest Gene Watson news.
Gene Watson was also expected to present a personal ‘blog’ for the site and many other exciting features were expected to be added to the site on a regular basis.
• Biography – October 2007