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 2006, 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 Charlie Rich Junior, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 5 September 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Charlie Rich Junior who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Charlie Rich Junior
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 5 September 2006.
‘Gene Watson is one of country music’s best and truest voices. In an age of cookie cutter, sound-alike artists, Gene always sounds like Gene. He is always able to zero into the heart of a song and get the message across.
In my opinion, that’s the ultimate goal of any vocalist – to impart the meaning of the song in an original, yet convincing way.
Gene never sounds pretentious or put-on. He’s always totally believable. In so doing, he moves us with his heartfelt insights.
He also has a wonderful set of vocal chops – in other words, the boy can just plain sing’
Thank you, Charlie Rich Junior, for your support of Gene Watson.
Charlie Rich Junior is the first male child of prominent musical parents; his mother, Margaret Ann Rich, was one of the founding members of Memphis Chapter of the National Association of Recording Arts & Sciences, and is a successful songwriter and publisher in her own right, while Charlie’s father, Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995), is considered to be one of country music’s greatest influences to this day.
Charlie Rich Junior was influenced by a number of diverse musical talents, including Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022), The Beatles, Roxy Music, Jimi Hendrix (Friday 27 November 1942 – Friday 18 September 1970), and Brian Eno.
In 1974, Charlie Rich Junior signed a record deal with Epic Records, his first album for the label receiving widespread critical praise from both critics and peers.
In the 1980s, Charlie Rich Junior moved to California where he began studying animation. While living in Los Angeles, Charlie Rich Junior also established himself as a keyboard player, vocalist and composer.
Charlie Rich Junior’s credits included albums with The Texas Tornadoes, and Freddy Fender (Friday 4 June 1937 – Saturday 14 October 2006).
In 1991, with the help of friend, Billy Swan, Charlie Rich Junior was invited to become a member of the group, Black Tie, along with Randy Meisner (co-founder of The Eagles and Poco) and Jimmy Griffin (formerly of the group Bread).
Charlie Rich Junior’s friend Billy Swan of ‘I Can Help’ fame, invited producer Reggie Fisher to see Charlie Rich Junior play at the legendary Palomino Club. Reggie Fisher was blown away by Charlie Rich Junior’s talent and offered him a recording contract on the spot, requesting that Charlie Rich Junior be a component in the superstar ensemble Reggie Fisher was promoting – Black Tie.
Charlie Rich Junior had since moved back to his hometown of Nashville where, as well as being involved with music and animation, he is also an accomplished website designer.
Charlie Rich Junior has also co-written songs with A.J. Masters (Wednesday 20 December 1950 – Monday 12 January 2015), who wrote Faith Hill’s ‘Love Ain’t Like That’, and Greg Crowe, who co-wrote ‘Lonely & Gone’, which was a No.1 hit single for Montgomery Gentry.
(Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995)
Charlie Rich Junior is the son of Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995), who is considered to be one of country music’s greatest influences to this day.
Charlie Rich, a native of Forrest City, Arkansas was born on Wednesday 14 December 1932; he passed away on Tuesday 25 July 1995.
Charlie Rich enjoyed the following No.1 hits on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Behind Closed Doors’, which was written by Kenny O’Dell (born Kenneth Gist Junior) (Wednesday 21 June 1944 – Monday 27 March 2018) (No.1 for two weeks in April / May 1973)
‘The Most Beautiful Girl’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Rory Bourke (No.1 for three weeks in November / December 1973)
‘There Won’t Be Anymore’ (written by Charlie Rich) (No.1 for two weeks in March 1974)
‘A Very Special Love Song’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) (No.1 for three weeks in April 1974)
‘I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore’, which was written by Bennie Benjamin (Monday 4 November 1907 – Tuesday 2 May 1989) and George David Weiss (Saturday 9 April 1921 – Monday 23 August 2010) (No.1 for one week in June 1974)
‘I Love My Friend’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) (No.1 for one week in October 1974)
‘She Called Me Baby’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.1 for one week in December 1974)
‘Rollin’ With The Flow’ (written by Jerry Hayes) (No.1 for two weeks in August 1977)
‘On My Knees’ (written by Charlie Rich) (No.1 for one week in December 1978) / this track was a duet with Janie Fricke
Charlie Rich
Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995
• Visit Charlie Rich Junior’s Official Site at charlierichjr.com
• Visit Charlie Rich’s Official Site at charlierich.com