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 2005, 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 Eddy Raven, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 1 November 2005.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Eddy Raven who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Eddy Raven
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 1 November 2005.
‘Gene is such a great singer.
He has been my favourite country singer for years.
I’m proud to call him my friend and feel lucky to have had him record a few of my songs’
Thank you, Eddy Raven, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Eddy Raven…
Eddy Raven, who was born Edward Garvin Futch in Louisiana on Saturday 19 August 1944, picked up the name ‘Raven’ when he made his first record for Cosmos Records in Georgia.
In 1962, Eddy Raven saw the release, on Cosmo Records, of ‘Once A Fool’, a non-album single, which did not chart.
Red Sovine (Wednesday 17 July 1918 – Friday 4 April 1980) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Peace of Mind’ and included the track on ‘Little Rosa’ (Starday Records, 1965).
In 1969, Eddy Raven saw the release, on La Louisianne Records, of a non-album single, ‘Lied To Judy’ (written by Eddy Raven), which did not chart.
In Summer 1970, Eddy Raven moved from Louisiana to Nashville, and song-writing, rather than recording, was his primary objective.
Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Country Green’ and included the track on ‘Country Green’ (Hickory Records, 1971); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1971.
Jeannie C. Riley recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Good Morning Country Rain’ and included the track on ‘Down to Earth’ (MGM Records, 1972); the track, which reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972, was also included on Jeannie C. Riley‘s ‘Give Myself A Party’ (MGM Records, 1972).
Jeannie C. Riley recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Small Country Towns’ and included the track on ‘Down To Earth’ (MGM Records, 1972).
Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 – Tuesday 6 December 1988) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Plain Jane Country (Come To Town)’ and included the track on ‘Roy Orbison Sings’ (MGM Records, 1972).
Don Gant (Saturday 24 October 1942 – Sunday 15 March 1987) got Eddy Raven started at Acuff-Rose Music and one of Eddy Raven’s greatest achievements was when Roy Acuff (Tuesday 15 September 1903 – Monday 23 November 1992) recorded his ‘Back in The Country’ for Hickory Records in 1974.
In 1973, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘That Cajun Country Sound’ (LaLouisiane Records, 1973), which was produced by Carol Rachou, and included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Colinda’, which was written by Robert Guidry (Monday 21 February 1938 – Thursday 14 January 2010), Jack LeBlanc and Davis / this track was released as a single in 1973, but it did not chart
Eddy Raven’s ‘That Cajun Country Sound’ (LaLouisiane Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:
‘Cajun Country Boy’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Soft Cajun Two Step’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Alligator Bayou’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Chere Cherie’, which was written by Robert Guidry (Monday 21 February 1938 – Thursday 14 January 2010), Jack LeBlanc and Davis
‘Papa Thibodeaux’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Rod Bernard (Monday 12 August 1940 – Sunday 12 July 2020)
‘I Passed By Your Door’ (arranged by La Lou Music)
‘Crawfish Festival Time’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Home’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Red Was A Friend of Mine’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘La Belle De La Louisianne’ (written by Gib Guilbeau)
‘I’m To Blame’ (written by Danley and Meaux)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddy Raven’s ‘That Cajun Country Sound’ (LaLouisiane Records, 1973) included the following:
Pee Wee Whitewing (guitar, Dobro)
Jack LeBlanc (guitar, bass)
Warren Schexnider (drums)
Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle)
Eddy Raven’s ‘That Cajun Country Sound’ (LaLouisiane Records, 1973) was recorded, in 1969, at La Louisianne Recording Studios in Lafayette.
In 1973, Eddy Raven saw the release, on ABC Records, of ‘Arkansas Sun’ (written by J. Lea) and ‘Sam’ (written by Eddy Raven), which were both non-album singles; both tracks did not chart.
Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Touch The Morning’ and included the track on ‘Touch The Morning / That’s What I’ll Do’ (Hickory Records, 1973); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973.
Jeannie C. Riley recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Sam’ and included the track on ‘Just Jeannie’ (MGM Records, 1973).
Roy Acuff (Tuesday 15 September 1903 – Monday 23 November 1992) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Back In The Country’ and included the track on ‘Back In The Country’ (Hickory Records, 1974); the track reached No.51 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
Roy Acuff (Tuesday 15 September 1903 – Monday 23 November 1992) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Old Time Sunshine Song’ and included the track on ‘Back In The Country’ (Hickory Records, 1974).
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Somebody That Good’ (co-written with Ray Baker) and included the track on ‘It Was Always So Easy’ (GRC Records, 1974).
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘One Thing Leads To Another’ and included the track on ‘It Was Always So Easy’ (GRC Records, 1974).
In 1974, Eddy Raven first hit the Billboard county music singles chart as a recording artist in his own right and saw the release of a steady stream of records on a variety of record labels.
Connie Smith recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Back In The Country’ and included the track on ‘I Got A Lot of Hurtin’ Done Today’ (Columbia Records, 1975).
Connie Smith recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘You’ll See Jesus’ and included the track on ‘I Got A Lot of Hurtin’ Done Today’ (Columbia Records, 1975).
Rod Bernard (Monday 12 August 1940 – Sunday 12 July 2020) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Sometimes I Talk In My Sleep’ and included the track on ‘Night Lights & Love Songs’ (Jin Records, 1975).
Rod Bernard (Monday 12 August 1940 – Sunday 12 July 2020) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Spent A Week There Last Night’ and included the track on ‘Night Lights & Love Songs’ (Jin Records, 1975).
Connie Smith recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Talk It Over Anymore’ and included the track on ‘I Don’t Wanna Talk It Over Anymore’ (Columbia Records, 1975).
Connie Smith recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Latest Shade of Blue’ and included the track on ‘I Don’t Wanna Talk It Over Anymore’ (Columbia Records, 1975).
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Sure Don’t Need That Memory Tonight’ and included the track on ‘Bandy The Rodeo Clown’ (GRC Records, 1975).
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Fais Do Do’ and included the track on ‘Bandy The Rodeo Clown’ (GRC Records, 1975).
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Goodbye On Your Mind’ and included the track on ‘Bandy The Rodeo Clown’ (GRC Records, 1975).
Randy Cornor (Wednesday 28 July 1954 – Thursday 24 March 2022) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Sometimes I Talk In My Sleep’ (co-written with Randy Cornor) and included the track on ‘My First Album’ (Dot Records, 1975); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
Randy Cornor (Wednesday 28 July 1954 – Thursday 24 March 2022) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Nobody Ever Loves Me Anyway’ and included the track on ‘My First Album’ (Dot Records, 1975).
Randy Cornor (Wednesday 28 July 1954 – Thursday 24 March 2022) was born and raised in Deer Park, Texas, a suburb of Houston.
When he was thirteen years old, Randy Cornor (Wednesday 28 July 1954 – Thursday 24 March 2022) began playing guitar professionally, first for Gene Watson, then later for Frenchie Burke.
During his tour years with Gene Watson, Randy Cornor (Wednesday 28 July 1954 – Thursday 24 March 2022) mastered the pedal steel guitar, banjo, fiddle and harmonica.
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Please Take Her Home’ and included the track on ‘Here I Am Drunk Again’ (Columbia Records, 1976).
In February 1976, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘This Is Eddy Raven’ (Dot Records, 1976), which was produced by Don Gant, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Ain’t She Somethin’ Else’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and Jerry Foster (No.46, 1974)
‘I Wanna Live’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016) (No.87, 1976)
Eddy Raven’s ‘This Is Eddy Raven’ (Dot Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘Touch The Morning’ Rod Bernard (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Twenty Seven Thirty Three’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘It Wouldn’t Be Enough’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and Jerry Foster
‘Country Queen’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Good Mornin’ Country Rain’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘I Don’t Wanna Talk It Over’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Good News, Bad News’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘You’re My Rainy Day Woman’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddy Raven’s ‘This is Eddy Raven’ (Dot Records, 1976) included the following:
The Nashville Edition (vocals)
Bergen White (arrangements)
Eddy Raven’s ‘This Is Eddy Raven’ (Dot Records, 1976) was recorded, in 1975, at Woodland Sound Studios in Nashville.
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Please Take Her Home’ and included the track on ‘That Young Feeling’ (Mercury Records, 1978).
Johnnie Allan recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Alligator Bayou’ and included the track on ‘Louisiana Swamp Fox’ (Jin Records, 1979).
Brenda Lee recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Do You Wanna Spend The Night’ and included the track on ‘Even Better’ (MCA Records, 1980).
In July 1980, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Eyes’ (Dimension Records, 1980), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sweet Mother Texas’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019) (No.44, 1979)
‘Dealin’ With The Devil’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019) (No.25, 1980)
‘You’ve Got Those Eyes’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.30, 1980)
‘Another Texas Song’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.34, 1980)
‘Peace of Mind’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.23, 1980)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Eyes’ (Dimension Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘First Few Days of Love’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘It Takes A Long, Long Time To Say Goodbye’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Day After Day’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Just Leave Me Alone’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘Fais Do Do’ (written by Eddy Raven)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Eyes’ (Dimension Records, 1980) was recorded in 1980 at Hilltop Recording Studios in Nashville.
Gene Watson recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘We Robbed Trains’ and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Free & Easy’ and included the track on ‘Free & Easy’ (MCA Records, 1980).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Dealing With The Devil’, which was co-written with Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019), and included the track on ‘Rainbow Stew: Live At Anaheim Stadium’ (MCA Records, 1981).
In September 1981, Eddy Raven saw the the release of ‘Desperate Dreams’ (Elektra Records, 1981), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Should’ve Called’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.13, 1981)
‘Who Do You Know In California’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.11, 1981)
‘Little Bit Crazy’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.14, 1982)
‘She’s Playing Hard To Forget’ (written by Keith Stegall and Elroy Kahanek) (No.10, 1982)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Desperate Dreams’ (Elektra Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘Desperate Dreams’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘You’re Too Much For Me’, which was written by Jesse Winchester (Wednesday 17 May 1944 – Friday 11 April 2014)
‘I Know You’re The Rain’, which was written by Rory Bourke and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021)
‘Thinking It Over’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Young Girl’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Loving Arms & Lying Eyes’ (written by Eddy Raven)
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Thank God For Kids’ and included the track on ‘Christmas’ (MCA Records, 1982); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982.
In January 1983, Elektra Records and Warner Bros. Records merged and, as a result, Eddy Raven was released from his Elektra Records recording contract.
Eddy Raven then took a year and a half off during which time he realigned his management, established his own publishing company and gained a new recording contract.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Should Have Called’, which was co-written with Linda Hargrove (Thursday 3 February 1949 – Sunday 24 October 2010), and included the track on ‘Shine On’ (Epic Records, 1983).
In 1984, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Thank God For Kids’ (MCA Records, 1984), which was produced by Don Grant, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Last of The Sunshine Cowboys’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.63, 1974)
‘Good News, Bad News’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.27, 1975)
‘You’re My Rainy Day Woman’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.68, 1975)
‘Free To Go’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.34, 1975)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Thank God For Kids’ (MCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Thank God For Kids’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Bird On A Chain’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Southern Queen’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Carolina Country Morning’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Sam’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘I Don’t Wanna Talk It Over Anymore’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘She’s Touched You’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Sugar Kane’ (written by Eddy Raven)
In 1984, Eddy Raven moved to RCA Records where he achieved his first No.1 Billboard country music hit single as an recording artist in his own right; ‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers) was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June 1984.
In June 1984, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘I Could Use Another You’ (RCA Records, 1984), which was produced by Paul Worley and Eddy Raven, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers) (No.1 for one week in June 1984)
‘I Could Use Another You’ (written by Tom Shapiro, Chris Waters and Bucky Jones) (No.9, 1984)
‘She’s Gonna Win Your Heart’ (written by Billy Burnette) (No.9, 1984)
Eddy Raven’s ‘I Could Use Another You’ (RCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Just For The Sake of The Thrill’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Folks Out On The Road’ (written by Eddy Raven, Frank Myers and David Powelson)
‘Keeper of The Flame’ (written by Steve Harris and Jerry McBee)
‘Looking For Ways’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Love Burning Down’ (written by Ron Moore and Doug Hauseman)
‘Somewhere Borrowed Someone Blue’ (written by Steve Dean, Frank Myers and David Hungate)
‘Solo Sometimes’ (written by Don Cook and Bill LaBounty)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddy Raven’s ‘I Could Use Another You’ (RCA Records, 1984) included the following:
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019), Paul Worley and Frank Myers (guitar)
Joe Osborne and Larry Paxton (bass)
Eddie Bayers and James Stround (drums)
Dennis Burnside (keyboards)
Shane Keister (synthesizer)
Dennis Wilson and Don Gant (vocals)
Eddy Raven’s ‘I Could Use Another You’ (RCA Records, 1984) reached No.41 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
In July 1985, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Love & Other Hard Times’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985), which was produced by Paul Worley and Eddy Raven, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Operator Operator’, which was written by Larry Willoughby (1947 – Friday 15 January 2021) – Rodney Crowell‘s cousin – and Janet Willoughby (No.9, 1985)
‘I Wanna Hear it From You’, which was written by Nancy Montgomery (1955 – Friday 17 April 2015) and Rick Giles (No.8, 1985)
‘You Should Have Been Gone By Now’, which was written by Eddy Raven, Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) and Frank Myers (No.3, 1986)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Love & Other Hard Times’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Room To Run’ (written by Eddy Raven and David Powelson)
‘Easy Time’ (written by Eddy Raven and David Powelson)
‘Changes’ (written by Eddy Raven, Frank Myers and Tanya Tucker)
‘We Robbed Trains’ (written by Eddy Raven) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980)
‘Song I Said I’d Never Write For You’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Art of Getting By’ (written by Steve Dean and Frank Myers)
‘I’m Just Someone You Run From’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Love & Other Hard Times’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985) reached No.64 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) & Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Folks Out On The Road’ (co-written with Frank Myers and David Powelson) and included the track on ‘Heroes’ (Columbia Records, 1986).
In December 1986, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Right Hand Man’ (RCA Records, 1986), which was produced by Paul Worley and Eddy Raven, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sometimes A Lady’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers) (No.3, 1986)
‘Right Hand Man’ (written by Gary Scruggs) (No.3, 1986)
‘You’re Never Too Old For Young Love’ (written by Frank Myers and Rick Giles) (No.3, 1987)
‘Shine, Shine, Shine’ (written by Bud McGuire and Ken Bell) (No.1 for one week in October 1987)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Right Hand Man’ (RCA Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘The Best of Them’ (written by Gary Burr)
‘Neon Row’ (written by Donny Kees and J. Jay)
‘Crime of The Century’ (written by Gary Burr)
‘Other Than Montreal’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers)
‘Stay With Me’ (written by Donny Kees and R. Rector)
‘But She Loves Me’ (written by J. Fuller)
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Sweet Mother Texas’, which was co-written with Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019), and included the track on ‘Sweet Mother Texas’ (RCA Records, 1986).
In February 1988, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘The Best of Eddy Raven’ (RCA Records, 1988), which was produced by Paul Worley and Eddy Raven, and included the following tracks, all of which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers) (No.1 for one week in June 1984)
‘Operator Operator’, which was written by Larry Willoughby (1947 – Friday 15 January 2021) – Rodney Crowell‘s cousin – and Janet Willoughby (No.9, 1985)
‘I’m Gonna Get You’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) (No.1 for one week in May 1988)
‘Shine, Shine, Shine’ (written by Bud McGuire and Ken Bell) (No.1 for one week in October 1987)
‘Til You Cry’ (written by Steve Bogard and Rick Giles) (No.4, 1988)
‘Joe Knows How To Live’, which was written by Graham Lyle, Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) (No.1 for one week in September 1988)
‘Right Hand Man’ (written by Gary Scruggs) (No.3, 1986)
‘Sometimes A Lady’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers) (No.3, 1986)
‘You Should Have Been Gone By Now’, which was written by Eddy Raven, Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) and Frank Myers (No.3, 1986)
Eddy Raven’s ‘The Best of Eddy Raven’ (RCA Records, 1988) reached No.36 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1988.
Larry Stephenson recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Should’ve Called’ and included the track on ‘Everytime I Sing A Love Song’ (Webco Records, 1988).
In May 1989, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Temporary Sanity’ (Capitol Records, 1989), which was produced by Barry Beckett (Thursday 4 February 1943 – Wednesday 10 June 2009), and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘In A Letter To You’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) (No.1 for one week in July 1989)
‘Bayou Boys’ (written by Frank Myers, Troy Seals and Eddy Raven) (No.1 for one week in November 1989)
‘Sooner Or Later’ (written by Susan Longacre, Bill LaBounty and Beckie Foster) (No.6, 1990)
‘Island’ (written by Troy Seals and Eddy Raven) (No.10, 1990)
‘Zydeco Lady’ (written by Troy Seals and Eddy Raven) (No.56, 1990)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Temporary Sanity’ (Capitol Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘Holding On To You’ (written by Walt Aldridge, Gary Baker and Susan Longacre)
‘Little Sheba’ (written by Max Carl)
‘A Woman’s Place’, which was written by Jim Weatherly (Wednesday 17 March 1943 – Wednesday 3 February 2021) and Jeff Tweel
‘Angel Fire’, which was written by Buck Moore and Mentor Williams (Tuesday 11 June 1946 – Wednesday 16 November 2016)
‘Risky Business’ (written by Frank Myers and Gary Baker)
Eddy Raven’s ‘Temporary Sanity’ (Capitol Records, 1989) reached No.31 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
Rhonda Vincent recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Good Morning Country Rain’ and included the track on ‘New Dreams & Sunshine’ (Rebel Records, 1990).
In 1990, Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) saw the release of ‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990), an album which marked Glen Campbell’s return to Capitol Records, and included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘She’s Gone, Gone, Gone’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.6, 1989) / this track, which was Glen Campbell’s last Top 10 hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, was released via Universal Records, a short-lived record label, which was founded by Jimmy Bowen
‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (written by Jeff Barry) (No.61, 1990)
‘On A Good Night’, which was written by Jim Weatherly (Wednesday 17 March 1943 – Wednesday 3 February 2021) and Keith Stegall / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Somebody’s Leavin’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
Glen Campbell’s ‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘You Will Not Lose’, which was written by Allen Toussaint (Friday 14 January 1938 – Tuesday 10 November 2015) / this track was a duet with Steve Wariner
‘If I Could Only Get My Hands On You Now’ (written by Larry Gatlin)
‘William Tell Overture’ (written by Gioachino Rossini, arranged by Glen Campbell & Dennis McCarthy)
‘Woodcarver’ (written by Rusty Wolfe) / this track was a duet with Lacy J. Dalton
‘Cheatin’ Is’ (written by Rafe Van Hoy)
‘Tied To The Tracks’ (written by J. Fred Knobloch and Gary Scruggs)
‘Jesus On Your Mind’ (written by Keith Stegall)
Personnel involved in the recording of Glen Campbell’s ‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990) included the following:
Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) and James Stroud (drums)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) and Pat Flynn (acoustic guitar)
David Hungate and Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass guitar)
Glen D. Hardin and Larry Knechtel (piano)
Mike Lawler and David Innis (synthesizer)
Mark O’Connor (mandolin, fiddle)
Béla Fleck (banjo)
Conni Ellisor (violin)
John Cowan, Debby Campbell Olson and Gail Davies (additional background vocals)
Background vocals on ‘Jesus On Your Mind’: Larry Gatlin, Steve Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Alan Jackson, Kathy Mattea, Paul Overstreet, Eddy Raven, Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, Keith Stegall, Karen Staley, Cheryl White Warren, Buck White and Chris Zann
In September 1990, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990), which was produced by Jimmy Bowen and Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘Who Do You Know In California’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.11, 1981)
‘She’s Playing Hard To Forget’ (written by Keith Stegall and Elroy Kahanek) (No.10, 1982)
‘I Should’ve Called’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.13, 1981)
‘San Antonio Nights’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.25, 1982)
‘I Don’t Like Leaving You’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Little Bit Crazy’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.14, 1982)
‘You’ve Got Those Eyes’ (written by Eddy Raven and David Powelson) (No.30, 1980)
‘Raven On The Wing’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Sweet Mother Texas’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019) (No.44, 1979)
‘Piece of Mind’ (written by Eddy Raven)
In September 1990, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Greatest Country Hits’ (Curb Records, 1990), which included the following tracks:
‘Joe Knows How To Live’, which was written by Graham Lyle, Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) (No.1 for one week in September 1988)
‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers) (No.1 for one week in June 1984)
‘Shine, Shine, Shine’ (written by Bud McGuire and Ken Bell) (No.1 for one week in October 1987)
‘I’m Gonna Get You’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) (No.1 for one week in May 1988)
‘She’s Playing Hard To Forget’ (written by Keith Stegall and Elroy Kahanek) (No.10, 1982)
‘Who Do You Know In California’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.11, 1981)
‘Good News, Bad News’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.27, 1975)
‘Free To Go’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.34, 1975)
‘Ain’t She Somethin’ Else’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.46, 1974)
‘Last of The Sunshine Cowboys’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.63, 1974)
‘You’re My Rainy Day Woman’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.68, 1975)
In April 1991, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Right For The Flight’ (Capitol Records, 1991), which was produced by Barry Beckett (Thursday 4 February 1943 – Wednesday 10 June 2009), and included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Rock Me In The Rhythm of Your Love’ (written by Robert Keen and Lisa Silver) (No.60, 1991)
‘Too Much Candy For A Dime’ (written by Eddy Raven and David Powelson) (No.68, 1991)
‘Hot Pink’ (written by Tom Paden and Sue Fenton) / this track was released as a single in 1991, but it did not chart
Eddy Raven’s ‘Right For The Flight’ (Capitol Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘Torn Up’, which was written by Tommy Rocco, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Austin Roberts
‘I Know That Car’ (written by Chris Waters and Don Henry)
‘Ain’t Nothin’ But A Heartache’ (written by Rob Crosby and Craig Karp)
‘Leon & Maggie’ (written by Eddy Raven and Troy Seals)
‘Like A Hurricane’ (written by Michael Clark)
‘Somebody’s Tearin’ The Flag’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Cajun Song’ (written by Eddy Raven, Donny Rhodes and Jack Rolland)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddy Raven’s ‘Right For The Flight’ (Capitol Records, 1991) included the following:
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019), Larry Byrom, Bruce Watkins and Donny Rhodes (guitar)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Barry Beckett (Thursday 4 February 1943 – Wednesday 10 June 2009) and Mitch Humphries (keyboards)
Mike Lawler (synthesizer)
Doug Kershaw (accordion)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
Dennis Wilson, Curtis Young, Michael Black and Doug Kershaw (vocals)
In June 1994, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Wild Eyed & Crazy’ (Intersound Records, 1994), which was produced by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers, and included the following tracks:
‘Wild Eyed & Crazy’ (written by Frank Myers and Eddy Raven)
‘Tequila Tells’ (written by Frank Myers and Eddy Raven)
‘Of All The Things’ (written by Frank Myers and Eddy Raven)
‘Rip Rap Road’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Castaway Heart’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘In A Letter’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006)
‘Sometimes A Lady’ (written by Frank Myers and Eddy Raven)
‘Joe Knows How To Live’, which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004), Graham Lyle and Troy Seals
‘Thank God For Kids’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Frank Myers and Eddy Raven)
‘Island’ (written by Eddy Raven and Troy Seals)
‘Who Do You Know In California’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Bayou Boys’ (written by Frank Myers, Eddy Raven and Troy Seals)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddy Raven’s ‘Wild Eyed & Crazy’ (Intersound Records, 1994) included the following:
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019), Brent Mason and Frank Myers (guitar)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
Dan Dugmore (steel guitar, Dobro)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass)
Lonnie Wilson and Owen Hale (drums)
Pete Wasner (keyboards)
Tony Migliore (accordion)
Mike Foster (saxophone)
Frank Myers and Gary Baker (vocals)
Tommy Cash recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Thank God For Kids’ and included the track on ‘Solid Gold Country’ (Crazy Country Records, 1996).
In August 1996, Eddy Raven & Jo-El Sonnier (Wednesday 2 October 1946 – Saturday 13 January 2024) saw the release of ‘Cookin’ Cajun’ (K-Tel Records, 1996), which was produced by Eddy Raven, and included the following tracks:
‘Jambalaya (On The Bayou)’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘Colinda’ (written by Jerry Foster and Eddy Raven)
‘Tear-Stained Letter’ (written by Richard Thompson)
‘Fais Do Do’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Zydeco Lady’ (written by Eddy Raven and Troy Seals)
‘No More One More Time’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Troy Seals
‘Papa Thibodeaux’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Sugar Bee’ (written by Eddie Shuler)
‘Cher Jole Blon’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Jo-El Sonnier (Wednesday 2 October 1946 – Saturday 13 January 2024)
‘Good Deal Lucille’, which was written by Joseph Denton ‘Jay’ Miller (Friday 5 May 1922 – Saturday 23 March 1996), Al Terry and Charles Theriot
‘I’m Gonna Get You’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006)
‘Diggy Diggy Lo’, which was written by Joseph Denton ‘Jay’ Miller (Friday 5 May 1922 – Saturday 23 March 1996)
‘Cher Big Mamou’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Louisiana 1927’ (written by Randy Newman)
On Tuesday 15 October 1996, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘I Got Mexico’ (Kingfisher Records, 1996), which included the following tracks:
‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Frank Myers and Eddy Raven)
‘Joe Knows How To Live’ (written by Troy Seals)
‘Operator Operator’, which was written by Larry Willoughby (1947 – Friday 15 January 2021) – Rodney Crowell‘s cousin – and Janet Willoughby
‘Shine, Shine, Shine’ (written by Ken Bell and Bud McGuire)
‘You Should Have Been Gone By Now’, which was written by Frank Myers, Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) and Eddy Raven
‘Right Hand Man’ (written by Gary Scruggs)
‘I Could Use Another You’ (written by Bucky Jones, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters)
‘I Should’ve Called’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘I Wanna Hear It From You’, which was written by Rick Giles and Nancy Montgomery (1955 – Friday 17 April 2015)
‘I’m Gonna Get You’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006)
‘Love Lifted Me’ (traditional)
‘Leaning On The Everlasting Arms’ (traditional)
Logue & McCool – Chris Logue and Pat McCool (Tuesday 14 October 1952 – Monday 18 October 2010) – recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Folks Out On The Road’ (co-written with Frank Myers) and included the track on ‘Unconditional Love’ (Hazel Music, 1997).
On Tuesday 22 July 1997, The Bellamy Brothers (Howard Bellamy and David Bellamy) saw the release of ‘Over The Line’ (Intersound Records, 1997); one of the included tracks was ‘Catahoula’, which featured guest vocals from Eddy Raven and Jo-El Sonnier, and was released as a single in 1998, but it did not chart.
Gene Watson recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘This Circus That You Call A Rodeo’ (co-written with Monty Holmes and Michael Huffman) and included the track on ‘From The Heart‘ (RMG Records, 2001); RMG Records was co-owned by Eddy Raven and Larry Barnett and their wives.
On Tuesday 6 March 2001, Eddy Raven saw the release of ‘Living In Black & White’ (Row Music Records, 2001), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Cowboys Don’t Cry’ (written by Eddy Raven) (No.60, 2001)
‘New Orleans Is A Mighty Good Town’ (written by Eddy Raven) / this track, which featured Buckwheat Zydeco, was released as a single in 2001, but did not chart
Eddy Raven’s ‘Living In Black & White’ (Row Music Records, 2001) also included the following tracks:
‘Living In Black & White’ (written by Gary Baker, Tracy Lawrence and Frank Myers)
‘Don’t Worry About Me’ (written by Gary Baker, Richie McDonald and Frank Myers)
‘A Little Bit More’ (written by Jerry Laseter, Kerry Kurt Phillips and David Stewart)
‘Blue Cajun Moon’ (written by Don Goodman and Ricky Ray Rector)
‘Til I Can’t Hold You Anymore’, which was written by Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), Lynn Gillespie Chater and Eddy Raven
‘Hearing It In French’ (written by Walt Aldridge and Bruce Miller)
‘Bermuda Triangle’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘You Don’t Have To Live With It’, which was written by Earl Thomas Conley (Friday 17 October 1941 – Wednesday 10 April 2019) and Rick Ferrell
‘Coldest Fire’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘If Wishing Only Made It So’ (written by David Stewart)
In 2006, George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) re-recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Should Have Called’, which was co-written with Linda Hargrove (Thursday 3 February 1949 – Sunday 24 October 2010); the track, which was produced by Keith Stegall, was subsequently included on ‘George Jones: Hits’ (Bandit Records, 2011).
Todd Fritsch recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Got Mexico’ (co-written with Frank Myers) and included the track on his self-titled debut album, ‘Todd Fritsch’ (Diamond Music, 2005); the original version of this track was recorded by Eddy Raven, who included it on ‘I Could Use Another You’ (RCA Records, 1984), and was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June 1984.
Todd Fritsch recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Tequila Tells’ (co-written with Frank Myers) and included the track on ‘Sawdust’ (Diamond Records, 2007).
Toby Keith (Saturday 8 July 1961 – Monday 5 February 2024) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Cabo San Lucas’ (co-written with Toby Keith) and included the track on ‘That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy’ (Show Dog Music, 2009).
Tony Booth recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Sometimes I Talk In My Sleep’ and included the track on ‘The Other Side of Love’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2010).
Elvis Costello recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘Big Boys Cry’ and included the track on ‘Naional Ransack EP’ (Hear Music / Universal Music Group, 2010).
Toby Keith (Saturday 8 July 1961 – Monday 5 February 2024) recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘South of You’ (co-written with Toby Keith) and included the track on ‘Clancy’s Tavern’ (Show Dog-Universal Music, 2011).
On Tuesday 8 March 2011, Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) saw the release of ‘Choices’ (Music City Records, 2011), his first album of new material in eight years; one of the included tracks was Eddy Raven’s ‘Cajun Party Time’, which was co-written with Charlie Monk.
In 2011, George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) saw the release of ‘George Jones: Hits’ (Bandit Records, 2011), which was produced by Keith Stegall; the album included a re-recording, from 2006, of Eddy Raven’s ‘I Should Have Called’, which was co-written with Linda Hargrove (Thursday 3 February 1949 – Sunday 24 October 2010).
Diane McCall recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘I Got Mexico’ (co-written with Frank Myers) and included the track on ‘My Imagination’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2012).
Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘That’s So Cool’ (co-written with Lorrie Morgan and Frank J. Myers) and included the track on ‘Dos Divas’ (Red River Entertainment, 2013).
On Friday 21 July 2017, Eddy Raven & Carolina Road saw the release of ‘All Grassed Up’ (Pinecastle Records, 2017), which included the following tracks:
‘All Grassed Up’ (written by Eddy Raven and David Stewart)
‘Too Wet To Plow’ (written by David Stewart)
‘Good Morning Country Rain’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Bayou Boys’ (written by Frank Myers, Eddy Raven and Troy Seals)
‘Thank God For Kids’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms’ (Public Domain)
‘I Should Have Called’, which was written by Eddy Raven and Linda Hargrove (Thursday 3 February 1949 – Sunday 24 October 2010)
‘I Got Mexico’ (written by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers)
‘Who Do You Know In California’ (written by Eddy Raven)
‘Island’ (written by Eddy Raven and Troy Seals)
‘Operator Operator’, which was written by Larry Willoughby (1947 – Friday 15 January 2021) – Rodney Crowell‘s cousin – and Janet Willoughby
‘Sooner Or Later’ (written by Beckie Foster, Bill LaBounty and Susan Longacre)
Moe Bandy recorded Eddy Raven’s ‘The Last of The Sunshine Cowboys’ (co-written with Mo Pitney and Bobby Tomberlin) and included the track on ‘A Love Like That’ (Spur Records, 2020), which was produced by Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020).
Overall, Eddy Raven enjoyed his time in the limelight as a country music artist.
Eddy Raven achieved seven Billboard country music No.1 hit singles, along with fourteen Billboard Top 10 hit singles.
Eddy Raven also saw the release of twenty-two albums between 1984 and the end of the 1980s.
• Visit Eddy Raven’s official site at eddyraven.com
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