Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted during 2018, 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 Even Stevens, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 29 May 2018.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Even Stevens who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Even Stevens
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 29 May 2018.
‘Gene Watson…always the best taste in songs (although I never was lucky enough to get his voice on one of mine!) and every song always sounded so real and true!
A classic for sure!’
Thank you, Even Stevens, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Even Stevens…
Even Stevens was born Bruce Stevens in Cincinnati, Ohio and was raised in the small town of Lewistown, Ohio.
Even Stevens was first exposed to music by his minister father, Floyd, and sister Sandra in their family group, The Gospel Balladeers, which toured and recorded locally.
After high school, Even Stevens worked for about a year as a barber before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard, where he became a Morse Code operator. While stationed in California, Even Stevens began to write songs and perform in the folk clubs of Monterey and San Francisco.
Even Stevens also began to sell his paintings.
Back in Ohio, Even Stevens’ plans to enroll in art school were interrupted by an invitation from his musician / engineer uncle, Bob, to visit Nashville.
In 1970, Even Stevens arrived in Nashville, and the ‘visit’ turned into permanent residency.
Even Stevens’ first years in Music City were rough. He slept in his Jeep and on friends’ couches. He worked as a parking-lot attendant at the airport.
(Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998)
In 1972, Even Stevens began collaborating with fellow struggling songwriter Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and they teamed up with engineer / producer / writer David Malloy in a publishing venture called DebDave / Briarpatch.
In 1973, Even Stevens finally received his first song recording when Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) placed ‘I’m In For Stormy Weather’ on ‘The Toast of ’45’ (Mega Records, 1973).
Other artists who recorded early Even Stevens songs included George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), Stella Parton, Stonewall Jackson (Sunday 6 November 1932 – Saturday 4 December 2021), and Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 – Sunday 21 May 2006).
In 1975, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) began having hits with their co-written songs and, by the following year (1976), was scoring the first of many No.1 hit singles with them.
In 1975 – 1978, Even Stevens recorded an album and a series of singles for Elektra Records, but he quickly learned that he much preferred being a writer to being a performer.
The David Malloy / Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) / Even Stevens songs, ‘I Love A Rainy Night’, ‘Drivin’ My Life Away’ and ‘Step By Step’, became pop-crossover smash hit singles in 1980 – 1981.
‘Suspicions’, which was co-written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and Even Stevens with Randy McCormick, was named as BMI’s ‘Country Song of The Year’ in 1980.
Even Stevens’ collaborations with others resulted in a number of hit singles, including Ricky Skaggs’ ‘Lovin’ Only Me’ (1989), The Oak Ridge Boys’ ‘No Matter How High’ (1989), Conway Twitty’s ‘Crazy In Love’ (1990) and Lacy J. Dalton’s ‘Black Coffee’ (1990).
In 1979, Even Stevens wrote the Dr. Hook pop music hit single, ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’, on his own.
In 1982, ‘Love Will Turn You Around’, which was co-written with Thom Schuyler, David Malloy and its singer, Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020), was named as ASCAP’s ‘Country Song of The Year’ in 1982.
Even Stevens also won awards for a series of Miller Beer jingles. By 2015, Even Stevens had accumulated 55 BMI songwriting honours.
As a producer, Even Stevens has guided recordings by Englebert Humperdinck, Wood Newton, Stella Parton and Zella Lehr, as well as Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998).
Even Stevens’ songs have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Alabama, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Johnny Mathis, Dolly Parton, Joe Cocker (Saturday 20 May 1944 – Monday 22 December 2014), Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017), Barbara Mandrell, Kim Carnes, Ronnie Milsap, Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993), and Julio Iglesias, among many others.
Even Stevens’ songwriting career spans many years, and stylistic borders, from the multi-platinum international hit single, ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ by Dr. Hook, to the three-week running No.1 pop music hit single, ‘I Love A Rainy Night’ by long-time partner and superstar, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998).
Even Stevens has accumulated an unprecedented 55 BMI Awards, including the following:
• 14 Pop Awards
• 26 Country Awards
• 1 Five Millionaire Award
• 1 Four Millionaire Award
• 2 Three Millionaire Awards
• 4 Two Millionaire Awards
• 6 One Millionaire Awards
As a Grammy-nominated composer, Even Stevens has written ASCAP’s ‘Most Played Song of The Year, ‘Love Will Turn You Around’, which was recorded by Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020), and won BMI’s Robert J. Burton Award ‘Song of The Year for ‘Suspicions’ by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), earning Even Stevens the distinction as a BMI ‘Songwriter of The Century’.
Even Stevens received New York’s prestigious ‘Big Apple Advertising Award’ for writing a series of national Miller Beer television and radio commercials, the Country Music Association (CMA) ‘Triple Play Award’, for having three No.1 hit singles in one year, and has achieved No.1 songs in numerous motion pictures and television productions.
On Sunday 11 October 2015, Even Stevens was inducted into The Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
An eclectic, and quite impressive, list of artists have recorded Even Stevens’ songs over the years.
On Thursday 29 January 1970, Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) saw the release of ‘Kentucky Rain’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and Dick Heard (1937 – Tuesday 8 September 1998); the track, which was a non-album track, featured pianist Ronnie Milsap, and reached No.16 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1970.
Elvis Presley’s recording of ‘Kentucky Rain’ was subsequently included on ‘Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits Volume 1’ (RCA Records, 1970), and reached the following chart positions:
• Canadian RPM Top Singles Chart (No.10, 1970)
• Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart (No.4, 1970)
• Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart (No.1, 1970)
• Ireland (IRMA Chart) (No.14, 1970)
• United Kingdom Singles Chart (No.21, 1970)
• Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart (No.16, 1970)
• Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart (No.3, 1970)
• Billboard country music singles chart (No.31, 1970)
Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘I’m In For Stormy Weather’ and included the track on ‘The Toast of ’45’ (Mega Records, 1973); this track was Even Stevens’ first song to be recorded.
Johnny Bush (Sunday 17 February 1935 – Friday 16 October 2020) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Drinkin’ My Baby (Off My Mind)’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Here Comes The World’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973).
Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 – Sunday 21 May 2006) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Fine As Wine’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Fine As Wine’ (MGM Records, 1974); the track reached No.73 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
Brenda Lee recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Rock On Baby’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Now’ (MCA Records, 1974); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
Mel Street (Saturday 21 October 1933 – Saturday 21 October 1978) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Loving On Borrowed Time’, which was co-written with Dick Heard (1937 – Tuesday 8 September 1998), Mel Street, David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Two Way Street’ (GRT Records, 1974); the track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
In 1974, Stonewall Jackson (Sunday 6 November 1932 – Saturday 4 December 2021) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Don’t Be Late’, as a non-album track, on GRT Records; the track was subsequently included on ‘Stonewall Jackson’s Greatest Hits’ (GRT Records, 1976).
James Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Price (Wednesday 27 May 1931 – Tuesday 4 August 1987) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Que Pasa’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Turn On Your Light & Let It Shine’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974); the track reached No.69 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
In 1974, Jerry ‘Max’ Lane saw the release, on ABC Records, of ‘Right Out of This World’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998); the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.63 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974.
The B-side of Jerry ‘Max’ Lane’s recording of ‘Right Out of This World’ (ABC Records, 1974) was ‘Fine As Wine’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998).
In 1975, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of his self-titled debut album, ‘Eddie Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1975), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You Get To Me’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) (No.34, 1974)
‘Forgive & Forget’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) (No.12, 1975)
‘I Should Have Married You’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.11, 1975)
Eddie Rabbitt’s self-titled debut album, ‘Eddie Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1975), also included the following tracks:
‘Love Me To Sleep’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Long Gone’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Pure Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) / this track was also recorded by Ronnie Milsap, who included it on ‘Pure Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974); Ronnie Milsap’s version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in 1974
‘When I Was Young’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Savin’ My Love For My Baby’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Sweet Janine’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘It Just Ain’t Hit Me Yet’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
Eddie Rabbitt’s self-titled debut album, ‘Eddie Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1975), reached No.41 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
In 2006, Wounded Bird Records released Eddie Rabbitt’s self-titled debut album, ‘Eddie Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1975), along with Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1977), as a special ‘2-on-1’ CD set.
In 1975, Nick Nixon (1939 – Tuesday 30 July 2013) saw the release, on Mercury Records, of ‘It’s Only A Barroom’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998); the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.55 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
In 1975, Even Stevens saw the release, on Elektra Records, of ‘Let The Little Boy Dream’ (written by Even Stevens); the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.38 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
Mel Street (Saturday 21 October 1933 – Saturday 21 October 1978) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Forbidden Angel’ (co-written with J. Riggs) and included the track on ‘Smokey Mountain Memories’ (GRT Records, 1975); the track reached No.16 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
In 1975, Zella Lehr saw the release, on Mega Records (United States) and Ocean Records (United Kingdom), of ‘I Can’t Help Myself’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998); the track, which was a non-album single, did not appear on the Billboard country music singles chart.
In 1976, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Rocky Mountain Music’ (Elektra Records, 1976), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Drinkin’ My Baby (Off My Mind)’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.1 for one week in April 1976)
‘Rocky Mountain Music’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) (No.5, 1976)
‘Two Dollars In The Jukebox’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) (No.3, 1977)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rocky Mountain Music’ (Elektra Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘Do You Right Tonight’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘I Can’t Get This Ring Off My Finger’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘I Don’t Wanna Make Love (With Anyone But You)’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) / a re-recorded version of this track was included on Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Loveline’ (Elektra Records, 1979)
‘I Just Got To Have You’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Tullahoma Dancing Pizza Man’ (written by Chris Gantry and Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Ain’t I Something’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘There’s Someone She Lies To (To Lay Here With Me)’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Could You Love A Poor Boy, Dolly’ (written by Even Stevens)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rocky Mountain Music’ (Elektra Records, 1976) included the following:
David Briggs and Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Johnny Christopher, Michael Spriggs and Pete Wade (Sunday 16 December 1934 – Tuesday 27 August 2024) (acoustic guitar)
Sonny Garrish and Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 2005) (steel guitar)
Steve Gibson and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Lea Jane Singers (background vocals)
Shane Keister (piano, synthesizer)
Mike Leech, Joe Osborn and Jack Williams (bass guitar)
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) (acoustic guitar, lead vocals, background vocals)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle, violin)
Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (acoustic guitar, banjo)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rocky Mountain Music’ (Elektra Records, 1976) reached No.14 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
In 1976, Even Stevens & Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) saw the release of ‘Huckleberry Pie’ (written by Even Stevens); the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.81 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976.
Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘I’ll Get Better’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘As Long As There’s A Sunday’ (Elektra Records, 1976); the track reached No.60 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976.
In 1977, Even Stevens saw the release of ‘Thorn On The Rose’ (Elektra Records, 1977), which included the following tracks:
‘The King of Country Music Meets The Queen of Rock & Roll’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) / this track was a duet with Sherry Grooms
‘Come In Outta The Sun’, which was written by Chris Gantry and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May May 1999)
‘Delta Queen’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998)
‘A Piece of The Rock’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998)
‘Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho’ (Public Domain / arranged by Floyd A. Stevens)
‘Someone’s Being Born’ (written by Even Stevens, Floyd A. Stevens and Sandra Lee)
‘She’s In The Toothpaste Commercial’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Vanilla’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Too Many Nights Alone’, which was written by Even Stevens and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘I’m From Outer Space’, which was written by Even Stevens and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Up Your Nose’ (written by Even Stevens)
Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Days That End In Y’ (co-written with Jim Malloy) and included the track on ‘Mixed Emotions’ (Elektra Records, 1977); the track reached No.23 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.
Vernon Oxford (Sunday 8 June 1941 – Friday 18 August 2023) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Don’t Be Late’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘I Just Want To Be A Country Singer’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘If I Could Put Them All Together (I’d Have You)’ (co-written with Jim Malloy) and included the track on ‘I Wanta Sing’ (Elektra Records, 1977); the track reached No.24 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.
On Tuesday 24 May 1977, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1977), which was produced by David Malloy, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Can’t Help Myself’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.2, 1977)
‘We Can’t Go On Living Like This’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.6, 1977)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘I’m A Little Bit Lonesome’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Stop, Look & Listen’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Girl On My Mind’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘You Make Love Beautiful’ (written by Alan Ray, David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Sure Thing’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Jewelry Store’ (written by Alan Ray)
‘Is There A Country Song On The Jukebox’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘She Loves Me Like She Means It’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1977) included the following:
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
Steve Gibson and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) and Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) (acoustic guitar, lead vocals, background vocals)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Mike Suttle (background vocals)
Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (acoustic guitar)
Jack Williams (bass guitar)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1977) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
In 2006, Wounded Bird Records released Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1977), along with Eddie Rabbitt’s self-titled debut album, ‘Eddie Rabbitt’ (Elektra Records, 1975), as a special ‘2 LPs on 1 CD’ set.
Stella Parton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘The Danger of A Stranger’, which was co-written with Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999), and included the track on ‘Country Sweet’ (Elektra Records, 1977); the track, which reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, and No.35 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1977, was subsequently included on ‘The Best of Stella Parton‘ (Elektra Records, 1979).
Stella Parton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Four Little Letters’ (co-written with Dan Tyler) and included the track on ‘Stella Parton’ (Elektra Records, 1978); the track, which reached No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, was subsequently included on ‘The Best of Stella Parton‘ (Elektra Records, 1979).
Stella Parton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Undercover Lovers’ (co-written with Sherry Grooms) and included the track on ‘Stella Parton’ (Elektra Records, 1978); the track, which reached No.28 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, was subsequently included on ‘The Best of Stella Parton‘ (Elektra Records, 1979).
On Tuesday 14 March 1978, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Variations’ (Elektra Records, 1978), which was produced by David Malloy, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Hearts On Fire’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and Dan Tyler) (No.2, 1978)
‘You Don’t Love Me Anymore’ (written by Alan Ray and Jeff Raymond) (No.1 for one week in August 1978) / this track also reached No.18 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1978
‘I Just Want To Love You’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy) (No.1 for one week in December 1978)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Variations’ (Elektra Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
‘The Room At The Top of The Stairs’ (written by Dan Tyler and Even Stevens)
‘Crossin’ The Mississippi’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Plain As The Pain On My Face’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Hurtin’ For You’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy)
‘Kentucky Rain’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt and Dick Heard (1937 – Tuesday 8 September 1998) / this track was also recorded by Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977), who included the track on ‘Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Volume 1’ (RCA Records, 1970); Elvis Presley’s recording of ‘Kentucky Rain’ reached No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1970
‘Caroline’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy)
‘Song of Ireland’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy) / this track featured Eddie Rabbitt’s father, Thomas Rabbitt, on Irish fiddle
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Variations’ (Elektra Records, 1978) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
On Thursday 27 April 1978, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) named Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) as ‘Top New Male Vocalist’.
In 1978, Sherry Grooms saw the release, on Parachute Records, of ‘Me’ (written by Dan Tyler, Even Stevens and David Malloy); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.87 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
Bobby Bare recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Too Many Nights Alone’, which was co-written with Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999), and included the track on ‘Bare’ (Columbia Records, 1978); the track reached No.29 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
Wood Newton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Last Exit For Love’ (co-written with Dan Tyler) and included the track on ‘Wood Newton’ (Elektra Records, 1979); the track reached No.52 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1978.
Wood Newton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Lock Stock & Barrel’ (co-written with Bobby James Bourgoin) and included the track on ‘Wood Newton’ (Elektra Records, 1979); the track reached No.44 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1979.
On Wednesday 9 May 1979, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Loveline’ (Elektra Records, 1979), which was produced by David Malloy, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Suspicions’ (written by David Malloy, Randy McCormick, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.1 for one week in August 1979) / this track also reached No.13 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1979, and No.9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1979
‘Pour Me Another Tequila’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.5, 1979)
‘Gone Too Far’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.1 for one week in May 1980) / this track also reached No.82 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1980, and No.35 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1980
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Loveline’ (Elektra Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
‘Loveline’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) / this track was also recorded by Dr. Hook, who included it on ‘Players In The Dark’ (Casablanca Records, 1982); Dr. Hook’s version became their last entry on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart, reaching No.60 in 1982 / Dr. Hook’s Ray Sawyer, who was born on Monday 1 February 1937, passed away on Monday 31 December 2018
‘One & Only One’ (written by Paul Overstreet, Even Stevens, Eddie Rabbitt and David Malloy)
‘So Fine’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘I Will Never Let You Go Again’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Amazing Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Dan Tyler, David Malloy and Even Stevens)
‘It’s Always Like The First Time’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘I Don’t Wanna Make Love (With Anyone But You)’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) / this track was previously included on Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Rocky Mountain Music’ (Elektra Records, 1976), but this is a re-recorded version
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Loveline’ (Elektra Records, 1979) included the following:
Barry Beckett (keyboards)
Dennis Belfield, David Hood, David Hungate and Norbert Putnam (bass guitar)
Larry Byrom and Jimmy Johnson (electric guitar)
Steve Forman (percussion)
Sherry Grooms, Michelle Gruska and Sarah Taylor (background vocals)
Roger Hawkins (drums)
Timothy May (acoustic guitar)
Randy McCormick (keyboards, synthesizer)
Eddie Rabbitt (acoustic guitar, lead vocals, background vocals)
Ernie Watts (flute)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Loveline’ (Elektra Records, 1979) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979.
Stella Parton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘The Room At The Top of The Stairs’ (co-written with Dan Tyler) and included the track on ‘Love Ya’ (Elektra Records, 1979); the track, which reached No.36 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979, was subsequently included on ‘The Best of Stella Parton‘ (Elektra Records, 1979).
Dr. Hook recorded Even Stevens’ ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ and included the track on ‘Pleasure & Pain’ (Capitol Records, 1979); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1979, and was No.1 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart for three weeks in November 1979.
In 1992, Dr. Hook’s recording of Even Stevens’ ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ reached No.44 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart.
Dr. Hook recorded Even Stevens’ ‘All The Time In The World’, which was co-written with Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999), and included the track on ‘Pleasure & Pain’ (Capitol Records, 1979); the track reached No.54 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1979, and No.82 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
Dr. Hook recorded Even Stevens’ ‘You Make My Pants Want To Get Up & Dance’, which was co-written with Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999), and included the track on ‘Pleasure & Pain’ (Capitol Records, 1979).
On Friday 20 June 1980, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Horizon’ (Elektra Records, 1980), which was produced by David Malloy, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Drivin’ My Life Away’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy) (No.1 for one week in August 1980) / this track, which also reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1980, and No.9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1980, was included on the soundtrack album for the movie, ‘Roadie’
‘I Love A Rainy Night’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy) (No.1 for one week in January 1981) / this track also reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1980, and No.1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1980 / this track was the only single in Eddie Rabbitt’s career to reach No.1 on all three charts
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Horizon’ (Elektra Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘747’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt) / this track was re-recorded by Eddie Rabbitt, who included it on ‘Ten Rounds’ (Capitol Records, 1991)
‘Short Road To Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Rockin’ With My Baby’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘I Need To Fall In Love Again’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Even Stevens)
‘So Deep In Your Love” (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘What Will I Write’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Pretty Lady’ (written by David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Just The Way It Is’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Horizon’ (Elektra Records, 1980) included the following:
Don Barrett, David Hungate and Norbert Putnam (bass guitar)
Larry Byrom (electric guitar)
Alan Feingold (piano, keyboards)
Sherry Grooms, David Malloy and Paul Overstreet (background vocals)
Randy McCormick (keyboards, synthesizer)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) (lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar)
James Stroud (drums, percussion)
Randy McCormick and Larry Muhoberac (string arrangements)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Horizon’ (Elektra Records, 1980) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980, No.19 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1980, and No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1980.
In 2009, Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Horizon’ (Elektra Records, 1980) was issued on CD, for the first time.
Brenda Lee recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Too Many Nights Alone’, which was co-written with Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999), and included the track on ‘Take Me Back’ (MCA Records, 1980).
In 1981, Sami Jo saw the release of ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Here Comes The Feeling)’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and Even Stevens; the track reached No.82 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.
On Friday 31 July 1981, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Step By Step’ (Elektra Records, 1981), which was produced by Even Stevens, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Step By Step’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy) (No.1 for one week in October 1981) / this track also reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1981, and No.3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1981 / Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Step By Step’ was the first country video aired by MTV (Music Television)
‘Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, David Malloy and Even Stevens) (No.1 for one week in February 1982) / this track also reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1982, and No.3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1982
‘I Don’t Know Where To Start’ (written by Thom Schuyler) (No.2 for three weeks in 1982) / this track also reached No.9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1981
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Step By Step’ (Elektra Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘Early In The Mornin’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and David Malloy)
‘Bring Back The Sunshine’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Skip A Beat’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens, Larry Byrom and David Malloy)
‘Dim, Dim, The Lights’ (written by David Malloy, Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Rivers’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Larry Byrom, David Malloy and Even Stevens)
‘Nobody Loves Me Like My Baby’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘My Only Wish’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Step By Step’ (Elektra Records, 1981) included the following:
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) (lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) and Larry Byrom (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, electric guitar)
David Hungate and Don Barrett (bass)
Randy McCormick (keyboards, synthesizer, string arrangements)
James Stroud (drums, percussion)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Step By Step’ (Elektra Records, 1981) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981, and No.23 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1981.
The rights to Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Step By Step’ (Elektra Records, 1981), which was originally released in 1981 under the Elektra Records label, were later sold to Liberty Records.
In May 1981, in Nashville, Elvis Costello & The Attractions recorded Even Stevens’ ‘If I Could Put Them All Together (I’d Have You)’; although ‘Almost Blue’ (United Kingdom: F-Beat Records, 1981 / United States: Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and was released on Friday 23 October 1981, this track was not included until Tuesday 3 August 2004, when Rhino Records re-issued the album with a bonus disc.
On Friday 1 October 1982, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Radio Romance’ (Elektra Records, 1982), which was produced by David Malloy, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You & I’ (written by Frank Myers) (No.1 for one week in December 1982) / this track, which was a duet with Crystal Gayle, also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1982, No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1982, and No.2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1982
‘You Can’t Run From Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, David Malloy and Even Stevens) (No.1 for one week in June 1983) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983, No.55 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1983, and No.2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1983
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Radio Romance’ (Elektra Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
‘Years After You’ (written by Thom Schuyler) / this track was also recorded by John Conlee, who included it on ‘Blue Highway’ (MCA Records, 1984); John Conlee‘s version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984, and No.2 on the Canadian Country Songs Chart in 1984
‘Good Night For Falling In Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, David Malloy and Even Stevens) / this track was also recorded by Hillary Kanter, who included it on ‘Crazy in Love’ (RCA Records, 1984); Hillary Kanter’s version reached No.51 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984
‘You Got Me Now’ (written by Even Stevens, Eddie Rabbitt and David Malloy)
‘Our Love Will Survive’ (written by Even Stevens, David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Randy McCormick)
‘Stranger In Your Eyes’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and David Malloy)
‘Bedroom Eyes’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens, David Malloy and Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022)
‘Laughin’ On The Outside’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, David Malloy and Even Stevens)
‘All My Life, All My Love’, which was written by Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017), David Malloy, Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Radio Romance’ (Elektra Records, 1982) included the following:
Larry Byrom and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (electric guitar)
Joe Chemay and David Hungate (bass guitar)
Anthony Crawford (steel guitar)
Crystal Gayle (duet vocals on ‘You & I’)
Dennis Henson, David Malloy and Rick Palombi (background vocals)
Shane Keister (synthesizer)
Randy McCormick (keyboards, synthesizer)
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) (acoustic guitar, lead vocals, background vocals)
James Stroud (drums, percussion)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Radio Romance’ (Elektra Records, 1982) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982, and No.31 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1982.
In 1990, Capitol Records released Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Radio Romance’ (Elektra Records, 1982), on CD, for the first time.
Dr. Hook recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Loveline’, which was co-written with David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Players In The Dark’ (Casablanca Records, 1982); the track, which reached No.62 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1982, became Dr. Hook’s last Billboard chart entry.
Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Love Will Turn You Around’ (co-written with Kenny Rogers, David Malloy and Thom Schuyler) and included the track on ‘Love Will Turn You Around’ (Liberty Records, 1982); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1982, and No.13 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1982.
Kenny Rogers’ recording of Even Stevens’ ‘Love Will Turn You Around’ (co-written with Kenny Rogers, David Malloy and Thom Schuyler) was also the theme song to Kenny Rogers’ 1982 film, ‘Six Pack’, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Male Country Vocal Performance’.
Paul Overstreet recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Beautiful Baby’ (co-written with Paul Overstreet) and included the track on ‘Paul Overstreet’ (RCA Records, 1982); the track reached No.76 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982.
Engelbert Humperdinck recorded Even Stevens’ ‘What Will I Write’, which was co-written with David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘You & Your Lover’ (Epic Records, 1983).
Engelbert Humperdinck recorded Even Stevens’ ‘I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye’ (co-written with Thom Schuyler) and included the track on ‘You & Your Lover’ (Epic Records, 1983).
Engelbert Humperdinck recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Beautiful Baby’ (co-written with Paul Overstreet) and included the track on ‘You & Your Lover’ (Epic Records, 1983).
Engelbert Humperdinck recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Patiently Waiting’, which was co-written with Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022), and included the track on ‘You & Your Lover’ (Epic Records, 1983).
Engelbert Humperdinck recorded Even Stevens’ ‘You Look Good On Me’ (co-written with Bruce Roberts) and included the track on ‘You & Your Lover’ (Epic Records, 1983).
Engelbert Humperdinck recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Two Lovers’, which was co-written with Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and David Malloy, and included the track on ‘You & Your Lover’ (Epic Records, 1983).
In 1984, Hillary Kanter saw the release of ‘Crazy In Love’ (RCA Records, 1984), which included the following tracks:
‘My Heart, It’s Saying Yes’
‘Good Night For Falling In Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, David Malloy and Even Stevens) / this track reached No.51 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984
‘Hey’
‘I Need To Fall In Love Again’
‘Crazy In Love’ (written by Even Stevens and Randy McCormick)
‘I Couldn’t Help Myself’
Joe Cocker (Saturday 20 May 1944 – Monday 22 December 2014) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Crazy In Love’ (co-written with Randy McCormick) and included the track on ‘Civilized Man’ (Capitol Records, 1984).
On Monday 17 September 1984, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘The Best Year of My Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984), which was produced by Even Stevens, Eddie Rabbitt and Jimmy Bowen, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘B-B-B-Burnin’ Up With Love’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (No.3, 1984) / this track also reached No.36 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1984, and No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Songs Chart in 1984
‘The Best Year of My Life’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.1 for one week in 1985) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Songs Chart in 1985
‘Warning Sign’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.4, 1985) / this track also reached No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Songs Chart in 1985
‘She’s Comin’ Back To Say Goodbye’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens) (No.6, 1985) / this track also reached No.22 on the Canadian RPM Country Songs Chart in 1985
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘The Best Year of My Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Could’ve Been Somebody Else’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Dial That Telephone’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Every Night I Fall In Love With You’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and Larry Byrom) / this track was a duet with Hillary Kanter
‘Big Brown Eyes’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
‘Over There’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt)
‘Go To Sleep, Big Bertha’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt and Even Stevens)
Personnel involved in the recording of Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘The Best Year of My Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984) included the following:
Matt Betton (drums)
Spady Brannan, David Hungate and Tom Robb (bass)
Larry Byrom, Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (guitar)
John Barlow Jarvis and Randy McCormick (keyboards)
Paul Leim and Even Stevens (percussion)
Paul Overstreet (vocals)
Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘The Best Year of My Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984) reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
The rights to Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘The Best Year of My Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984) were later sold to Liberty Records.
In 1984, Mike Campbell saw the release, on Columbia Records, of ‘One Sided Love Affair’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.52 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984.
BJ Thomas (Friday 7 August 1942 – Saturday 29 May 2021) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘I Know She’ll Change My Mind’, which was co-written with Thom Schuyler and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017), and included the track on ‘Shining’ (Columbia Records, 1984).
In 1985, Hillary Kanter saw the release of ‘Love Letters At Midnight’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985), which was produced by Even Stevens, and included the following tracks:
‘Love Letters At Midnight’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter)
‘We Work’, which was written by Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017), David Malloy, Even Stevens and Kin Vassy
‘Much Better Off’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter) / this track featured Hillary Kanter on piano
‘It’s Such A Heartache’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter)
‘Crazy In Love’ (written by Even Stevens and Randy McCormick)
‘Michael’ (written by Hillary Kanter) / this track featured Hillary Kanter on piano
‘Baby Won’t Do It!’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter)
‘Without You’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter)
‘The Love You Left In Me’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter) / this track featured Hillary Kanter on harp (classical)
‘California Christmas’, which was written by Even Stevens and Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
Personnel involved in the recording of Hillary Kanter’s ‘Love Letters At Midnight’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985) included the following:
Kris Wilkinson (string arrangements)
Hillary Kanter (string arrangements, backing vocals)
Anthony Crawford, Bruce Dees, Carol Chase, Dennis Wilson, Diane Tidwell and Wendy Waldman (backing vocals)
The A-Strings (strings)
Musicians involved in the recording of Hillary Kanter’s ‘Love Letters At Midnight’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985) included Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017), Brent Rowan, David Humphreys, David Innis, Dennis Holt, James Stroud, Jon Goin, Larry Byrom, Mark Hammond, Sonny Garrish, Tom Robb and Vince Gill.
Randy McCormick (musician: synth string arrangements)
Spady Brannan (musician: backing vocals)
Johnny Mathis recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Step By Step’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and David Malloy, and included the track on ‘Right From The Heart’ (Columbia Records, 1985).
Dolly Parton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘It’s Such A Heartache’ (co-written with Hillary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Real Love’ (RCA Records, 1985); the album was produced by David Malloy, who was best known for his work with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998).
On Monday 24 March 1986, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) saw the release of ‘Rabbitt Trax’ (RCA Records, 1986); one of the included tracks was ‘A World Without Love’ (written by Eddie Rabbitt, Even Stevens and Phil Galdston), which reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1985, and No.35 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in late 1985.
Mac Davis (Wednesday 21 January 1942 – Tuesday 29 September 2020) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Somewhere In America’, which was co-written with Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022), and included the track on ‘Somewhere In America’ (MCA Records, 1986); the track reached No.65 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986.
In 1987, Ride The River saw the release of ‘It’s Such a Heartache’ (written by Even Stevens and Hillary Kanter); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.57 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987.
Kim Carnes recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Crazy In Love’ (co-written with Randy McCormick) and included the track on ‘View From The House’ (MCA Records, 1988); the track reached No.13 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in 1988, and No.68 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988.
Marie Osmond recorded Even Stevens’ ‘99% of The Time’, which was co-written with Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008), Hillary Kanter and Amy Sky, and included the track on ‘All In Love’ (Capitol Records, 1988 / Curb Records, 1990).
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘That’s Why I Fell In Love With You’, which was co-written with Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) and Eddie Rabbitt, and included the track on ‘I Wanna Dance With You’ (RCA Records, 1988); the track reached No.66 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1989.
In 1989, John David Hart saw the release, on Universal Records, of ‘Come Back Brenda’ (written by Even Stevens and Marty Stuart); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.79 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989.
The Marcy Brothers recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Cotton Pickin’ Time’ (co-written with Paul Overstreet) and included the track on ‘Missing You’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989); the track reached No.34 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989.
Ricky Skaggs recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Lovin’ Only Me (co-written with Hillary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Kentucky Thunder’ (Epic Records, 1989); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in 1989.
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Even Stevens’ ‘No Matter How High’ (co-written with Joey Scarbury) and included the track on ‘American Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1989); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for one week in March 1990.
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Crazy In Love’ (co-written with Randy McCormick) and included the track on ‘Crazy In Love’ (MCA Records, 1990); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in November 1990, and No.1 on the Cash Box country music singles chart in 1990, making it the last song of Conway Twitty’s illustrious country music career to hit No.1 on a national chart.
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ and included the track on ‘Crazy In Love’ (MCA Records, 1990).
Lacy J. Dalton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Black Coffee’ (co-written with Hillary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Lacy J.’ (Capitol Records, 1990); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990.
On Monday 20 August 2012, England’s Morello Records released Lacy J. Dalton‘s ‘Lacy J.’ (Capitol Records, 1990), along with Lacy J. Dalton‘s ‘Survivor’ (Universal Records, 1989), as a special ‘2-for-1’ CD set (MRLL4).
Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Crazy In Love’ (co-written with Randy McCormick) and included the track on ‘Love Is Strange’ (Reprise Records, 1990); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in 1990.
Suzy Bogguss recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Blue Days’ (co-written with Hillary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Moment of Truth’ (Liberty Records, 1990).
Crystal Gayle recorded Even Stevens’ ‘99% of The Time’, which was co-written with Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008), Hillary Kanter and Amy Sky, and included the track on ‘Three Good Reasons’ (Liberty Records, 1992).
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Looks Like It’s Gonna Rain Today’ (co-written with Billy Joe Walker Jr.) and included the track on ‘Warm Front’ (Liberty Records, 1993); the track featured guest vocals from John David Souther.
Martina McBride recorded Even Stevens’ ‘A Great Disguise’ (co-written with Greg Barnhill and Hillary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Wild Angels’ (RCA Records, 1995).
M.C. Potts recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Gonna Live As Much As I Can’ (co-written with Hilary Kanter and J.P. Pennington) and included the track on ‘Straight To You’ (Avex Critique, 1996).
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) re-recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Drivin’ My Life Away’ (co-written with David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt) and included the track on ‘Beatin’ The Odds’ (Intersound Records, 1997).
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) re-recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Suspicions’ (co-written with David Malloy, Randy McCormick and Eddie Rabbitt) and included the track on ‘Beatin’ The Odds’ (Intersound Records, 1997).
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) re-recorded Even Stevens’ ‘I Love A Rainy Night’ (co-written with David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt) and included the track on ‘Beatin’ The Odds’ (Intersound Records, 1997).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Your One & Only’ (co-written with Hilary Kanter) and included the track on ‘It Works For Me’ (DRD Records, 1997).
Steel Pulse recorded Even Stevens’ ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ and included the track on ‘Rage & Fury’ (Wise Man Doctrine, 1997).
Julio Iglesias recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Crazy In Love’ (co-written with Randy McCormick) and included the track on ‘My Life: The Greatest Hits’ (Columbia Records, 1998).
Pam Tillis recorded Even Stevens’ ‘A Great Disguise’ (co-written with Greg Barnhill and Hilary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Every Time’ (Arista Records, 1998).
In April 1998, Decca Records released the soundtrack album for the movie, ‘Black Dog’, which starred Patrick (Wayne) Swayze (Monday 18 August 1952 – Monday 14 September 2009), Randy Travis and Meat Loaf (Michael Lee Aday) (Saturday 27 September 1947 – Thursday 20 January 2022); the movie, which was produced by Mutual Film Company and Prelude Pictures and was distributed by Universal Pictures, was released in May 1998.
The soundtrack album for the movie, ‘Black Dog’ (Decca Records, 1998) included the following tracks:
‘A Man With 18 Wheels’ (written by Bobby Carmichael and Leslie Satcher) / this track was performed by Lee Ann Womack
‘Drivin’ My Life Away’, which was written by Even Stevens, Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and David Malloy / this track, which was performed by Rhett Akins, reached No.56 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1998
‘Road Man’ (written by Monty Byrom, Scott Hutchison, David Kaffinetti and Ira Walker) / this track was performed by Big House
‘Highway Junkie’ (written by Chris Knight, Annie Tate and Sam Tate) / this track was performed by Gary Allan
‘The Hammer Going Down’ (written by Chris Knight and Dean Miller) / this track was performed by Chris Knight
‘We Can’t All Be Angels’ (written by David Lee Murphy and Danny Tate) / this track was performed by David Lee Murphy
‘My Greatest Fear’ (written by Randy Travis and Brian Vincent) / this track was performed by Randy Travis
‘On Down The Line’ (written by Kostas) / this track was performed by Patty Loveless
‘Nowhere Road’ (written by Steve Earle and Reno Kling) / this track was performed by Steve Earle
‘Drivin’ All Night Long’ (written by Bruce Robison) / this track was performed by Jack Ingram
‘I Wanna Remember This’ (written by Jennifer Kimball and Annie Roboff) / this track, which was performed by Linda Davis, reached No.20 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1998
Alabama recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Small Stuff’ (co-written with Mark Collie and Hillary Kanter) and included the track on ‘Twentieth Century’ (RCA Records, 1999); the track reached No.24 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999.
On Tuesday 24 March 1999, Tom Jones saw the release of ‘Songbook’ (Charly Records, 1999), a 4-disc CD set; two of the included tracks, on disc 2, were ‘Drivin’ My Life Away’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), Even Stevens and David Malloy, and ‘I Love A Rainy Night’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), Even Stevens and David Malloy.
Elbert West (Saturday 22 July 1967 – Monday 18 May 2015) recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Kiss My Lips Goodbye’ (co-written with D. Scott Miller and Elbert West) and included the track on ‘Livin’ The Life’ (Broken Bow Records, 2001).
In 2004, in England and Europe, EMI Gold released Dr. Hook’s ‘Dr. Hook - The Collection’ (EMI Gold, 2004), which included two previously unreleased tracks, ‘What A Way To Go’ and ‘Angela’s Eyes’, both of which were written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998).
Blake Shelton recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Cotton Pickin’ Time’ (co-written with Paul Overstreet) and included the track on ‘Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2004).
Tim McGraw recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Suspicions’, which was co-written with David Malloy, Randy McCormick and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Let It Go’ (Curb Records, 2007); the track reached No.12 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2007.
Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 December 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) & The Rocky Top X-Press recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Driving My Life Away’, which was co-written with David Malloy and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Bluegrass & Beyond’ (Rounder Records, 2009).
Kenny Chesney recorded Even Stevens’ ‘Round & Round’ (co-written with Scotty Emerick and Paul Overstreet) and included the track on ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey’ (BNA Records, 2010).
Trace Adkins recorded Even Stevens’ ‘When I Stop Loving You’ (co-written with Marty Brown) and included the track on ‘Love Will…’ (Showdog-Universal Music, 2013).
In 2017, Even Stevens saw the release of ‘Roadside Attractions’ (Even Stevens Music, 2017), which included the following tracks:
‘Blue Song For A Grey Day’
‘Blame It On Monday’
‘Georgiana, Alabama’
‘There I Go Dreaming Again’
‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’ (written by Even Stevens)
‘Baby, Stay Away From Me’
‘She’s Good To Go’
‘Driving My Life Away’, which was written by Even Stevens and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998)
‘Crazy In Love’ (written by Even Stevens and Randy McCormick)
‘Words & Music’
• Visit Even Stevens’ official site at evenstevenssongwriter.com