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 2009, 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 Freddy Powers, which he submitted to this site on Monday 12 October 2009.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Freddy Powers who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Freddy Powers
This quote was submitted on Monday 12 October 2009.
‘Gene is a great credit to country music and his voice is worthy of admiration, a real country singer’
Thank you, Freddy Powers, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Freddy Powers…
Freddy Powers (singer / songwriter / producer / musician) was born on Tuesday 13 October 1931 in Duncan, Oklahoma and was raised in Seminole, Texas; his full name was Fredrick Dale Powers, although he preferred to be known as Freddy.
Freddy Powers’ instrument of choice was the guitar and his major musical influences included Django Reinhardt, Paul Buskirk and Floyd Tillman (Tuesday 8 December 1914 – Friday 22 August 2003).
Freddy Powers held many BMI and CMA Awards, including CMA’s ‘Triple Play Award’, ‘Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame’ and ‘Texas Guitar Association Lifetime Achievement Award’.
In 1947, Freddy Powers joined the United States Marine Corps and served in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at Alameda Naval Air Station until 1952. The 1960s saw Freddy Powers becoming one of the most in-demand entertainers in Las Vegas.
Freddy Powers’ songs have been recorded by legendary country music artists, including Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), Willie Nelson, Ray Charles (Tuesday 23 September 1930 – Thursday 10 June 2004), The Wilburn Brothers – Doyle Wilburn (Monday 7 July 1930 – Saturday 16 October 1982) and Teddy Wilburn (Monday 30 November 1931 – Monday 24 November 2003) – Janie Fricke, and Rattlesnake Annie, along with newcomers John Cody, Lee Duffy, and Big & Rich.
Although he was born in Oklahoma, Freddy Powers was a true ‘Texan’ all the way with several famous Texas songs, including the title track for James Michener’s movie ‘Texas’. Other Texas-themed songs included ‘Texas & Oklahoma’, ‘My San Antonio Rose’, ‘Texas All The Way’ and ‘One Less Honky Tonk in Texas’.
Pauline Reese recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘One Less Honky Tonk in Texas’ and included the track on ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’ (Paradora Records, 2004); the track was No.1 on the Texas Music Chart in 2004.
The Wilburn Brothers – Doyle Wilburn (Monday 7 July 1930 – Saturday 16 October 1982) and Teddy Wilburn (Monday 30 November 1931 – Monday 24 November 2003) – recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Nothing At All’ (co-written with Harold Donny) and included the track on ‘Carefree Moments’ (Vocalion Records, 1962).
In February 1981, Willie Nelson saw the release of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ (Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Freddy Powers, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Mona Lisa’ (written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans) (No.11, 1981)
‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter’ (written by Fred E. Ahlert and Joe Young) (No.26, 1981)
Personnel involved in the recording of Willie Nelson’s ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ (Columbia Records, 1981) included the following:
Willie Nelson and Freddy Powers (guitar, vocals)
Paul Buskirk (tenor guitar, mandolin)
Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (fiddle)
Willie Nelson’s ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ (Columbia Records, 1981) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981, No.31 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1981, and No.23 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums Chart in 1981.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘I Always Get Lucky With You’ (co-written with Merle Haggard and Gary Church) and included the track on ‘Big City’ (Epic Records, 1981); the album featured background vocals from Leona Williams.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Lonely Night’ (co-written with M.L. Butler) and included the track on ‘Going Home For Christmas’ (Epic Records, 1982).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) & George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Silver Eagle’ (co-written with Gary Church) and included the track, which was a tribute to Merle Haggard, on ‘A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine’ (Epic Records, 1983); Freddy Powers also played guitar on the recording sessions for the album, which featured background vocals from Leona Williams.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘I Always Get Lucky With You’, which was co-written with Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Gary Church, and included the track on ‘Shine On’ (Epic Records, 1983); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July / August 1983.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) & Leona Williams recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘It’s Cold In California Tonight’ and included the track on ‘Heart To Heart’ (Mercury Records, 1983).
Ray Charles (Tuesday 23 September 1930 – Thursday 10 June 2004) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Little Hotel Room’ and included the track on ‘Friendship’ (Columbia Records, 1984); the track was a duet with Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016).
Ray Charles’ ‘Friendship’ (Columbia Records, 1984) was re-issued by Columbia Records / Legacy Records in 2005.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Let’s Chase Each Other Around The Room’ (co-written with Merle Haggard and Sherill Rodgers) and included the track on ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1984.
Freddy Powers also played rhythm guitar, on all tracks, on Merle Haggard‘s ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘A Place To Fall Apart’ (co-written with Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson) and included the track on ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1985, featured harmony vocals from Janie Fricke, while Freddy Powers played rhythm guitar on the album.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Natural High’ and included the track on ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June 1985, was also included on Merle Haggard‘s ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1984), and featured harmony vocals from Janie Fricke, while Freddy Powers played rhythm guitar on both albums.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Little Hotel Room’ and included the track on ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984); Freddy Powers also played rhythm guitar on the album.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘All I Want To Do Is Sing My Songs’ and included the track on ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984); Freddy Powers also played rhythm guitar on the album.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Ridin’ High’ and included the track on ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1984); the track featured harmony vocals from Janie Fricke.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘You Don’t Love Me Anymore’ and included the track on ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1984).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Amber Waves of Grain’ and included the track on ‘Amber Waves of Grain’ (Epic Records, 1985).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Friend In California’ and included the track on ‘Friend In California’ (Epic Records, 1986).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘This Time I Really Do’ and included the track on ‘Friend In California’ (Epic Records, 1986).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Texas’ and included the track on ‘Friend In California’ (Epic Records, 1986).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Okie From Muskogee Is Comin’ Home’ and included the track on ‘Friend In California’ (Epic Records, 1986).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘This Song Is For You’ and included the track on ‘Friend In California’ (Epic Records, 1986).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) & Willie Nelson recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Shotgun & A Pistol’ and included the track on ‘Seashores of Old Mexico’ (Columbia Records, 1987).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘1929’ and included the track on ‘Chill Factor’ (Epic Records, 1987).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘More Than This Old Heart Can Take’ and included the track on ‘Chill Factor’ (Epic Records, 1987).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Man From Another Time’ and included the track on ‘Chill Factor’ (Epic Records, 1987).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Wouldn’t That Be Something’ and included the track on ‘5:01 Blues’ (Epic Records, 1988).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Somewhere Down The Line’ and included the track on ‘5:01 Blues’ (Epic Records, 1988).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Blue Jungle’ and included the track on ‘Blue Jungle’ (Curb Records, 1990).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Bar In Bakersfield’ and included the track on ‘Blue Jungle’ (Curb Records, 1990).
Scott Joss recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Workin’ Girl’ and included the track on ‘Souvenirs’ (Little Dog Records, 1996).
In 1998, Scott Joss recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Back Playing Honky Tonk Again’; the track was included on ‘Invite Scott Joss Into Your Living Room’ (No Label, 1998).
Scott Joss recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Free At Last’ and included the track on ‘A New Reason To Care’ (Little Dog Records, 2000).
Pauline Reese recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘One Less Honky Tonk In Texas’ and included the track on ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’ (Paradora Records, 2004); the track was No.1 on the Texas Music Chart in 2004.
On Tuesday 28 September 2004, Freddy Powers saw the release of ‘My Great Escape’ (Smith Entertainment Records, 2004), which was produced by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016); the album, which was recorded at Merle Haggard‘s studio in Redding, California with Merle Haggard‘s Strangers, along with Freddy Powers’ guitar player, Django Porter, included the following tracks:
‘My Great Escape’ (written by Rodney Clawson)
‘Like A Movie Star’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘Ol’ Country Singer’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Freddy Powers) / this track was a duet with Merle Haggard
‘On The Road To My Heart (Catherine’s Song)’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘Angel In My Arms’ (written by Django Porter and Freddy Powers)
‘Having A Good Time With You’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn’ (written by Freddy Powers) / this track was a duet with Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘Daytime Night Time Blues’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘Wild Party Blues’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Freddy Powers) / this track was a duet with Merle Haggard
‘Two Timing Woman’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘Romantic Waltz’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘All I Want To Do Is Sing My Song’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Freddy Powers
Personnel involved in the recording of Freddy Powers’ ‘My Great Escape’ (Smith Entertainment Records, 2004) included the following:
Freddy Powers (vocals, guitar)
Django Porter (guitar, background vocals)
Scott Joss (fiddle)
John Rich (bass instrument, background vocals)
Kevin Williams (bass guitar)
Jeff Ingram (drums)
Big Kenny (background vocals)
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) (vocals, guitar)
Doug Colosio (piano)
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004, Freddy Powers vowed to help in research and to help in the needs of other central Texas Parkinson’s patients; the Freddy Powers Parkinson’s Foundation was founded in his honour on Monday 11 April 2005.
On Tuesday 14 September 2004, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) saw the release of ‘Unforgettable’ (Capitol Records / Hag Records, 2004), which was produced by Merle Haggard and Freddy Powers, and included the following tracks:
‘As Time Goes By’ (written by Herman Hupfeld)
‘Gypsy’ (written by Billy Reid)
‘Unforgettable’ (written by Irving Gordon)
‘Stardust’ (written by Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish)
‘I Can’t Get Started’ (written by Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin)
‘Still Missing You’ (written by Freddy Powers)
‘Pennies From Heaven’ (written by Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston)
‘Cry Me A River’ (written by Arthur Hamilton)
‘I’ll Get By (As Long As I Have You)’ (written by Fred E. Ahlert and Roy Turk)
‘You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You’ (written by Russ Morgan, Larry Stock and James Cavanaugh)
‘What Love Can Do’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Teresa Lane Haggard
‘Goin’ Away Party’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
Personnel involved in the recording of Merle Haggard‘s ‘Unforgettable’ (Capitol Records / Hag Records, 2004) included the following:
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) (vocals, guitar)
Biff Adam, Terry Domingue and Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums)
Gary Church (trombone)
Eddie Curtis, B.B. Morse, Leland Sklar and Joe Reed (bass)
Floyd Domino, Oleg Schramm, Catherine Styron and Bobby Wood (piano)
Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 – Saturday 9 May 2015) (fiddle)
Abe Manuel (accordion, fiddle, guitar)
Joe Manuel (guitar)
Don Markum (saxophone, trumpet)
Randy Mason and Freddy Powers (drums, guitar)
Clint Strong, Redd Volkaert and Mike Wheeler (guitar)
Bruce McBeth and Rose Katai (violin)
Soo Kyong Kim (viola)
Kevin Price (cello)
Merle Haggard‘s ‘Unforgettable’ (Capitol Records / Hag Records, 2004) reached No.39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2004.
In 2006, Freddy Powers was inducted into The Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.
On Sunday 12 March 2006, Freddy Powers was inducted into ‘Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame’.
On Saturday 20 May 2006, Freddy Powers received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from Texas Guitar Association.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘Wouldn’t That Be Something’ (co-written with Merle Haggard) and included the track on ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (McCoury Music / Hag Records, 2007), which was produced by Ronnie Reno.
Merle Haggard‘s ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (McCoury Music / Hag Records, 2007), which was released on Tuesday 2 October 2007, was recorded ‘live’ in the studio in one day, with very little overdubbing; guests included Alison Krauss, Marty Stuart and Dobro virtuoso, Rob Ickes.
As well as including Freddy Powers’ ‘Wouldn’t That Be Something’ (co-written with Merle Haggard), Merle Haggard‘s ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (McCoury Music / Hag Records, 2007) also included the following tracks:
‘Runaway Momma’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Pray’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘What Happened?’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Jimmie Rodgers Blues’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Learning To Live With Myself’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Mama’s Hungry Eyes’ (written by Merle Haggard) / this track featured guest vocals from Alison Krauss
‘I Wonder Where To Find You’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Holding Things Together’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Big City’ (written by Merle Haggard and Dean Holloway)
‘Momma’s Prayers’ (written by Merle Haggard)
‘Blues Stay Away From Me’ (written by Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore, Henry Glover and Wayne Raney)
Personnel involved in the recording of Merle Haggard‘s ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (McCoury Music / Hag Records, 2007) included the following:
Charlie Cushman (banjo, guitar)
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) (guitar, vocals)
Aubrey Haynie (fiddle)
Rob Ickes (Dobro, slide guitar)
Ben Isaacs (upright bass)
Carl Jackson (guitar, tenor vocal, vocal arrangement, vocal producer)
Scott Joss (fiddle)
J.D. Wilkes (harmonica)
Alison Krauss (vocals)
Marty Stuart (guitar, mandolin)
Merle Haggard‘s ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (McCoury Music / Hag Records, 2007) reached No.43 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2007, and No.34 on the Billboard Independent Albums Chart in 2007.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Freddy Powers’ ‘The Road To My Heart’ and included the track on ‘I Am What I Am’ (Vanguard Records, 2010).
In 2011, Freddy Powers was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Texas Music Association and The Texas Guitar Association.
In 2013, Freddy Powers was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nashville Songwriters Association.
On Tuesday 8 July 2014, Mary Sarah & Friends saw the release of ‘Bridges: Great American Country Duets’ (Cleopatra Records, 2014), which featured the following duets:
‘Jolene’ (written by Dolly Parton) / this track featured guest vocals from Dolly Parton
‘Crazy’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track featured guest vocals from Willie Nelson
‘Fightin’ Side of Me’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) / this track featured guest vocals from Merle Haggard
‘Heartaches By The Number’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) / this track featured guest vocals from Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ (written by Vince Gill) / this track featured guest vocals from Vince Gill
‘Dream On’ (written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter) / this track featured guest vocals from The Oak Ridge Boys
‘Texas (When I Die)’, which was written by Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) / this track featured guest vocals from Tanya Tucker
‘(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden’, which was written by Joe South (Wednesday 28 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 September 2012) / this track featured guest vocals from Lynn Anderson (Friday 26 September 1947 – Thursday 30 July 2015)
‘What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life’ (written by Archie Jordan) / this track featured guest vocals from Ronnie Milsap
‘Where The Boys Are’ (written by Howard Greenfield and Neil Sedaka) / this track featured guest vocals from Neil Sedaka
‘My Great Escape’ (written by Clawson and Vicky Lynn McGehee) / this track featured guest vocals from Kenny Alphin and John Rich
‘All I Wanna Do Is Sing My Song’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Freddy Powers / this track featured guest vocals from Freddy Powers
‘I’m Sorry’ (written by Ronnie Self)
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016)
Freddy Powers lived in Spicewood, Texas on the outskirts of Austin on Willie Nelson’s golf course.
Freddy Powers toured as an opening act for Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) for many years, and he also performed in Willie Nelson’s band.
On Tuesday 21 June 2016, award-winning singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and producer Freddy Powers passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease; he was 84 years old.
Freddy Powers was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary Powers; brothers Wallace, Don and Jerry Powers, and sisters Mary Lou Butler and Susie Middleton.
Freddy Powers was survived by his wife, Catherine Allen Powers; five children, Joni Cato, Nanci Barns, Patsy Clark, Freddy II and Karen Finkie; sister, Norma Marlowe, ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Military Honours and Final Roast was held at 2:00pm on Thursday 28 July 2016 at Flora-Bama Worship on The Water, with Clergy Dan Stone and Joe Brantley. Freddy Powers was cremated. Additional services were held in Nashville, and in Austin, Texas.
The Powers Family thanked nurses Diane and Tina from Covenant Care, Flora-Bama family and Freddy Powers’ fans all over the world.
Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) will forever be known as a music icon, who was loved by all who knew him. He touched lives with his music, his kindness and most of all his sense of humour.
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