Gene Watson’s Early Days

Gene Watson, with host Ralph Emery, on the set of the 'Pop Goes The Country' television show in 1976

On Monday 6 April 2026, Gene Watson reflected on his early days as a country music artist with Capitol Records.


In 1976, Gene Watson made a guest appearance on 'Pop Goes The Country', hosted by Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 - Saturday 15 January 2022)
In 1976, Gene Watson made a guest appearance on ‘Pop Goes The Country’, hosted by Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 – Saturday 15 January 2022)

‘In my earliest days with a major label, I was happy to be invited to perform on any TV show.

The exposure to a national audience was important to my career, but I have to say I was a little bit nervous in the beginning.

Eventually it got much easier, but I always appreciated how kind Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 – Saturday 15 January 2022) was to me in those early years.

He had me on his radio show many times, as well as his various TV shows over the years.


Gene Watson with Ralph Emery on the set of 'Ralph Emery - Live' in Nashville on Monday 17 September 2007
Gene Watson with Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 – Saturday 15 January 2022) on the set of ‘Ralph Emery – Live’ in Nashville on Monday 17 September 2007

I still hear from fans telling me how much they miss the old Nashville Network TV show that Ralph hosted.

I miss that too.


Gene Watson performing ‘You Could Know As Much About A Stranger’ (written by Nadine Bryant) on ‘Pop Goes The Country’ in 1976; the show was hosted by Ralph Emery (Friday 10 March 1933 – Saturday 15 January 2022).

It was a great one, and gave a lot of young artists a chance to be seen’

Source
Gene Watson on Facebook


Gene Watson: 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' (Capitol Records, 1975)

Gene Watson recorded ‘You Could Know As Much About A Stranger’ (written by Nadine Bryant) and included the track on ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975); the track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.42 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1976.