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 2014, 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 Hugh Moffatt, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 6 February 2014.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Hugh Moffatt who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to David Hossack, who promoted Hugh Moffatt’s appearance, on Thursday 20 February 2014, at The Royal Oak Lounge, 1 Infirmary Street, in Edinburgh, Scotland; without David Hossack’s assistance, this ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson from Hugh Moffatt would not have been possible.
Hugh Moffatt
This quote was submitted on Thursday 6 February 2014.
‘I’m proud to be asked to contribute to your project to honor Gene.
When I first heard ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon‘ in 1975, my first thought was ‘Who the **** is that singer?’
Even during that golden age of country music that included legendary records by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998), George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995), Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), Ronnie Milsap and many others, Gene’s record stood out as something special.
And, he followed it up with many other showcase songs for his compelling voice.
From one transplanted Texan to another, congratulations on 50 years and thanks for not retiring.
We still need you!
All my best to Gene.
I don’t believe we ever met, but we have plowed the same fields for a lot of years’
Thank you, Hugh Moffatt, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Hugh Moffatt…
Hugh Moffatt was born on Wednesday 3 November 1948 in Fort Worth, Texas.
In his youth, Hugh Moffatt learned classical piano and jazz trumpet and was a member of his high school band. Despite early inclinations toward country music, while studying English at Rice University, Hugh Moffatt started listening to Blues music, learned guitar and turned toward jazz and blues, joining a pop band called Rollin’ Wood.
Following his graduation, Hugh Moffatt moved to Austin, Texas and had planned to move to Washington, DC but a visit to The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1973 renewed his old passion for country music, and he stayed there to seek a career in that genre of music and to try his hand at professional songwriting.
Hugh Moffatt first worked as a songwriter, in emulation of Kris Kristofferson and mentor Ed Penney. Success first came when Ronnie Milsap‘s recording of ‘Just In Case’ reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1975; the track was included on Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Night Things’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975), which reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Just In Case’ and included the track on ‘Til I Can Make It On My Own’ (Epic Records, 1976).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Just in Case’ and included the track on ‘This Is Barbara Mandrell’ (Dot Records, 1976).
In 1977, Hugh Moffatt signed a recording deal with Mercury Records and saw the release of two unsuccessful singles, so he then refocused on his songwriting.
It was during the 1970s and 1980s when several artists made hit singles out of Hugh Moffatt’s songs. Hugh Moffatt also saw the release of several critically acclaimed albums of his own.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘That’s All I Wanted To Know’ (co-written with Ed Penney) and included the track on ‘When It’s Just You & Me’ (United Artists Records, 1977).
Hugh Moffatt was married to songwriter Pebe Sebert, with whom he wrote ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’. Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert were married in 1977 and separated in 1984. They have one son, Lagan Blue Sebert, who is a video and documentary film producer living in New York City. Lagan Blue Sebert is married to Sandra Sampayo, an actor and producer; they have one son, Rio.
In 1980, Hugh Moffatt formed a band called Ratz with Wade McCurdy, John Dietrich, Michael Bonagura Jr. and his wife. They saw the release of the self-financed, five-song (extended play) EP disc, ‘Puttin’ On The Ratz’ in 1984.
Lacy J Dalton recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Wild Turkey’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Takin’ It Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1981); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.
In 1986, Hugh Moffatt cut some solo sessions.
In 1987, Hugh Moffatt signed a recording contract with Rounder Records’ subsidiary record label, Philo Records.
In 1987, Hugh Moffatt saw the release of the highly acclaimed album, ‘Loving You’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1987), which is considered a masterpiece of country music / folk music, and included the following tracks:
‘When You Held Me In Your Arms’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Mama Rita’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert) / this track was a duet with Kathy Mattea
‘Words At Twenty Paces’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Slow Moving Freight Train’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘No Stranger To The Blues’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Loving You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’ (written by Bob Dylan)
‘Carolina Star’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / this track was also recorded by The Lee Valley String Band, who included it on ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ (BBC Enterprises, 1991)
‘Jack & Lucy’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / this track was a duet with Katy Moffatt
‘Roll With The Weather’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Jennifer McCarter & The McCarters (Lisa & Teresa McCarter) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ and included the track on ‘The Gift’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988).
In 1989, Hugh Moffatt saw the release of another highly acclaimed album, ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989), which is often considered today as his best work, and which included the following tracks:
‘The Way Love Is’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘The Way It Is’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Verlon Thompson (acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (Dobro)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
‘Rose of My Heart’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Rose of My Heart’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Verlon Thompson (acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (Dobro, steel guitar)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
Katy Moffatt (duet vocals)
‘I’ll Leave The Rest To You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘I’ll Leave The Rest To You’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals, acoustic guitar)
‘Somewhere In Kansas’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / ‘Over The Rainbow’, which was written by Harold Arlen (15 February 1905 – Wednesday 23 April 1986) and Edgar Yipsel Harburg (8 April 1896 – Thursday 5 March 1981)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Somewhere In Kansas’ / ‘Over The Rainbow’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Russ Barenberg and Verlon Thompson (acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Michael Bonagura Jr. (electric guitar)
Katy Moffatt (harmony vocals)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Bruce Sweetman (viola)
‘How Could I Love Her So Much’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘How Could I Love Her So Much’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Russ Barenberg and Verlon Thompson (acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Michael Bonagura Jr. (electric guitar)
Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
Bruce Sweetman (mandolin)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
‘Roses, Love & Promises’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Roses, Love & Promises’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals, acoustic guitar)
Russ Barenberg (acoustic guitar, mandolin)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Bruce Sweetman and Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
Jay Vern (marimba) (synth)
‘Hard Times Come Again No More’, which was written by Stephen Foster (4 July 1826 – 13 January 1864)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Hard Times Come again No More’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Stuart Duncan (bass vocals)
Wade McCurdy (duet vocals, tenor vocals, baritone vocals)
‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals, acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Bruce Sweetman (fiddle, viola)
Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
Stuart Duncan (mandolin)
‘Praise The Lord & Send Me The Money’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘Praise The Lord & Send Me The Money’ included the following:
Jay Vern (accordian) (synth)
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals, acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Bruce Sweetman (fiddle)
Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
Stuart Duncan (mandolin)
Monte Hall (percussion)
‘The Devil Took The Rest’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘The Devil Took The Rest’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Hugh Moffatt and Michael Bonagura Jr. (acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (Dobro)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Bruce Sweetman (fiddle)
Stuart Duncan (mandolin)
‘The Old Songs’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘The Old Songs’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals)
Verlon Thompson (acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Michael Bonagura Jr. (electric guitar)
Wade McCurdy (harmony vocals)
Bruce Sweetman (mandolin)
Monte Hall (percussion)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar, Dobro)
Katy Moffatt (duet vocals)
‘For Mary’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Personnel involved in the recording of ‘For Mary’ included the following:
Hugh Moffatt (lead vocals, acoustic guitar)
Mike Chapman (bass)
In October 1989, Hugh Moffatt recorded ‘Live & Alone’ (Brambus Records, 1990) ‘live’ in Chur, Switzerland; the album was released in 1990, and included the following tracks:
‘When You Held Me In Your Arms’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1987)
‘The Way Love Is’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989)
‘How Could I Love Her So Much’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989)
‘The Lord Don’t Take No Prisoners’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Carolina Star’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1987) / this track was also recorded by The Lee Valley String Band, whose version was included on ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ (BBC Enterprises, 1991)
‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert) / the original version of this track, which was a duet with Kathy Mattea, was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1987)
‘Words At Twenty Paces’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1987)
‘Somewhere In Kansas’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989)
‘Loving You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1987)
‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989)
‘I Get Lonely For You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Rose of My Heart’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989)
‘Your Sweet Love’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘I Do’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘For Mary’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Troubador’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1989)
‘I Always Turn To You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
The Osborne Brothers – Sonny Osborne (Friday 29 October 1937 – Sunday 24 October 2021) and Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 December 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) – recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Hillbilly Fever’ (CMH Records, 1991).
Ann Breen recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Rose of My Heart’ and included the track on ‘It’s For My Dad’ (Play Records, 1991).
In 1992, Hugh Moffatt & Katy Moffatt saw the release of their highly acclaimed ‘Dance Me Outside’ (Philo Records, 1992), a duets project, which included the following tracks:
‘It’s Been Decided’ (written by Michael H. Goldsen and Tom Kell)
‘We’ll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning’, which was written by Joyce Ann Allsup (1939 – Sunday 15 May 2016)
‘On The Borderline’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘I Get Lonely For You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby’, which was written by Robert Autry Inman (Sunday 6 January 1929 – Tuesday 6 September 1988)
‘Dance Me Outside’ (written by Tom Russell)
‘Right Over Me’ (written by Greg Leisz and Katy Moffatt)
‘La Luna’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Making New’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Walking On The Moon’ (written by Katy Moffatt and Tom Russell)
‘The Dark End of The Street’, which was written by Hugh Moffatt, Lincoln Wayne ‘Chips’ Moman (Saturday 12 June 1937 – Monday 13 June 2016) and Dan Penn
Personnel involved in the recording of Hugh Moffatt & Katy Moffatt‘s ‘Dance Me Outside’ (Philo Records, 1992) included the following:
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar, Dobro)
Tim O’Brien (mandolin)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Albert Lee (lead guitar, on two songs)
Kathy Mattea recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ and included the track on ‘Lonesome Standard Time’ (Mercury Records, 1992).
In 1993, Hugh Moffatt teamed with Memphis-based composer, Michael Ching, to co-author the one-act opera, ‘King of The Clouds’.
On Tuesday 25 April 1995, Hugh Moffatt saw the release, as The Hugh Moffatt Trio, of ‘The Wognum Sessions’ (Strictly Country Records, 1995), on Strictly Country Records, a Netherlands-based record label, which included the following tracks:
‘Your Sweet Love’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / this track was also included on Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Live & Alone’ (Brambus Records, 1990), which was recorded ‘live’ in Chur, Switzerland in October 1989; the album was released in 1990
‘I Get Lonely For You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Sittin’ On A Side Track’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘The Dancer’ (written by Michael Hearne and Hugh Moffatt)
‘New Mexico Blue’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Drive Me Wild’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘I Know What You Like’ (written by Layng Martine Jr. and Hugh Moffatt)
‘Red Lips, Blue Eyes, Little White Lies’ (written by Brent Moyer)
‘Island Sunset’ (written by Michel Janssen)
‘I Do’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Dad’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘On The Borderline’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘My Dream’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Nobody Wants To Be Lonely’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘The Way Love Is’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
Cathryn Craig recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘If I Gave My Heart To You’ and included the track on ‘Porch Songs’ (Goldrush Records, 1995).
In 1996, Hugh Moffatt saw the release of ‘The Life of A Minor Poet’ (Watermelon Records, 1996), which included the following tracks:
‘New Moon Night’ (written by Mark Luna and Hugh Moffatt)
‘Sugar Dream’ (written by Mark Luna and Hugh Moffatt)
‘Love Game’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Somewhere Among The Briars’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and John Scott Sherrill)
‘Money, Two’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and Jack Sundrud)
‘I Know The Difference Now’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and Steve O’Brien)
‘Be My Brontosarus Baby’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘The Old Days’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / this track featured guest vocals from Martin Delray
‘A Red Rose For Lisa’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Angels’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Another Road’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘The Life of a Minor Poet’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and David Olney)
In 1998, Hugh Moffatt and Michael Ching, Artistic Director of Opera Memphis, composed a second opera, ‘Out In The Rain’, which made its debut that year.
On Tuesday 15 April 2003, after some time away from the recording studios, Hugh Moffatt saw the release of ‘Ghosts of The Music’ (Brambus Records, 2003), which was a very intimate album release, with all tracks based on solo acoustic guitar.
Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Ghosts of The Music’ (Brambus Records, 2003) included all new songs, with the exception of his standard, ‘Just In Case’, which was originally a No.4 Billboard country music hit for Ronnie Milsap in 1975.
‘Watermelon Moon’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘You & I Make Love’ (written by Mark Luna and Hugh Moffatt)
‘Just In Case’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) / the original version of this track was recorded by Ronnie Milsap, who included it on ‘Night Things’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975); Ronnie Milsap‘s version of the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1975, while Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Night Things’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975
‘Blood Red Moon’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘It Only Hurts When I Dream’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘From The Desk of Elaine’ (written by Mark Luna and Hugh Moffatt)
‘Where That Wind Don’t Blow’ (written by Martin Delray and Hugh Moffatt)
‘It Happens’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and MJ Henderson)
‘After The Dance’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘If Our Love Was A Tractor’ (written by Taylor Dunn and Hugh Moffatt)
‘A Father’s Prayer’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘I Knew Her When’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Give Them Wings’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and John Peppard)
‘Life’s Not Long Enough’ (written by Hugh Moffatt)
‘Enough For You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and John Peppard)
It was also in 2003 when Hugh Moffatt and Michael Ching, Artistic Director of Opera Memphis, premiered their first full-length opera with University of Missouri Show-Me Opera. The opera, entitled ‘Corps of Discovery’, followed the journeys of Lewis and Clark from New Orleans to the Pacific Northwest and back.
On Monday 10 July 2006, Hugh Moffatt saw the release of ‘Songs From The Back of The Church’ (SOHL Records, 2006), which included the following tracks:
Spoken Intro to ‘Hard To Be Human’
‘Hard To Be Human’
Spoken Intro to ‘Jesus, Take Me Fishing’
‘Jesus, Take Me Fishing’
Spoken Intro to ‘Christmas In The Saddle’
‘Christmas In The Saddle’
Spoken Intro to ‘Angels’
‘Angels’
Spoken Intro to ‘Sometimes Heaven’
‘Sometimes Heaven’
Spoken Intro to ‘A Father’s Prayer’
‘A Father’s Prayer’
Spoken Intro to ‘He Should Have Known’
‘He Should Have Known’
Spoken Intro to ‘The Lord Don’t Take No Prisoners’
‘The Lord Don’t Take No Prisoners’
Spoken Intro to ‘Bottle of Wine / Lean On Jesus’
‘Bottle of Wine’ / ‘Lean On Jesus’
Spoken Intro to ‘The Devil Took The Rest’
‘The Devil Took The Rest’
Spoken Intro to ‘Love Me As I Am’
‘Love Me As I Am’
Spoken Intro to ‘Another Road’
‘Another Road’
Spoken Intro to ‘Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone / This Little Light of Mine’
‘Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone’ / ‘This Little Light of Mine’
In 2010, Hugh Moffatt and Michael Ching collaborated on a new English translation of Gluck’s ‘Orfeo ed Eurydice’ for Opera Memphis.
In 2013, Hugh Moffatt saw the release of ‘Only Along For The Ride’ (SOHL Records, 2013), which he described as ‘consisting of songs from over forty years of writing and performing that I have never recorded before. Some new, some old, all important to me – maybe some of them will become important to you. We’re all on this ride together!’
Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Only Along For The Ride’ (SOHL Records, 2013) included the following tracks:
‘Juniper Canyon’
‘Tiger’s’
‘I Knew Her When (2010)’
‘Remembering’
‘Cover Me’
‘Light A Candle’
‘I Know’
‘Cloudy’
‘Rock Bottom’
‘Last Quarter Moon’
‘What I See’
‘Only Along For The Ride’
The list of artists, who have recorded Hugh Moffatt’s songs, is international and multi-dimensional, and quite extraordinary, and includes pop music, country music, Bluegrass music, traditional music and gospel music artists from around the world.
Mack Vickery (Wednesday 8 June 1938 – Tuesday 21 December 2004) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Here’s To The Horses’, which was co-written with Rory Bourke and Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008), and included the track on ‘Mack Vickery: Live At The Alabama Women’s Prison’ (Mega Records, 1970); the album, which was recorded ‘live’ at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama and released on Mega Records, was the first full-length album by Mack Vickery and the only full album he would ever record.
Mack Vickery’s ‘Mack Vickery: Live At The Alabama Women’s Prison’ (Mega Records, 1970) was subsequently re-issued by Bear Family Records in 2008.
Ronnie Milsap recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Just In Case’ and included the track on ‘Night Things’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1975; Ronnie Milsap‘s ‘Night Things’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
Barbara Mandrell recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Just in Case’ and included the track on ‘This Is Barbara Mandrell’ (Dot Records, 1976).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Just In Case’ and included the track on ‘Til I Can Make It On My Own’ (Epic Records, 1976).
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘That’s All I Wanted To Know’ (co-written with Ed Penney) and included the track on ‘When It’s Just You And Me’ (United Artists Records, 1977).
Randy Gurley recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘While I’m Here’ (co-written with Ed Penney) and included the track on ‘Let Me Be The One’ (ABC Records, 1978).
George Hamilton IV (Monday 19 July 1937 – Wednesday 17 September 2014) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Why Should I Cry Over You’ (co-written with Ed Penney) and included the track on ‘Feels Like A Million’ (Anchor Records, 1978).
Joe Sun (James Joseph Paulsen) (Saturday 25 September 1943 – Friday 25 October 2019) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (Ovation Records, 1978); the track reached No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Love Game’ and included the track on ‘When Two Worlds Collide’ (Elektra Records, 1980).
Dolly Parton recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Dolly Dolly Dolly’ (RCA Victor Records, 1980); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September / October 1980.
David Frizzell & Shelly West recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Love & Only Love’ and included the track on ‘Carryin’ The Family Names’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981).
Lacy J Dalton recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Wild Turkey’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Takin’ It Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1981); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981, while ‘Takin’ It Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1981) reached No.12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, also in 1981.
Terri Gibbs recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Every Now & Then’ and included the track on ‘I’m A Lady’ (MCA Records, 1981).
Bill Anderson recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Whiskey Made Me Stumble (The Devil Made Me Fall)’ and saw the track released as a non-album single, which reached No.76 on the Billboard country music singles cart in 1981.
Jeannie C. Riley recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Taking A Walk In The Sun’ and included the track on ‘From Harper Valley To The Mountain Top’ (MCA Records, 1981).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Love & Only Love’ and included the track on ‘Southern Comfort’ (MCA Records, 1981).
Patti Page (Tuesday 8 November 1927 – Tuesday 1 January 2013) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Wasn’t It Good’ and included the track on ‘No Aces’ (Plantation Records, 1981).
Joe Sun (James Joseph Paulsen) (Saturday 25 September 1943 – Friday 25 October 2019) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Slow Movin’ Freight Train’ and included the track on ‘I Ain’t Honky Tonkin’ Anymore’ (Elektra Records, 1981).
John Starling (Tuesday 26 March 1940 – Thursday 2 May 2019) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Carolina Star’ and included the track on ‘Waitin’ On A Southern Train’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1982).
John Starling (Tuesday 26 March 1940 – Thursday 2 May 2019) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Slow Movin’ Freight Train’ and included the track on ‘Waitin’ On A Southern Train’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1982).
Earl Scruggs (Sunday 6 January 1924 – Wednesday 28 March 2012) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Carolina Star’ and included the track on ‘Top of The World’ (Columbia Records, 1982).
Alabama recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Words At Twenty Paces’ and included the track on ‘Mountain Music’ (RCA Victor Records, 1982); the album reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart in 1982, and No.14 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums Chart in 1982.
Bobby Bare recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Praise The Lord & Send Me The Money’ and included the track on ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’ To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982); the track reached No.83 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982.
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘When You Held Me In Your Arms’ and included the track on ‘Take Me To The Country’ (Capitol Records, 1982).
Johnny Rodriguez recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘How Could I Love Her So Much’ and included the track on ‘For Every Rose’ (Epic Records, 1983); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Til The Fire’s Burned Out’ and included the track on ‘Plain Dirt Fashion’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1984).
Johnny Rodriguez recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Rose of My Heart’ and included the track on ‘Foolin’ With Fire’ (Epic Records, 1984).
David Frizzell recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Still One Broken Heart’ and included the track on ‘Solo’ (Viva Records, 1984).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1985).
Rex Allen Jr. recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘When You Held Me In Your Arms’ and included the track on ‘On The Move’ (Moonshine Music Records, 1985).
Delia Bell (Tuesday 16 April 1935 – Friday 15 June 2018) & Bill Grant (Thursday 9 May 1929 – Tuesday 9 July 2019) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Jack & Lucy’ and included the track on ‘A Few Dollars More’ (Rounder Records, 1985).
Nicolette Larson (Thursday 17 July 1952 – Tuesday 16 December 1997) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Rose of My Heart’ and included the track on ‘Rose of My Heart’ (MCA Records, 1986).
Nashville Bluegrass Band recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ and included the track on ‘Idle Time’ (Rounder Records, 1986).
The McCarters (Jennifer McCarter, Lisa McCarter & Teresa McCarter) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Loving You’ and included the track on ‘The Gift’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Papacita (Mama Rita)’ and included the track on ‘Walkin’ On The Moon’ (Philo Records / Rounder Records, 1989).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Hard Times On Easy Street’ and included the track on ‘Walkin’ On The Moon’ (Philo Records / Rounder Records, 1989).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘I Know The Difference Now’ (co-written with Steve O’Brien) and included the track on ‘Walkin’ On The Moon’ (Philo Records / Rounder Records, 1989).
The McCarters (Jennifer McCarter, Lisa McCarter & Teresa McCarter) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Papacita (Mama Rita)’ and included the track on ‘Better Be Home Soon’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990).
On Monday 12 February 1990, The Lee Valley String Band recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Carolina Star’ at Spailpin Fanach pub in Cork City, Republic of Ireland; the track was subsequently included on ‘Bringing It All Back Home’ (BBC Enterprises, 1991).
Wendell Lee ‘Wendy’ Bagwell (Saturday 16 May 1925 – Thursday 13 June 1996) & The Sunlighters recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Roll Away The Stone’ and included the track on ‘Roll Away The Stone’ (Word Records, 1991).
The Osborne Brothers – Sonny Osborne (Friday 29 October 1937 – Sunday 24 October 2021) and Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 December 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) – recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Hillbilly Fever’ (CMH Records, 1991).
Kathy Mattea recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ and included the track on ‘Lonesome Standard Time’ (Mercury Records, 1992).
Hugh Moffatt & Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘On The Borderline’ and included the track on ‘Dance Me Outside’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1992).
Hugh Moffatt & Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘I Get Lonely For You’ and included the track on ‘Dance Me Outside’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1992).
Hugh Moffatt & Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘La Luna’ and included the track on ‘Dance Me Outside’ (Rounder Records / Philo Records, 1992).
Tony Rice (Friday 8 June 1951 – Friday 25 December 2020) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Carolina Star’ and included the track on ‘Tony Rice Plays & Sings Bluegrass’ (Rounder Records, 1993).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Slow Movin’ Freight Train’ and included the track on ‘Hearts Gone Wild’ (Watermelon Records, 1994).
Gina Jeffreys recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You’ and included the track on ‘The Flame’ (ABC Records Australia / EMI, 1994).
IIIrd Tyme Out recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Rose of My Heart’ and included the track on ‘John & Mary’ (Rounder Records, 1999).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Whiskey, Money & Time’ and included the track on ‘Loose Diamonds’ (Hightone Records, 1999).
Geordie Jack & Caledonia recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Nobody Wants To Be Lonely’ and included the track on ‘Scotch On The Rocks’ (Zoe Records, 2000).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘The Ghost Light of Marfa’ and included the track on ‘Cowboy Girl’ (Shanachie Records, 2001).
Jeannie Kendall recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Jack & Lucy’ and included the track on ‘Jeannie Kendall’ (Rounder Records, 2003).
In 2003, shortly before his death, Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Rose of My Heart’; the track was subsequently included on ‘American V: A Hundred Highways’ (American Recordings, 2006).
Jesse McReynolds (Tuesday 9 July 1929 – Friday 23 June 2023) & Charles Whitstein recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Rose of My Heart’ and included the track on ‘A Tribute To Brother Duets’ (Pinecastle Records, 2005).
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Papacita (Mama Rita)’ and included the track on ‘Up Close & Personal’ (Fuel Records, 2005), which was recorded ‘live’ in 2002 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘I Know The Difference Now’ (co-written with Tom Russell) and included the track on ‘Up Close & Personal’ (Fuel Records, 2005), which was recorded ‘live’ in 2002 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
Katy Moffatt recorded ‘Right Over Me’ (written by Greg Leisz and Katy Moffatt) and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Making New’ and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
Katy Moffatt recorded ‘We’ll Sweep Out The Ashes In The Morning’, which was written by Joyce Ann Allsup (1939 – Sunday 15 May 2016), and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Papacita’ and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
Katy Moffatt recorded ‘Billy Collins’ (written by Katy Moffatt and Tom Russell) and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
Katy Moffatt recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘On The Borderline’ and included the track on ‘Playin’ Fool: Live In Holland’ (Continental Song City Records, 2008); this track featured guest vocals from Hugh Moffatt.
On Tuesday 7 July 2009, Katy Moffatt saw the release of ‘Trilogy’ (Retroworld Records, 2009), which included tracks from her highly acclaimed albums, ‘The Evangeline Hotel’ (Philo Records, 1993), ‘Hearts Gone Wild’ (Watermelon Records, 1994) and ‘Midnight Radio’ (Watermelon Records, 1996).
One of the included tracks was Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Slow Movin’ Freight Train’, which was included on disc 2 of the set; this track was originally included on Katy Moffatt‘s ‘Hearts Gone Wild’ (Watermelon Records, 1994).
Wendel Adkins recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘My Lindesnes, Norway Album’ (Lindesnes Records, 2012).
Erin Enderlin recorded Hugh Moffatt’s ‘Old Flames (Can’t Hold A Candle To You)’ (co-written with Pebe Sebert) and included the track on ‘Chapter Two: I Can Be Your Whiskey’ (Black Crow Productions / Blaster Records, 2019), a 3-track extended play (EP) disc; the track was subsequently included on Erin Enderlin‘s ‘Faulkner County’ (Black Crow Productions, 2019).
Hugh Moffatt has been married to Mary Vaughan since 1987. They have two children, Corianna (an actor, producer and journalist), and Greyson (an engineering student).
Hugh Moffatt is the brother of singer and songwriter Katy Moffatt, who was born Katherine Louella ‘Katy’ Moffatt on Sunday 19 November 1950.
• Visit Hugh Moffatt’s official site at hughmoffatt.com