Original Gene Watson Fan Site - Gene Watson's Peers: Quote from Stephen Pride: March 2006

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 2006, 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 Stephen Pride, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 9 March 2006.

Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Stephen Pride who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.

Stephen Pride
This quote was submitted on Thursday 9 March 2006.

'Yes, I would be happy to provide you a quote for a great pioneer and illustrious entertainer as Gene Watson.

Gene Watson has impacted country music with such high praises of style and class.

God has truly blessed his longevity in the business with the ability to produce great classic songs that truly depicts our more traditional vein of country music for audiences around the world.

He is an inspiration to me, the country music industry, to all before him and those to follow.

A truly undisputed Legend!'

Thank you, Stephen Pride, for your support of Gene Watson.

About Stephen Pride...

Stephen Pride was born in Marks, Mississippi and is the younger brother of country music legend Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 - Saturday 12 December 2020).

Like most of his family, Stephen Pride was musically inclined and grew up singing in the choir in church and at school.

When he left college, Stephen Pride performed at state fairs in the Mississippi and Louisiana area, thus starting his career in the country music field.

In 1980, Stephen Pride moved to Dallas, married Pam (the love of his life) in 1982 and started his family.

Stephen Pride also gained steady employment while pursuing his music career. Texas soon became his home and he began performing in the area part-time while dedicating himself to his family.

Stephen Pride also performed at well-known venues in Texas, including The Crystal Chandelier in Dallas, Tommy Allsup's Saloon in Dallas, Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, Gilley's in Houston and The Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas; Stephen Pride also became the opening act for Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 - Sunday 25 October 1992), Desert Rose Band (Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson), Louise Mandrell, Charlie Daniels (Wednesday 28 October 1936 - Monday 6 July 2020) and Willie Nelson.

In 1989, Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 - Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Stephen Pride's 'I Made Love To You In My Mind' (co-written with D. Hutchins) and included the track on 'Moody Woman' (16th Avenue Records, 1989).

In the mid-1990s, Stephen Pride saw the release of a CD single, 'One Side of The Bed', on Step One Records, which was owned by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 - Wednesday 7 October 2020), Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 - Saturday 23 January 2016) and Mel Holt, and was the same label which Gene Watson recorded for between 1993 and 1997.

In 1994, Stephen Pride had an unexpected performance at The Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. During the middle of Charley Pride's performance, Stephen Pride was asked by his brother to come on stage and perform. Stephen Pride had only come to enjoy the show.

However, after his performance of Travis Tritt's 'Help Me Hold On', Stephen Pride was given a standing ovation from the crowd and had an excellent write-up in the newspaper the following day.

The combination of Stephen Pride's vocal range and the haunting 'Pride' timbre made for a soulful treat that was hard to beat.

In 2004, Stephen Pride saw the release of his first full album of material; 'Pride On The Wild Side' (Starplex Records, 2004) was released on Starplex Records.