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 Joe Allen, which he submitted to this site on Saturday 16 May 2009.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Joe Allen who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to express a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Kevin Tuckfield at Crow Mountain Music without whose kindness, this Gene Watson Peer’s Quote from Joe Allen would not have been possible.
Between Wednesday 13 May 2009 and Sunday 17 May 2009, Kevin Tuckfield and Joe Allen were in Nashville writing songs together.
Colorado’s KEKB 99.9 FM – Today’s Best Country
Update: Thursday 18 April 2013
Sean Brady would also like to express a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Waylon Jordan and Ken Dravis at Colorado’s KEKB 99.9 FM Today’s Best Country (and Joe Allen) for granting permission to use the Joe Allen photos which were used in this feature.
Joe Allen
This quote was submitted on Saturday 16 May 2009.
‘I would like to tell his fans how I feel about my very dear friend, Gene Watson.
There’s too much to say in a small space. As you probably know, I’ve worked with, and written for, a lot of artists.
No one can compare with the treatment and heart that he gave my songs.
Gene will always remain on the top of my list.
He’s the best country singer in the world; true to his roots and true to his fans, and I’m one of his biggest’
Thank you, Joe Allen, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Joe Allen…
Joe Allen, who hails from Western Colorado, is one of Nashville’s finest bass players and is a consummate songwriter.
Joe Allen is a highly respected and renowned country music song-writer of note and has written some amazing country music songs.
Jeannie C. Riley recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Manhattan, Kansas’ and included the track on ‘Down To Earth’ (MGM Records, 1972).
Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Manhattan, Kansas’ and included the track on ‘Here I Am Again’ (Decca Records, 1972).
In April 1972, Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Manhattan, Kansas’; a non-album track, it reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972.
Donna Fargo recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Manhattan, Kansas’ and included the track on ‘The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA’ (Dot Records, 1972).
Jody Miller (Saturday 29 November 1941 – Thursday 6 October 2022) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Manhattan, Kansas’ and included the track on ‘There’s A Party Goin’ On’ (Epic Records, 1972).
The Everly Brothers – Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) and Phil Everly (Thursday 19 January 1939 – Friday 3 January 2014) – recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Woman, Don’t Try To Tie Me Down’ and included the track on ‘Pass The Chicken & Listen’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972).
On Monday 26 May 2014, England’s Morello Records released The Everly Brothers’ ‘Pass The Chicken & Listen and Stories We Could Tell’ (Morello Records, 2014) as a ‘2 classic albums on 1 CD‘ set (MRLL35).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Joe Allen’s ‘The Midnight Oil’ and included the track on ‘Midnight Oil’ (Columbia Records, 1973); the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973.
In June 1973, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of his debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume One’ (JMI Records, 1973), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Shelter of Your Eyes’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (No.14, 1973)
‘Come Early Morning’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.12, 1973)
Don Williams‘ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume One’ (JMI Records, 1973), also included the following tracks:
‘Too Late To Turn Back Now’, which was written by Allen Reynolds and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Endless Sleep’ (written by Allen E. Nance and Julie Reynolds)
‘I Recall A Gypsy Woman’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘No Use Running’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘How Much Time Does It Take?’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘My Woman’s Love’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Don’t You Believe’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Amanda’ (written by Bob McDill)
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Don Williams‘ debut album, ‘Don Williams, Volume One’ (JMI Records, 1973); the album reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
On Monday 30 January 2012, England’s Hux Records released Don Williams‘ ‘Don Williams: Volumes 1 & 2’ (Hux Records, 2012) as HUX128.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Your Shining Face’, which was co-written with Buddy Killen (Sunday 13 November 1932 – Wednesday 1 November 2006), and included the track on ‘Let’s Build A World Together’ (Epic Records, 1973).
Rex Allen Jr. recorded Joe Allen’s ‘The Great Mail Robbery’ and included the track on ‘Another Goodbye Song’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1974); the track reached No.63 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1973.
Rex Allen Jr. recorded Joe Allen’s ‘The Midnight Oil’ and included the track on ‘Another Goodbye Song’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1974.
In December 1973, Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) saw the release, on Columbia Records, of ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ (written by Joe Allen), a non-album track, which featured guest vocals from Mother Maybelle Carter (Monday 10 May 1909 – Monday 23 October 1978), who also played Autoharp and acoustic guitar, and reached No.34 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973; the track was subsequently included on disc 4 (‘Family & Friends’) of ‘Johnny Cash: ‘The Legend’ (Sony Music, 2005), a box set which was released on Tuesday 2 August 2005.
Johnny Cash’s 1973 recording, on Columbia Records, of ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ (written by Joe Allen), was subsequently included on disc 4 (‘Family & Friends’) of ‘Johnny Cash: ‘The Legend’ (Sony Music, 2005), a box set which was released on Tuesday 2 August 2005.
In January 1974, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of his second album, ‘Don Williams, Volume Two’ (JMI Records, 1974), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Atta Way To Go’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (No.13, 1974)
‘We Should Be Together’ (written by Allen Reynolds) (No.5, 1974)
‘Down The Road I Go’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (No.62, 1974)
Don Williams‘ second album, ‘Don Williams, Volume Two’ (JMI Records, 1974), also included the following tracks:
‘Wish I Was In Nashville’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Your Sweet Love’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Loving You So Long Now’ (written by Allen Reynolds)
‘Oh, Misery’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Miller’s Cave’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘I Don’t Think About Her No More’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Don Williams‘ second album, ‘Don Williams, Volume Two’ (JMI Records, 1974); the album reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.
On Monday 30 January 2012, England’s Hux Records released Don Williams‘ ‘Don Williams: Volumes 1 & 2’ (Hux Records, 2012) as HUX128.
Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Manhattan, Kansas’ and included the track on ‘The Rainbow In Daddy’s Eyes’ (Mega Records, 1974).
On Wednesday 25 September 1974, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of his third album, ‘Don Williams, Volume III’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1974), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me’ (written by Al Turney) (No.1 for one week in September 1974)
‘The Ties That Bind’, which was written by Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008) and Vin Corso (No.4, 1974)
Don Williams‘ third album, ‘Don Williams, Volume III’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1974), also included the following tracks:
‘Fly Away’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Ghost Story’ (written by Joe Allen)
‘Goodbye Really Isn’t Good At All’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Such A Lovely Lady’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘When Will I Ever Learn’ (written by Jim Rushing and Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Why Lord Goodbye’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘I’ve Turned You To Stone’ (written by Jim Rushing)
‘Lovin’, Understandin’ Man’ (written by Jim Rushing)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams‘ third album, ‘Don Williams, Volume III’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1974), included the following:
Joe Allen (bass)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (electric guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Shane Keister (keyboard, Moog)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, marimba)
Tommy Smith (trumpet)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) and Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (acoustic guitars)
Don Williams‘ third album, ‘Don Williams, Volume III’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1974), was produced by Don Williams and recorded at ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013) Recording Studios, Studio B in Nashville; the album reached No.3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1974.
Ferlin Husky (Thursday 3 December 1925 – Thursday 17 March 2011) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Ghost Story’ and included the track on ‘Champagne, Ladies & Blue Ribbon Babies’ (ABC Records, 1974).
In 1974, Bobby Bare & The Family saw the release of ‘Singin’ In The Family’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Where’d I Come From’ (written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice) (No.41, 1974) / this track featured guest vocals from Bobby Bare Jr. and Jeannie Bare
‘Singin’ In The Kitchen’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.29, 1975) / this track featured guest vocals from Bobby Bare’s Family
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Bobby Bare & Family’s ‘Singin’ In the Family’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974).
Andy Williams (Saturday 3 December 1927 – Tuesday 25 September 2012) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Again’ and included the track on ‘You Lay So Easy On My Mind’ (Columbia Records, 1974).
In April 1975, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You’re My Best Friend’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield) (No.1 for one week in June 1975)
‘Turn Out The Light & Love Me Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in November 1975)
Don Williams‘ ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975) also included the following tracks:
‘Help Yourself To Each Other’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
‘I Don’t Wanna Let Go’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Sweet Fever’ (written by Dickey Lee and Bob McDill)
‘Someone Like You’ (written by Dickey Lee and Bob McDill)
‘Where Are You’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Tempted’ (written by Al Turney)
‘You’re The Only One’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Reason To Be’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
Don Williams‘ ‘You’re My Best Friend’ (Dot Records, 1975) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1975.
Susan Raye recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Ghost Story’ and included the track on ‘Whatcha Gonna Do With A Dog Like That’ (Capitol Records, 1975); the track reached No.58 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
In July 1975, Gene Watson saw the release of his debut album, ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Bad Water’, which was written by Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday (Tuesday 24 July 1934 – Sunday 15 February 1987) and Randy Myers (No.87, 1975)
‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’, which was written by Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003) (No.3, 1975)
‘Where Love Begins’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016) (No.5, 1975)
‘You Could Know As Much About A Stranger’ (written by Nadine Bryant) (No.10, 1976)
Gene Watson‘s debut album, ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975), also included the following tracks:
‘Through The Eyes of Love’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Long Enough To Care’ (written by Bobby Sykes)
‘Harvest Time’ (written by Bill Emerson, Lewis Moore and Carrol Dunham)
‘This Just Ain’t No Good Day For Leaving’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘For The First Time’ (written by Jessi Colter)
‘This Is My Year For Mexico’, which was written by Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003)
Personnel involved in the recording of Gene Watson‘s debut album, ‘Love in The Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975), included the following:
Tommy Allsup (Tuesday 24 November 1931 – Wednesday 11 January 2017), Leon Rhodes (Thursday 10 March 1932 – Saturday 9 December 2017) and Charlie McCoy (rhythm guitar)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977), Pete Wade and Dale Sellers (lead guitar)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica)
Charlie McCoy and Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (Marimba)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Joe Allen, Henry Strzelecki (Tuesday 8 August 1939 – Monday 29 December 2014) and Leon Rhodes (Thursday 10 March 1932 – Saturday 9 December 2017) bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021), Jimmy Isabel and Buddy Harman (Sunday 23 December 1928 – Thursday 21 August 2008) (drums)
Jerry Tuttle (horn)
The Nashville Edition (voices)
On Tuesday 3 December 2002, England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Love in the Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1978), as a special 2-for-1 CD set.
In 1975, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘First Time Hungrys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Back Home In Huntsville Again’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No.23, 1975)
‘Alimony’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) (No. 18, 1975)
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Bobby Bare‘s ‘First Time Hungrys’ (RCA Victor Records, 1975).
In April 1976, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of ‘Harmony’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1976), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Til The Rivers All Run Dry’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (No.1 for one week in March / April 1976)
‘Say It Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in August 1976)
‘She Never Knew Me’ (written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield) (No.2, 1976)
Don Williams‘ ‘Harmony’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1976) also included the following tracks:
‘You Keep Coming ‘Round’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Don’t You Think It’s Time’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘I Don’t Want The Money’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Where The Arkansas River Leaves Oklahoma’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Maybe I Just Don’t Know’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Magic Carpet’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005) and Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012)
‘Time’ (written by Michael Merchant)
‘Ramblin’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) / this track was an instrumental
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams‘ ‘Harmony’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1976) included the following:
Joe Allen (electric bass, upright bass, background vocals, harmony vocals)
Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977) (electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Danny Flowers (harmonica)
Garth Fundis and Wayland D. Holyfield (background vocals, harmony vocals)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar, Dobro)
Shane Keister (keyboards)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, conga, marimba)
Sharon Vaughn (harmony vocals)
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar)
Don Williams‘ ‘Harmony’ (Dot / ABC Records, 1976) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1976.
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Man Who Came Around’ and included the track on ‘I’d Just Be Fool Enough’ (Mercury Records, 1976).
Hank Thompson (Thursday 3 September 1925 – Tuesday 6 November 2007) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Big Band Days’ and included the track on ‘Back In The Swing of Things’ (Dot Records, 1976); the track reached No.86 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976.
In 1976, Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 – Sunday 21 May 2006) saw the release, on RCA Records, of ‘Big Band Days’, which was written by Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004); the track, which was a non-album track, reached No.67 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Ghost Story’ and included the track on ‘Ramblin’ Fever’ (MCA Records, 1977).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Expert At Everything’ and included the track on ‘Visions’ (Dot Records, 1977).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Overlooking & Under-Thinking’ and included the track on ‘Country Boy’ (Dot Records, 1977).
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Don Williams‘ ‘Country Boy’ (Dot Records, 1977).
Chris LeDoux (Saturday 2 October 1948 – Wednesday 9 March 2005) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Lawman Reverend Brown’ and included the track on ‘Sing Me A Song Mr. Rodeo Man’ (ACS Records, 1977).
In 1977, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Me & McDill’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Look Who I’m Cheatin’ On Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.21, 1977)
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Bobby Bare‘s ‘Me & McDill’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977), which reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977.
In 1977, Crystal Gayle saw the release of ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977), which included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’ (written by Richard Leigh) (No.1 for four weeks in August / September 1977) / this track also reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart for three weeks in 1977, and No.1 on the Cash Box Top 100 singles chart for two weeks in 1977
In 1999, ‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’ (written by Richard Leigh) was recognised by ASCAP as one of the ten most-performed songs of the 20th century; the song has a jazzy feel to it when compared to many other country music songs of that era.
Rex Allen Jr. recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Lying In My Arms’ and included the track on ‘Rex Allen’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1977); the track reached No.70 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1977.
Crystal Gayle‘s ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977) also included the following tracks:
‘I Wanna Come Back To You’, which was written by Johnny Christopher and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004)
‘River Road’ (written by Sylvia Fricker Tyson) / In 1980, this track reached No.64 on the Billboard country music singles chart when it was included on ‘Favorites’ (Liberty Records / United Records, 1980)
‘It’s All Right With Me’, which was written by Cole Porter (9 June 1891 – Thursday 15 October 1964)
‘Going Down Slow’ (written by Bobby Bond)
‘All I Wanna Do In Life, which was written by Allen Reynolds and Sandy Mason Theoret (Monday 18 December 1939 – Wednesday 1 April 2015)
‘Make A Dream Come True’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005)
‘Green Door’ (written by Bob Davie and Marvin Moore)
‘Funny’, which was written by Liz Anderson (Monday 13 January 1930 – Monday 31 October 2011)
‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds)
Personnel involved in the recording of Crystal Gayle‘s ‘We Must Believe in Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977) included the following:
Gene Chrisman, Jim Isbell and Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Joe Allen and Mike Leech (bass guitar)
Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), Johnny Christopher, Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977), Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) and Allen Reynolds (guitars)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar)
Bobby Wood and Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (keyboards)
Shane Keister (synthesizers)
New Grass Revival and The Trolleycar Band (special effects)
Buddy Spicher and Sam Bush (fiddle)
Courtney Johnson (banjo)
Billy Puett (flute, clarinet)
Carl Gorodetsky, Gary Vanosdale, George Binkley, Lenny Haight, Marvin Chantry, Roy Christensen and Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) (strings)
Janie Fricke, Marcia Routh, Pebble Daniel, Sandy Mason Theoret (Monday 18 December 1939 – Wednesday 1 April 2015) and Garth Fundis (backing vocals)
Crystal Gayle‘s ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977) became her highest selling album and was certified ‘Platinum’ by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1978.
Crystal Gayle‘s ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977) also has the distinction of being the first ‘Platinum’ album recorded by a female artist in country music. It was also Gayle Gayle’s first album to chart in the United Kingdom, where it reached No.15, and was certified ‘Silver’ by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
In The Netherlands, Crystal Gayle‘s ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977) stayed on the charts for two weeks and peaked at No.29.
On Wednesday 23 August 1978, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Tulsa Time’ (written by Danny Flowers) (No.1 for one week in January 1979) / this track was named as ‘Single of The Year’ by the Academy of Country (ACM) in 1979
‘Lay Down Beside Me’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (No.3, 1979)
‘It Must Be Love’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.1 for one week in September / October 1979)
Don Williams‘ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
‘I Would Like To See You Again’, which was written by Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) and Larry Atwood
‘You’ve Got A Hold On Me’ (written by David Williamson)
‘Tears of The Lonely’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘All I’m Missing Is You’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Give It To Me’ (written by Bob McDill and Wayland D Holyfield)
‘Not A Chance’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘When I’m With You’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
On Wednesday 23 August 1978, Don Williams‘ ‘Expressions’ (ABC Records, 1978) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ and included the track on ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); the track reached No.8 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘It Don’t Hurt Me Half As Bad’ and included the track on ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Gene Watson‘s ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘One Sided Conversation’ and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); the track reached No.8 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Let’s Give It Or Get It On’ and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘For The Memories’ and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Wonder How It Is In Colorado’ and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Gene Watson‘s ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978).
Crystal Gayle recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Touching Me Again’ and included the track on ‘I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out of My Eyes’ (MCA Records, 1978).
Moe Bandy recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Yippi Cry Ai’ (co-written with Buck Lindsey) and included the track on ‘Love Is What Life’s All About’ (Columbia Records, 1978).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Circle Driveway’ and included the track on ‘Portrait’ (MCA Records, 1979).
Billie Jo Spears (Thursday 14 January 1937 – Wednesday 14 December 2011) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Think I’ll Go Home’ and included the track on ‘I Will Survive’ (United Artists Records, 1979).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)’ and included the track on ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Circle Driveway’ and included the track on ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Bedroom Ballad’ and included the track on ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979); the track reached No.18 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Gene Watson‘s ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979).
Rex Allen Jr. recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Yippy Cry Yi’ (co-written with Bucky Lindsey) and included the track on ‘Oklahoma Rose’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980); the track reached No.25 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1980.
On Monday 4 August 1980, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I Believe In You’, which was written by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004) (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1980) / this track also reached No.24 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1980
‘Falling Again’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.6, 1981)
Don Williams‘ ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘It’s Good To See You’ (written by Alan Taylor)
‘I Want You Back Again’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Simple Song’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Ain’t It Amazing’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Just Enough Love (For One Woman)’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012)
‘I Keep Putting Off Getting Over You’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Rainy Nights & Memories’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield and Jim Rushing)
‘Slowly But Surely’ (written by Bob McDill)
Don Williams‘ ‘I Believe In You’ (MCA Records, 1980) reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Don Williams‘ ‘I Believe in You’ (MCA Records, 1980).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Raisin’ Cane In Texas’ and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘If Love Could Find Us Now’ and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Tryin’ To Satisfy You’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I’ve Been Down Some Roads’ and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Down & Out This Way Again’ and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Gene Watson‘s ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Fair Weather Friends’, which was co-written with Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003), and included the track on ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981).
Don Williams‘ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Miracles’ (written by Roger Cook) (No.4, 1981)
‘If I Needed You’, which was written by Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 – Wednesday 1 January 1997) (No.3, 1981) / this track was a duet with Emmylou Harris
‘Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good’ (written by Dave Hanner) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1982)
Don Williams‘ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘I Don’t Want To Love You’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Years From Now’, which was written by Roger Cook and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007)
‘Especially You’ (written by Rick Beresford)
‘Now & Then’ (written by Wayland D. Holyfield)
‘Smooth Talking Baby’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘I’ve Got You To Thank For That’, which was written by Blake Mevis (1949 – Wednesday 9 February 2022) and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams‘ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) included the following:
Joe Allen (electric bass, upright bass)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano, organ, Prophet Synthesizer)
Roger Cook (ukelele and harmony vocals on ‘Miracles’)
Garth Fundis (harmony vocals, background vocals)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar)
Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010) (violin solo on ‘Now & Then’)
Pat McLaughlin (mandolin)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (conga, bongos, tambourine, shakers, drums)
Billy Sanford (acoustic guitar)
Biff Watson (synthesizer, gut string guitar)
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (arrangements for violins, violas and cellos / performed by Sheldon Kurland Strings)
Don Williams‘ ‘Especially For You’ (MCA Records, 1981) reached No.5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981.
In 1981, Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) saw the release, on Dimension Records, of ‘Moccasion Man’ (co-written with Joe Allen), a non-album track, which reached No.64 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.
In 1981, Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) saw the release, on Dimension Records, of ‘North Alabama’ (co-written with Joe Allen), a non-album track, which reached No.37 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Come Back Home’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Down Here On My Knees’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Gene Watson‘s ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Circle Driveway’ and included the track on ‘Town & Country’ (Dimension Records, 1981).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘It Don’t Hurt Me Half As Bad’ (co-written with Deion Lay and Bucky Lindsay) and included the track on ‘Town & Country’ (Dimension Records, 1981).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘The Girl I Used To Run Around On’ and included the track on ‘Old Love Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘The Sun Never Comes Up’ and included the track on ‘Old Love Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Gene Watson‘s ‘Old Love Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘John’s’ and included the track on ‘Adventures of Johnny Cash’ (Columbia Records, 1982).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Fair Weather Friends’ (co-written with Johnny Cash) and included the track on ‘Adventures of Johnny Cash’ (Columbia Records, 1982).
In 1982, Bobby Bare saw the release of ‘Ain’t Got Nothing To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘If You Ain’t Got Nothin’ (You Got Nothin’ To Lose)’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) and Dan Wilson (No. 31, 1982)
‘(I’m Not) A Candle In The Wind’ (written by Bill Rice and Sharon Vaughn) (No.37, 1982)
‘Praise The Lord & Send Me The Money’ (written by Hugh Moffatt) (No.83, 1982)
Bobby Bare‘s ‘Ain’t Got Nothing To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
‘They Covered Up The Old Swimmin’ Hole’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)
‘Isn’t That Just Like Love’ (written by Richard Leigh)
‘Goodnight Irene’, which was written by Huddie William Ledbetter (Lead Belly) (20 January 1889 – Tuesday 6 December 1949) and John Avery Lomax (23 September 1867 – Monday 26 January 1948)
‘Golden Memories’ (written by Lacy J Dalton and John Fitzgerald)
‘I’ve Been Rained On Too’ (written by Jon Philbert)
‘Cold Day In Hell’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Billy Ray Reynolds
‘So Good To So Bad’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Robb Goldstein
Joe Allen played bass, on all tracks, on Bobby Bare‘s ‘Ain’t Got Nothing To Lose’ (Columbia Records, 1982), which reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
On Friday 25 March 1983, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) saw the release of ‘Yellow Moon’ (MCA Records, 1983), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Love Is On A Roll’, which was written by Roger Cook and John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) (No.1 for one week in July 1983)
‘Nobody But You’, which was written by John Jarrad (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) and J.D. Martin (No.2 in October 1983)
‘Stay Young’ (written by Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle) (No.1 for one week in February / March 1984)
Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For A Long, Long, Time)’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Sonny Throckmorton, and included the track on ‘Country, Past, Present, Future’ (Doorknob Records, 1983).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘The Only Game In Town’ (co-written with Ralph Murray) and included the track on ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984).
Don Williams‘ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984), which was released in May 1984, included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘That’s The Thing About Love’ (written by Richard Leigh and Gary Nicholson) (No.1 for one week in August 1984)
‘Maggie’s Dream’ (written by Dave Loggins and Lisa Silver) (No.11, 1984)
‘Walkin’ A Broken Heart’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Alan Rush (No.2, 1985)
‘It’s Time For Love’ (written by Bob McDill and Hunter Moore) (No.20, 1985)
Don Williams‘ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Leaving’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘Beautiful Woman’ (written by Graham Lyle)
‘True Blue Hearts’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017)
‘I’ll Never Need Another You’ (written by Ronnie Rogers)
‘I’ll Be Faithful To You’ (written by Paul Kennerley)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Williams‘ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984) included the following:
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (piano and organ)
Joe Allen (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums and percussion)
Billy Sanford and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (acoustic guitars)
Billy Sanford and Steve Gibson (electric guitars)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
Lloyd Green (steel guitar)
Garth Fundis and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) (harmony vocals)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (arrangements for violins, violas and cellos)
Nashville String Machine (string section)
Don Williams‘ ‘Cafe Carolina’ (MCA Records, 1984) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1984.
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Leaving’s Been Coming For A Long, Long Time’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Sonny Throckmorton, and included the track on ‘Little by Little‘ (MCA Records, 1984).
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘We’ve Had Some Good Times’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and included the track on ‘California Road’ (RCA Victor Records, 1985).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Lonely Like A Rose’ (co-written with Ralph Murphy) and included the track on ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985).
Randy Travis recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Messin’ With My Mind’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Bottle of Tears’ (co-written with Jimmy Pasquale and D. Lay) and included the track on ‘Starting New Memories‘ (Epic Records, 1986).
On Monday 9 May 2011 (in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland), and on Tuesday 17 May 2011 (worldwide), England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Memories To Burn‘, along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Starting New Memories‘, as a special ‘2-for-1‘ CD set (HUX124).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Always Get It Right With You’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Honky Tonk Crazy‘ (Epic Records, 1987).
George Strait recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ For A Long, Long Time’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Sonny Throckmorton, and included the track on ‘Beyond The Blue Neon’ (MCA Records, 1989).
Clinton Gregory recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Moccasin Man’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990).
Benny Berry recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Goin’ Home’ and included the track on ‘Some Things Never Change’ (Hawk Records, 1991).
John Anderson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Cold Day In Hell’ (co-written with Buck Lindsey and Mike Elliott) and included the track on ‘Seminole Wind’ (BNA Records, 1992).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Old Porch Swing’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and included the track on ‘In Other Words‘ (Canada: Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992 / United States: Broadland International Records, 1992).
Paddy O’Brien recorded Joe Allen’s ‘For The Memories’ and included the track on ‘Golden Moments’ (A-One Music, 1995).
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ and included the track on ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Old Porch Swing’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and included the track on ‘A Way to Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997).
Katy Moffatt recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Ghost Story’ and included the track on ‘Angel Town’ (Hightone Records, 1998).
Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Leavin’s Been Coming For A Long Long Time’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Sonny Throckmorton, and included the track on ‘The Alcohall of Fame’ (CMC Records, 2001).
On Tuesday 2 August 2005, Sony Music released ‘Johnny Cash: ‘The Legend’ (Sony Music, 2005), a 4-disc box set, which was one of the few multi-disc sets which included songs recorded throughout the entire career of Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003), from 1955 to 2003.
One of the included tracks on disc 4 (‘Family & Friends’) of the box set, ‘Johnny Cash: ‘The Legend’ (Sony Music, 2005), was ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ (written by Joe Allen), which was released, by Columbia Records, as a non-album track in December 1973, and featured guest vocals from Mother Maybelle Carter (Monday 10 May 1909 – Monday 23 October 1978), who also played Autoharp and acoustic guitar; the track reached No.34 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973.
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Wonder How It Is In Colorado’ and included the track on ‘Gene Watson: Then & Now‘ (Koch Records Nashville, 2005).
Joe Nichols recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)’ and included the track on ‘Joe Nichols III’ (Universal South Records, 2005).
Eddy Arnold (Wednesday 15 May 1918 – Thursday 8 May 2008) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I’ve Been Down Some Roads’ and included the track on ‘After All These Years’ (RCA Records, 2005).
T. Jae Christian recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I’ve Been Down Some Roads’ and included the track on ‘The Vanishing Breed’ (Universal Sound Records, 2007).
In 2008, Joe Allen produced Kevin Tuckfield’s ‘Ozark Mountain Bluegrass’ (Crow Mountain Music, 2008), and composed two of the tracks (‘Pull The Cork Or Push The Plow’ and ‘Hound Dog Waltz’); Joe Allen also played bass guitar on all tracks.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Always Get It Right With You’, which was co-written with Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Burn Your Playhouse Down – The Unreleased Duets’ (Bandit Records, 2008); the track was a duet with Shelby Lynne.
Danny Paisley & Southern Grass recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Raisin’ Cane In Texas’ (co-written with D. Lay) and included the track on ‘The Room Over Mine’ (Rounder Records, 2008).
Teea Goans recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Lying In My Arms’ and included the track on ‘The Way I Remember It’ (Crosswind Records, 2010).
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ and included the track on ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘One Sided Conversation’ and included the track on ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Pick The Wildwood Flower’ and included the track on ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)’ and included the track on ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).
Gene Watson re-recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Bedroom Ballad’ and included the track on ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).
Jordan Mogey recorded Joe Allen’s ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ and included the track on ‘Alone With You’ (Jordan Mogey Independent Release / ISG Records, 2015).
Dee White recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Bucket of Bolts’ (co-written with Dan Auerbach and David Ferguson) and included the track on ‘Southern Gentleman’ (Easy Eye Sound / Warner Brothers Nashville, 2019); this track featured harmony vocals from Alison Krauss.
Dee White recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Road That Goes Both Ways’ (co-written with Dan Auerbach and Dee White) and included the track on ‘Southern Gentleman’ (Easy Eye Sound / Warner Brothers Nashville, 2019); this track was a duet with Ashley McBryde.
Yola recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Ride Out In The Country’ (co-written with Dan Auerbach and Yola) and included the track on ‘Walk Through Fire’ (Easy Eye Sound, 2020).
Yola recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Rock Me Gently’ (co-written with Dan Auerbach and Yola) and included the track on ‘Walk Through Fire’ (Easy Eye Sound, 2020).
John Anderson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Wild & Free’ (co-written with John Anderson and Dan Auerbach) and included the track on ‘Years’ (Easy Eye Sound, 2020).
Collin Raye recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Bad Storm Coming Tonight’ (co-written with Pat McLaughlin and Collin Raye) and included the track on ‘Scars’ (BFD Records / Audium Nashville, 2020).
Collin Raye recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Let It Go Away’ (co-written with Collin Raye and David Ferguson) and included the track on ‘Scars’ (BFD Records / Audium Nashville, 2020).
Gene Watson recorded Joe Allen’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, which was co-written with Jimmy Ray Sells (Tuesday 18 September 1951 – Friday 21 September 2018), and included the track on ‘Outside The Box‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2022).
• Visit Colorado’s KEKB 99.9FM Today’s Best Country at kekbfm.com
• Article Feature courtesy of Waylon Jordan at Colorado’s KEKB 99.9 FM – Today’s Best Country
• Photos of Joe Allen courtesy of Ken Dravis (and Joe Allen)
• Visit Joe Allen‘s profile at Colorado’s KEKB 99.9FM