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 2008, 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 Karen Staley, which she submitted to this site on Monday 8 December 2008.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Karen Staley who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Karen Staley
This quote was submitted on Monday 8 December 2008.
‘Gene Watson has a timeless voice.
In my opinion, his voice is as unique as George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), George Strait, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975).
He subtly takes a song and makes it his own every time.
Gene gets emotion out of the simplest phrases that would elude many singers.
He is one of my favourites and I look forward to hearing him sing for years to come’
Thank you, Karen Staley, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Karen Staley…
Karen Staley was born Karen Ruth Staley in West Virginia and was raised in Western, Pennsylvania and moved to Nashville after graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan University.
This award winning songwriter has enjoyed Billboard No.1 country music hit singles by Faith Hill, Tracy Byrd, IIIrd Tyme Out and Michael Martin Murphey.
Karen Staley’s songs have been recorded by both new country artists, including Terri Clark, Trick Pony, Rick Trevino and Emma Jacob, as well as country music icons, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993), Crystal Gayle, Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) and George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013).
Karen Staley’s list of Billboard country music hit singles include ‘Take Me As I Am, ‘Let’s Go To Vegas’, ‘Every Time I Cry’, ‘On A Night Like This’, ‘Across The Miles’, ‘Face In The Crowd’, ‘Keep Walkin’ On’ and many more.
Michael Martin Murphey recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Face In The Crowd’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘Americana’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986); this track, which reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1987, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in early 1987, was a duet with Holly Dunn (Thursday 22 August 1957 – Tuesday 15 November 2016).
Reba McEntire recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Heard Her Crying’ and included the track on ‘What Am I Gonna Do About You’ (MCA Records, 1986).
Patty Loveless recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Lonely Days, Lonely Nights’ and included the track on ‘Patty Loveless’ (MCA Records, 1986); the track reached No.46 on the Billboard country music singles chart in January 1986.
Patty Loveless recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Wicked Ways’ and included the track on ‘Patty Loveless’ (MCA Records, 1986); the track reached No.49 on the Billboard country music singles chart in January 1987.
Patty Loveless recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Half Over You’ and included the track on ‘Patty Loveless’ (MCA Records, 1986).
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Karen Staley’s ‘My Mother’s Eyes’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘You Again’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987).
Patty Loveless recorded Karen Staley’s ‘So Good To Be In Love’ and included the track on ‘If My Heart Had Windows’ (MCA Records, 1988).
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Karen Staley’s ‘A Matter of Time’ and included the track on ‘Sincerely’ (Warner Nashville Records, 1988).
In January 1989, Karen Staley saw the release of her debut album, ‘Wildest Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1989), which was produced by Jimmy Bowen and Karen Staley, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘So Good To Be In Love’ (written by Karen Staley) (No.86, 1988)
‘Now & Then’ (written by Karen Staley and Gary Harrison) (No.87, 1989)
Karen Staley’s debut album, ‘Wildest Dreams’ (MCA Records, 1989), also included the following tracks:
‘Tumbleweed’ (written by Karen Staley and Mark D. Sanders)
‘Give Me One Good Reason’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘That’s Not The Kind of Love I Need Tonight’ (written by Karen Staley and Gary Harrison)
‘He Thinks He’s James Dean’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Wildest Dreams’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Looks Like Rain’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Only The Heart’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Keep Walkin’ On’ (written by Karen Staley and Tricia Walker)
Kathy Mattea recorded Karen Staley’s ‘I’ll Take Care of You’ (co-written with Mark D. Sanders) and included the track on ‘Willow in The Wind’ (Mercury Records, 1989).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Take Me Home To Mama’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘House On Old Lonesome Road’ (MCA Records, 1989).
Dolly Parton recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Take Me Back To The Country’ and included the track on ‘White Limozeen’ (Columbia Records, 1989).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Karen Staley’s ‘I Almost Forgot’ and included the track on ‘Next To You’ (Epic Records, 1989).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Hearts Breakin’ All Over Town’ (co-written with Pam Tillis) and included the track on ‘Crazy In Love’ (MCA Records, 1990).
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Karen Staley’s ‘I Struck Gold’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘Come Hold Me’ (Warner Nashville Records, 1990).
Front Porch String Band (Claire Lynch, Larry Lynch, Andy Meginniss and Herb Trotman) recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Looks Like Rain’ and included the track on ‘Lines & Traces’ (Rebel Records, 1991).
Michelle Wright recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Now & Then’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘Now & Then’ (Arista Records, 1992).
Matthews, Wright & King (Raymond Matthews, Woody Wright and Tony King) recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Mother’s Eyes’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘Power of Love’ (Columbia Records, 1992); the track reached No.55 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992, and No.76 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1992.
Linda Davis recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Just Enough Rope’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Linda Davis’ (Liberty Records, 1992).
Linda Davis recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Isn’t That What You Told Her’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘Linda Davis’ (Liberty Records, 1992).
Joan Kennedy recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Breakin’ All Over Town’ (co-written with Pam Tillis) and included the track on ‘Higher Ground’ (MCA Records, 1992); the track reached No.9 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in September 1993.
Faith Hill recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Take Me As I Am’ (co-written with Bob DiPiero) and included the track on ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993).
Susie Luchsinger recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Walk Whatcha Talk’ and included the track on ‘Real Love’ (United States: Integrity Music, 1993 / England: Nelson Word, 1994), which was produced by Paul Overstreet.
Rick Trevino recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Just Enough Rope’ (co-written with Steve Dean) and included the track on ‘Rick Trevino’ (Columbia Records, 1994); the track reached No.44 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994.
Tracy Byrd recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Keeper of The Stars’, which was co-written with Dickey Lee and Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999), and included the track on ‘No Ordinary Man’ (MCA Records, 1994); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994.
Faith Hill recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Let’s Go To Vegas’ and included the track on ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995).
Faith Hill recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Keep Walkin’ On’ (co-written with Tricia Walker) and included the track on ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995).
Crystal Gayle recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Anchor Deep’ (co-written with Gary Harrison) and included the track on ‘Someday’ (Intersound Records, 1995).
Susie Luchsinger recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Give Love An Inch’ and included the track on ‘Come As You Are’ (Integrity Records, 1995).
The Whites recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Give Love An Inch’ and included the track on ‘Give A Little Back’ (Step One Records, 1996).
Terri Clark recorded Karen Staley’s ‘You Do Or You Don’t’ (co-written with Bob DiPiero) and included the track on ‘Just The Same’ (Mercury Nashville Records, 1996).
IIIrd Tyme Out recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Across The Miles’ and included the track on ‘Living On The Other Side’ (Rounder Records, 1997).
LeAnn Rimes recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Rest Is History’ (co-written with Clay Blaker) and included the track on ‘Unchained Melody’ (Curb Records, 1997).
On Tuesday 17 November 1998, Karen Staley saw the release of ‘Fearless’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1998), which included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Somebody’s Child’ (written by Karen Staley) / this track, which was released as a single in 1998, and did not chart, featured harmony vocals from Vince Gill and Patty Loveless
Karen Staley’s second album, ‘Fearless’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1998), also included the following tracks:
‘Fearless’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘That’s The Bad Thing About A Good Memory’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Hindsight Is 20/20’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Cross The Battleline’ (written by Carey Richard Beare and Karen Staley)
‘Can’t Get Enough’ (written by Dusty Drake and Karen Staley)
‘Breakin’ All The Rules’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Half Over You’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘Wicked Ways’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘With You’ (written by Bob DiPiero and Karen Staley)
‘God is in Control’ (written by Karen Staley)
Terri Clark recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Every Time I Cry’ (co-written with Bob Regan) and included the track on ‘How I Feel’ (Mercury Records, 1998); the track reached No.12 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999.
Juice Newton recorded Karen Staley’s ‘They Never Made It To Memphis’ (co-written with Jan Buckingham) and included the track on ‘American Girl’ (Renaissance Records, 1999); the track was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999, but it did not chart.
Jennifer Weatherly recorded Karen Staley’s ‘The Rest Is History’ (co-written with Clay Blaker) and included the track on ‘Lucky Day’ (JK Records, 2000).
Trick Pony recorded Karen Staley’s ‘On A Night Like This’ (co-written with Doug Kahan) and included the track on ‘Trick Pony’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2001); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2001, and No.47 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 2001.
Trick Pony recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Party of One’ (co-written with Ira Dean and Doug Kahan) and included the track on ‘Trick Pony’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2001).
Tracy Byrd recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Keeper of The Stars’, which was co-written with Dickey Lee and Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999), and included the track on ‘Ten Rounds’ (RCA Records, 2001).
Trick Pony recorded Karen Staley’s ‘The Devil & Me’ (co-written with Ira Dean) and included the track on ‘On A Mission’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2002).
Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014) recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Is This You Leaving’ (co-written with Paul Craft) and included the track on ‘Too Bad You’re No Good’ (Strictly Country Records, 2007); the track featured Karen Staley on harmony vocals.
Patty Loveless recorded Karen Staley’s ‘Half Over You’ and included the track on ‘Mountain Soul II’ (Saguaro Records, 2009).
Three of Karen Staley’s songs, ‘Take Me As I Am’ (recorded by Faith Hill in 1993), ‘Let’s Go To Vegas’ (recorded by Faith Hill in 1995) and ‘Keeper of The Stars’ (recorded by Tracy Byrd in 2001) have all achieved BMI’s Millionaire Award (songs surpassing one million radio airplays) twice over…two songs are approaching three million plays.
Karen Staley won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) ‘Song of The Year’ Award with Tracy Byrd’s recording of Karen Staley’s classic ‘Keeper of The Stars’, which was featured on (Country Music Television) CMT’s ‘100 Greatest Country Love Songs of All Time’ television special.
Karen Staley’s songs have been nominated for Academy of Country Music (ACM), Country Music Association (CMA), Dove, Grammy and IBMA Awards.
As a backup singer and rhythm guitarist, Karen Staley has toured with Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless and Russ Taff.
Karen Staley has also sung on many of their recordings, as well as being in demand as a demo singer.
Karen Staley has also recorded a slew of custom album projects, including ‘Phoenix Rising’ (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003), ‘Me & Mahalia’ (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003), ‘Out of The Park – The Hits’ (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003), ‘Farther Along – Classic Hymns’ (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003) and ‘The Story of My Life’ (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003).
Karen Staley has provided background vocals on a wide variety of albums, including the following:
On Wednesday 1 October 1986, Patty Loveless saw the release of her self-titled debut album, ‘Patty Loveless’ (MCA Records, 1986), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Lonely Days, Lonely Nights’ (written by Karen Staley) (No.46, 1985)
‘Wicked Ways’ (written by Karen Staley) (No.49, 1986)
‘I Did’ (written by Patty Loveless) (No.56, 1987)
‘After All’, which was written by Jimbeau Hinson (Wednesday 29 October 1952 – Friday 4 March 2022) and Harry Stinson (No.43, 1987)
Patty Loveless‘ self-titled debut album, ‘Patty Loveless’ (MCA Records, 1986), reached No.35 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
On Tuesday 15 May 1990, Patty Loveless saw the release of ‘On Down The Line’ (MCA Records, 1990), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘On Down The Line’ (written by Kostas) (No.5 in July 1990)
‘The Night’s Too Long’ (written by Lucinda Williams) (No.20, 1990)
‘I’m That Kind of Girl’, which was written by Matraca Berg and Ronnie Samoset (1947 – Sunday 29 July 2018) (No.5, 1991)
‘Blue Memories’ (written by Paul Kennerley and Karen Brooks) (No.22 in July 1991)
Patty Loveless‘ ‘On Down The Line’ (MCA Records, 1990) reached No.12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
In 1990, Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) saw the release of ‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990), an album which marked Glen Campbell’s return to Capitol Records, and included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘She’s Gone, Gone, Gone’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.6, 1989) / this track, which was Glen Campbell’s last Top 10 hit single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, was released via Universal Records, a short-lived record label, which was founded by Jimmy Bowen
‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (written by Jeff Barry) (No.61, 1990)
‘On A Good Night’, which was written by Jim Weatherly (Wednesday 17 March 1943 – Wednesday 3 February 2021) and Keith Stegall / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Somebody’s Leavin’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
Glen Campbell’s ‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘You Will Not Lose’, which was written by Allen Toussaint (Friday 14 January 1938 – Tuesday 10 November 2015) / this track was a duet with Steve Wariner
‘If I Could Only Get My Hands On You Now’ (written by Larry Gatlin)
‘William Tell Overture’ (written by Gioachino Rossini, arranged by Glen Campbell & Dennis McCarthy)
‘Woodcarver’ (written by Rusty Wolfe) / this track was a duet with Lacy J. Dalton
‘Cheatin’ Is’ (written by Rafe Van Hoy)
‘Tied To The Tracks’ (written by J. Fred Knobloch and Gary Scruggs)
‘Jesus On Your Mind’ (written by Keith Stegall)
Personnel involved in the recording of Glen Campbell’s ‘Walkin’ In The Sun’ (Capitol Records, 1990) included the following:
Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) and James Stroud (drums)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) and Pat Flynn (acoustic guitar)
David Hungate and Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass guitar)
Glen D. Hardin and Larry Knechtel (piano)
Mike Lawler and David Innis (synthesizer)
Mark O’Connor (mandolin, fiddle)
Béla Fleck (banjo)
Conni Ellisor (violin)
John Cowan, Debby Campbell Olson and Gail Davies (additional background vocals)
Background vocals on ‘Jesus On Your Mind’ (written by Keith Stegall): Larry Gatlin, Steve Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016), Alan Jackson, Kathy Mattea, Paul Overstreet, Eddy Raven, Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White, Keith Stegall, Karen Staley, Cheryl White Warren, Buck White and Chris Zann
On Tuesday 29 January 1991, Pam Tillis saw the release of ‘Put Yourself In My Place’ (Arista Records, 1991), which was produced by Paul Worley and Ed Seay, and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Don’t Tell Me What To Do’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) (No.5, 1990)
‘One of Those Things’ (written by Pam Tillis and Paul Overstreet) (No.6, 1991)
‘Put Yourself In My Place’ (written by Carl Jackson and Pam Tillis) (No.11, 1991)
‘Maybe It Was Memphis’ (written by Michael Anderson) (No.3, 1991)
‘Blue Rose Is’ (written by Pam Tillis, Bob DiPiero and Jan Buckingham) (No.21, 1992)
Pam Tillis’ ‘Put Yourself In My Place’ (Arista Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘Melancholy Child’ (written by Pam Tillis and Bob DiPiero)
‘Draggin’ My Chains’ (written by Pam Tillis and Rick Carnes)
‘Ancient History’ (written by Bob DiPiero and John Scott Sherrill)
‘I’ve Seen Enough To Know’ (written by Pam Tillis and Radney Foster)
‘Already Fallen’ (written by Bob DiPiero and Pam Tillis)
Personnel involved in the recording of Pam Tillis’ ‘Put Yourself In My Place’ (Arista Records, 1991) included the following:
Eddie Bayers and Paul Leim (drums)
Bruce C. Bouton (steel guitar)
Dennis Burnside and Matt Rollings (piano)
Larry Byrom, Steve Gibson and John Jorgenson (electric guitar)
Ashley Cleveland, Vicki Hampton, Karen Staley, Harry Stinson and Tricia Walker (background vocals)
Carl Jackson (acoustic guitar)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle, mandolin)
Pam Tillis (lead vocals, background vocals)
Glenn Worf (bass guitar)
Pam Tillis’ ‘Put Yourself In My Place’ (Arista Records, 1991) reached No.10 on the included the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1991, No.69 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1991, and No.12 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1991.
On Tuesday 26 May 1992, Michelle Wright saw the release of ‘Now & Then’ (Arista Records, 1992), which included seven tracks, which were hit singles on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart:
‘Take It Like A Man’ (written by Tony Haselden) (No.1 for two weeks in June 1992) / this track, which also reached No.10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992, featured background vocals from Lari Michele White Cannon (Thursday 13 May 1965 – Tuesday 23 January 2018)
‘One Time Around’, which was written by Chapin Hartford and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015) (No.1 for one week in October 1992) / this track also reached No.43 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992
‘He would Be Sixteen’, which was written by Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), Jill Colucci and Austin Roberts (No.3, 1992) / this track also reached No.31 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992
‘The Change’ (written by Steve Bogard and Rick Giles) (No.14, 1993) / this track also reached No.55 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993
‘If I’m Ever Over You’ (written by Mark D. Sanders and Trisha Yearwood) (No.33, 1993)
‘Guitar Talk’ (written by Steve Bogard and Colin Linden) (No.1, 1993)
‘Now & Then’ (written by Gary Harrison and Karen Staley) (No.9, 1994)
Michelle Wright’s ‘Now & Then’ (Arista Records, 1992) also included the following tracks:
‘Don’t Start With Me’ (written by Steve Bogard and Michael Clark)
‘Fastest Healing Wounded Heart’ (written by Pat Bunch and Curtis Stone)
‘A Little More Comfortable’ (written by Chapin Hartford)
Personnel involved in the recording of Michelle Wright’s ‘Now & Then’ (Arista Records, 1992) included the following:
Bruce C. Bouton (pedal steel guitar, Weisenborn)
Spady Brannan (bass guitar)
Sonny Garrish (pedal steel guitar, pedal Dobro)
Rick Giles, Karen Staley and Lari Michele White Cannon (Thursday 13 May 1965 – Tuesday 23 January 2018) (background vocals)
Carl Marsh (Fairlight)
Brent Mason and Biff Watson (guitars)
Steve Nathan (piano, keyboards)
Catherine Styron (keyboards)
John Willis (guitars, mandolin)
Lonnie Wilson (drums)
Michelle Wright‘s ‘Now & Then’ (Arista Records, 1992) reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1992, No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1992, No.126 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1992, and No.29 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart in 1992.
On Tuesday 6 October 1992, Suzy Bogguss saw the release of ‘Voices In The Wind’ (Liberty Records, 1992), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billlboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Letting Go’ (written by Suzy Bogguss and Doug Crider) (No.6, 1992)
‘Drive South’ (written by John Hiatt) (No.2, 1992)
‘Heartache’ (written by Lowell George and Ivan Ulz) (No.23, 1993)
Suzy Bogguss’ ‘Voices In The Wind’ (Liberty Records, 1992) also included the following tracks:
‘Don’t Wanna’ (written by Cheryl Wheeler)
‘How Come You Go To Her’ (written by Suzy Bogguss, Michael Garvin and Anthony L. Smith)
‘Other Side of The Hill’ (written by Chuck Pyle)
‘In The Day’ (written by Suzy Bogguss and Doug Crider)
‘Love Goes Without Saying’ (written by Doug Crider and Tony Haselden)
‘Eat At Joe’s’ (written by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison)
‘Lovin’ A Hurricane’ (written by John Hiatt)
‘Cold Day In July’ (written by Richard Leigh)
Personnel involved in the recording of Suzy Bogguss’ ‘Voices In The Wind’ (Liberty Records, 1992) included the following:
Suzy Bogguss (lead vocals, backing vocals)
Bucky Baxter (electric guitar, pedal steel guitar)
Eddie Bayers (drums, backing vocals)
Gerald Alan Boyd (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals)
Sam Bush (mandolin)
David Campbell (string arrangements, conductor)
Bob Carpenter, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Doug Crider, John Guess, Jeff Hanna, Ted Hewitt, Jimmy Ibbotson, Abe Medic, Mike Reid, Karen Staley, Harry Stinson and Janie West (backing vocals)
Dan Dugmore (pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar)
Jimmie Fadden and Kirk ‘Jelly Roll’ Johnson (harmonica)
Vince Gill and Brent Rowan (electric guitar, backing vocals)
Mike Henderson (slide guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals)
John Barlow Jarvis (keyboards, DX-7 Synthesizer)
Mark Morris (percussion, backing vocals)
Johnny Neel (keyboards)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle, violin)
Tom Roady (percussion)
Matt Rollings (piano, backing vocals)
Leland Sklar (bass, backing vocals)
Suzy Bogguss’ ‘Voices In The Wind’ (Liberty Records, 1992) reached No.31 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1992, and No.116 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1992.
On Tuesday 12 October 1993, Faith Hill saw the release of her debut album, ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Wild One’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Jaime Kyle and Will Rambeaux (No.1 for three weeks in January 1994)
‘Piece of My Heart’, which was written by Jordan ‘Jerry’ Ragovoy (Thursday 4 September 1930 – Wednesday 13 July 2011) and Bertrand Russell ‘Bert’ Berns (Friday 8 November 1929 – Saturday 30 December 1967) (No.1, 1994)
‘But I Will’, which was written by Troy Seals, Edward F. ‘Eddie’ Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020) and Larry Stewart (No.35, 1994)
‘Take Me As I Am’ (written by Bob DiPiero and Karen Staley) (No.2, 1994)
Faith Hill’s debut album, ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993), also included the following tracks:
‘Just About Now’ (written by Gary Burr and Jon Vezner)
‘I’ve Got This Friend’, which was written by Bruce Burch (Friday 30 January 1953 – Saturday 12 March 2022), Vern Dant and Faith Hill / this track was a duet with Larry Stewart
‘Life’s Too Short To Love Like That’ (written by Sandy Ramos)
‘Just Around The Eyes’ (written by Gary Burr)
‘Go The Distance’ (written by Trey Bruce, Faith Hill and Thom McHugh)
‘I Would Be Stronger Than That’ (written by Gary Burr)
Personnel involved in the recording of Faith Hill’s debut album, ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993), included the following:
All tracks, except ‘Just Around The Eyes’
Gary Burr, Mary Ann Kennedy, Mark Luna, Pam Rose, Victoria Shaw, Karen Staley, Larry Stewart, Cindy Richardson Walker, Ron Wallace and Lari Michele White Cannon (Thursday 13 May 1965 – Tuesday 23 January 2018) (background vocals)
John Catchings (cello)
Bill Cuomo (synthesizer)
Stuart Duncan (mandolin, fiddle)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar, Dobro)
Dann Huff and Brent Mason (electric guitar)
John Barlow Jarvis (piano)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (congas, cymbals, tambourine)
Don Potter (acoustic guitar)
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass guitar)
Lonnie Wilson (drums)
‘Just Around The Eyes’
Gary Burr (background vocals)
Jerry Douglas (Dobro)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (percussion)
Edgar Meyer (acoustic bass guitar)
Harry Stinson (drums)
Biff Watson (acoustic guitar)
Glenn Worf (electric bass guitar)
Faith Hill’s debut album, ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993), reached No.7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1993, No.59 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1993, No.7 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart in 1993, No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1993, and No.51 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums Chart in 1993.
Faith Hill’s debut album, ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993), was certified 3× Platinum in the United States for sales of three million copies, and sold 4.3 million copies worldwide.
On Tuesday 27 September 1993, Ronna Reeves saw the release of ‘What Comes Naturally’ (Polygram Records / Mercury Records, 1993), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Never Let Him See Me Cry’ (No.73, 1993)
‘He’s My Weakness’ (No.74, 1993)
On Tuesday 29 August 1995, Faith Hill saw the release of ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995), which included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Let’s Go To Vegas’ (written by Karen Staley) (No.5, 1995)
‘It Matters To Me’ (written by Ed Hill and Mark D. Sanders) (No.1 for two weeks in January 1996)
‘Someone Else’s Dream’ (written by Trey Bruce and Craig Wiseman) (No.3, 1996)
‘You Can’t Lose Me’ (written by Trey Bruce and Thom McHugh) (No.6, 1996)
‘I Can’t Do That Anymore’ (written by Alan Jackson) (No.8, 1997)
Faith Hill’s ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995) also included the following tracks:
‘Bed of Roses’ (written by Jaime Kyle and Will Rambeaux)
‘A Man’s Home Is His Castle’ (written by Ariel Caten)
‘A Room In My Heart’ (written by Sunny Russ)
‘You Will Be Mine’ (written by Rob Honey)
‘Keep Walkin’ On’ (written by Karen Staley and Tricia Walker) / this track featured guest vocals from Shelby Lynne
Personnel involved in the recording of Faith Hill’s ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995) included the following:
Gary Carter and Paul Franklin (pedal steel guitar)
Ashley Cleveland, Lisa Gregg, Steve Hornbeak, Robert Johnson, Wendell Mobley, Pam Rose, Karen Staley, Harry Stinson, Russ Taff, Cindy Richardson Walker and Dennis Wilson (background vocals)
Bill Cuomo and Carl Marsh (synthesizer)
Dan Dugmore (pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar)
Trey Gray and Lonnie Wilson (drums)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
John A. Hobbs (Saturday 11 February 1928 – Wednesday 12 June 2019) and Reese Wynans (piano, Hammond B-3 organ)
Dann Huff, Brent Mason and Lou Toomey (electric guitar)
Anthony Joyner and Glenn Worf (bass guitar)
Elaine Krisle and Matt Rollings (piano)
Tom Rutledge, Michael Spriggs and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (acoustic guitar)
Hand claps on ‘Keep Walkin’ On’: Mark Capps (Saturday 14 December 1968 – Thursday 5 January 2023), Bill Cuomo, Paul Franklin, Darrell Franklin, Scott Hendricks, Faith Hill, Brent Mason, Michelle Perry, Michael Spriggs, Lonnie Wilson and Glenn Worf
Faith Hill’s ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995) reached No.4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1995, No.29 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1995, No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1995, and No.40 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums Chart in 1995.
Faith Hill’s ‘It Matters To Me’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1995) was certified 4× Multi-Platinum in the United States for sales of four million copies.
On Tuesday 23 July 1996, Suzy Bogguss saw the release of ‘Give Me Some Wheels’ (Liberty Records, 1996), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Give Me Some Wheels’ (written by Matraca Berg, Suzy Bogguss and Gary Harrison) (No.60, 1996)
‘No Way Out’ (written by Marcus Hummon and Darrell Scott) (No.53, 1996)
‘She Said, He Heard’ (written by Suzy Bogguss and Don Schlitz) (No.57, 1997)
Suzy Bogguss’ ‘Give Me Some Wheels’ (Liberty Records, 1996) also included the following tracks:
‘Feeling ‘Bout You’ (written by Angela Kaset and Don Schlitz)
‘Let’s Get Real’ (written by Bob Regan and Billy Spencer)
‘Traveling Light’ (written by Tom Shapiro and George Teren)
‘Live To Love Another Day’ (written by Liz Hengber and Will Robinson)
‘Fall’, which was written by Trey Bruce – son of Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) – and Craig Wiseman
‘Saying Goodbye To A Friend’ (written by Angela Kaset and Doug Gill)
‘Far & Away’ (written by Suzy Bogguss and Doug Crider)
Personnel involved in the recording of Suzy Bogguss’ ‘Give Me Some Wheels’ (Liberty Records, 1996) included the following:
Suzy Bogguss (lead vocals, backing vocals)
Deborah Allen, Gerald Boyd, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Lisa Greg, Steve Hornbeak, Marcus Hummon, Darrell Scott, Karen Staley and Harry Stinson (backing vocals)
David Campbell (string arrangements)
J.T. Corenflos (Wednesday 6 November 1963 – Saturday 24 October 2020) (electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Billy Crain (acoustic slide guitar)
Bill Cuomo (synthesizer)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar)
Dann Huff and Brent Rowan (electric guitar)
Anthony Lamarchina, Lee Larrison, Robert Mason, Pamela Sixfin, Kristin Wilkinson and Alan Umstead (strings)
Matt Rollings (piano)
Tom Roady (percussion)
Leland Sklar (bass guitar)
Michael Spriggs (acoustic guitar)
Lonnie Wilson (drums)
Reese Wynans (Hammond organ)
Jonathan Yudkin (mandolin, fiddle)
Suzy Bogguss’ ‘Give Me Some Wheels’ (Liberty Records, 1996) reached No.51 on the the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1996.
Juice Newton recorded Karen Staley’s ‘They Never Made It To Memphis’ (co-written with Jan Buckingham) and included the track on ‘American Girl’ (Renaissance Records, 1999); the track was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999, but it did not chart.
At the time of the acquisition of this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote’ from Karen Staley, in December 2008, Karen Staley was residing in Brentwood, Tennessee where she continued to write, record, produce and perform.
Eclectic experience and a passion for nurturing new talent also made Karen Staley a sought after music business mentor.
Bobby Marquez recorded Karen Staley’s ‘She’s Not From Texas’ (co-written with Anita Cochran) and included the track on ‘Bobby Marquez’ (Grande Star Records, 2009).
Bobby Marquez recorded Karen Staley’s ‘That’s Life’ (co-written with Bobby Marquez) and included the track on ‘Bobby Marquez’ (Grande Star Records, 2009).
• Visit Karen Staley’s official site at karenstaley.com