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 2020, 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 Kelley Swindall, which she submitted to this site on Sunday 4 October 2020.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Kelley Swindall who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Kelley Swindall
This quote was submitted on Sunday 4 October 2020.
‘I know it’s been said that Gene’s a ‘singer’s singer’, but I’d like to go as far to say that he’s a ‘country singer’s singer’, which to me is a compliment of the highest order.
It takes a truly authentic soul to sing and interpret real country music.
Any singer can sing a country song, but not any singer can embody it, and that’s of course what Mr. Watson has done from day one.
His is a voice that tugs at the soul, excites the spirit and both breaks and heals the heart at the same time.
What a talent.
Country music owes such a debt to Mr. Watson and his gift’
Thank you, Kelley Swindall, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Kelley Swindall…
Kelley Swindall was born and raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she grew up listening to the music of Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline (Thursday 8 September 1932 – Tuesday 5 March 1963) and David Allan Coe on the way to church every Sunday morning, because that’s what her daddy listened to.
When she was old enough to drive herself, Kelley Swindall added Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, The Band, and Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) to the mix.
In 2006, Kelley Swindall moved up north to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic arts in New York City. A self-taught guitar and harmonica player, Kelley Swindall began writing songs after leaving school in order to give herself a creative outlet outside of acting.
Kelley Swindall developed her songwriting at Big City Folks’ Wednesday Night Song Club at Ceol, and played out around the city, primarily at Banjo Jim’s, The Red Lion, and The Holiday Cocktail Lounge on St. Mark’s Place, where she curated the Sunday Night Music Nights up until its closure in 2012.
Drawing upon her southern background, Kelley Swindall’s style is a unique blend of bluesy folk, coupled with a witty, gritty, old school country sensibility, with a twinge of the outlaw tradition.
Rooted in story songs and talking blues, Kelley Swindall’s self-titled debut album, ‘Kelley Swindall’ (CD Baby, 2014) was released in July 2014.
Kelley Swindall performs regularly throughout New York City, on the road, and in her native South, as well as on stage, in film, and on television.
Kelley Swindall is a member of the New York City-based theater company, The Amoralists.
On Friday 19 June 2020, Kelley Swindall saw the release of ‘You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want’ (Velvet Elk Records, 2020), which was produced by Don DiLego and Mike Montali, and included the following tracks:
‘I Ain’t For You, You Ain’t For Me’
‘You Can Call Me Darling’
‘California’
‘Meet Me Half Way’
‘Come On Back My Way’
‘Refuse To Be Blue’
‘My Minglewood Blues’
‘Heartsick’
‘You Never Really Loved Me Anyway’
‘He Ain’t You’
‘Spring Street Dive’
‘Alright, All Right’
Personnel involved in the recording of Kelley Swindall’s ‘You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want’ (Velvet Elk Records, 2020) included the following:
Kelley Swindall (lead vocals)
Teddy Kumpel (guitar)
Andy Zehnal (drums)
Mike Hesslein (keyboards)
Don DiLego (bass)
• Visit Kelley Swindall’s official site at kelleyswindall.com
• Like Kelley Swindall on Facebook