Gene Watson Peer’s Quote from Milton Sledge: November 2013

Gene Watson's Peers

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 2013, 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 Milton Sledge, which he submitted to this site on Friday 1 November 2013.

Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Milton Sledge who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.

Gene Watson Fan Site

Milton Sledge

Milton Sledge
This quote was submitted on Friday 1 November 2013.

‘Gene Watson, to my ear, is one of the purest country singers of all time!

Gene Watson: 'A Way To Survive' (Step One Records, 1997)
Gene Watson: 'From The Heart' (RMG Records, 2001)
Gene Watson: 'Gene Watson...Sings' (Intersound Records, 2003)

I consider the opportunities I’ve had recording with Gene to be true highlights in my career!

Gene truly brings out the best in his musicians.

Because he’s giving his best, you always want to play your best’

Thank you, Milton Sledge, for your support of Gene Watson.

Gene Watson Fan Site

About Milton Sledge…

Milton Sledge

Milton Sledge
grew up in Athens, Alabama, not far from Muscle Shoals, an area known for its wide variety of music.

Following graduation from high school and a stint in the United States Army Band, Milton Sledge returned to the Shoals area to attend college and study music at the University of North Alabama.

While in college there, Milton Sledge began to pursue his dream of playing in the recording studios of Muscle Shoals.  Milton Sledge played drums regularly in the studios there for four to five years.

Soon, Milton Sledge began to receive more and more calls for recording sessions in Nashville.  This prompted Milton Sledge to move to Nashville in 1984, where he has been a mainstay in the Nashville recording studios ever since.


Milton Sledge can be heard on many country music recordings, including those of the following acclaimed artists:

John Anderson
Barbara Mandrell
Tracey Lawrence
Jo Dee Messina
Randy Travis
The Amazing Rhythmn Aces
Mark Chesnutt
Paul Overstreet
Bryan White
Becky Hobbs
Crystal Gayle
Neal McCoy

Ray Benson’s Asleep At The Wheel
Juice Newton
Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998)
The Statler Brothers
Gene Watson
The Moffits
Kathy Mattea
Emmylou Harris
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
Alabama
Hal Ketchum (Thursday 9 April 1953 – Monday 23 November 2020)
Shenandoah
Trisha Yearwood
Pam Tillis
Chris LeDoux (Saturday 2 October 1948 – Wednesday 9 March 2005)
Vince Gill
Toby Keith (Saturday 8 July 1961 – Monday 5 February 2024)
Garth Brooks


Milton Sledge has played drums on over 30 No.1 singles and albums which have sold over 180 million copies.


In February 2014, Milton Sledge moved back to his hometown of Athens to ‘give back’, by working with, and teaching, local musicians.  Milton Sledge is once again an active part of the music scene in the Muscle Shoals area, as well as continuing to work in Nashville.


The Musicians Hall of Fame, 401 Gay Street, Nashville, TN 37219

In October 2016, Milton Sledge was inducted into The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum as a member of The G-Men, Garth Brooks studio band, who have been recording together for thirty years.


Milton Sledge is one of the Nashville elite, a supreme drummer, an expert percussionist and, on occasion, a songwriter, as exemplified by the extraordinary list of albums on which his style, in all manner of tasks, is displayed.


Alabama: 'Roll On' (RCA Records, 1984)

Milton Sledge played drums on Alabama’s ‘Roll On’ (RCA Records, 1984), which was produced by Harold Shedd, reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984, and No.21 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music albums chart in 1984.

Other personnel involved in the recording of Alabama’s ‘Roll On’ (RCA Records, 1984) included the following:

Randy Owen, Fred Newell and Gregg Galbraith (electric guitar)
Jeff Cook (Saturday 27 August 1949 – Monday 7 November 2022) (electric guitar, organ)
George Jackson, Jack Eubanks and Larry Shell (acoustic guitar)
Teddy Gentry and Larry Paxton (bass)
Mark Herndon (drums)
Shane Keister and Little Willie Rainsford (keyboards)
Blaine Sprouse (fiddle, violin)
Carl Jackson and Carlton Jackson (banjo)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
The A-Strings (strings)

Alabama’s ‘Roll On’ (RCA Records, 1984) included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)’ (written by Dave Loggins) (No.1 for one week in March 1984)

‘When We Make Love’, which was written by Troy Seals and Mentor Williams (Tuesday 11 June 1946 – Wednesday 16 November 2016)
 (No.1 for one week in June 1984) / this track also reached No.72 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1984

‘If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band)’, which was written by Murry Kellum and Dan Mitchell (passed away on Wednesday 22 May 2019)
(No.1 for one week in October / November 1984)

‘(There’s A) Fire In The Night’ (written by Bob Corbin)
(No.1 for one week in January / February 1985)

Alabama’s ‘Roll On’ (RCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:

‘Carolina Mountain Dew’ (written by Randy Owen)
‘End of The Lying’, which was written by Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005) and Alan Schulman
‘I’m Not That Way Anymore’ (written by Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Greg Fowler and Mark Herndon)
‘Country Side of Life’ (written by Maurice Hirshgive)
‘Boy’ (written by Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Greg Fowler)
‘Food On The Table’ (written by Randy Owen)


Alabama: '40 Hour Week' (RCA Records, 1985)

Milton Sledge played drums on Alabama’s ’40 Hour Week’ (RCA Records, 1985), which was produced by Alabama & Harold Shedd, and reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985, and No.28 on the Billboard Hot 200 pop music albums chart in 1985.

Other personnel who were involved in the recording of Alabama’s ’40 Hour Week’ (RCA Records, 1985) included the following:

Jeff Cook (Saturday 27 August 1949 – Monday 7 November 2022) (electric guitar, vocals, lead vocals on ‘(She Won’t Have A Thing To Do With) Nobody But Me’)
Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, vocals, lead vocals on ‘As Right Now’)
Mark Herndon (drums)
Randy Owen (lead vocals, electric guitar)
Eddie Bayers and Roger Hawkins (drums)
Kenneth Bell and George (Leo) Jackson (acoustic guitar)
David Briggs (keyboards)
Costo Davis (Kurzweil Synthesizer)
Jack Eubanks (acoustic guitar)
Gregg Galbraith and Fred Newell (electric guitar)
Larry Paxton (bass guitar)
Willie Rainsford (keyboards)
Brent Rowan and Ronnie Scaife (electric guitar)
The ‘A’ Strings (strings / arranged by Kristin Wilkinson)

Alabama’s ’40 Hour Week’ (RCA Records, 1985) included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘There’s No Way’, which was written by Lisa Palas, Will Robinson and John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) (No.1 for one week in May 1985)

‘Forty Hour Week (For A Livin’)’ (written by Dave Loggins, Lisa Silver and Don Schlitz)
(No.1 for one week in August 1985)

‘Can’t Keep A Good Man Down’ (written by Bob Corbin)
(No.1 for one week in November 1985)

Alabama’s ’40 Hour Week’ (RCA Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:

‘Down On Longboat Key’, which was written by Dennis Morgan and Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022)
‘Louisiana Moon’, which was written by Larry Shell and Dan Mitchell (passed away on Wednesday 22 May 2019)
‘I Want To Know You Before We Make Love’ (written by Becky Hobbs and Candy Parton)
‘Fireworks’, which was written by Ronny Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010), Phil Thomas (1944 – Saturday 5 January 2019) and Kenny Durham
‘(She Won’t Have A Thing To Do With) Nobody But Me’ (written by Dean Dillon, Buzz Rabin and William ‘Flash Gordon’)
‘As Right Now’ (written by Teddy Gentry and Greg Fowler)
‘If It Ain’t Dixie (It Won’t Do)’, which was written by John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) and Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)


Kathy Mattea: 'From My Heart' (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1985)

Milton Sledge played drums on Kathy Mattea‘s ‘From My Heart’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1985), which was produced by Allen Reynolds; the album reached No.42 on the Billboard Top 100 Albums Chart.

Kathy Mattea‘s ‘From My Heart’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1985) included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘It’s Your Reputation Talking’ (written by Mitch Johnson and Harry Shannon) (No.34, 1985)

‘He Won’t Give In’ (written by Johnny Pierce)
(No.22, 1985)

‘Heart of The Country’ (written by Donny Lowery and Wendy Waldman)
(No.46, 1985)

Kathy Mattea‘s ‘From My Heart’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:

‘I Believe I Could Fall In Love (With Loving You)’ (written by Gary Burr)
‘Trail of Tears’ (written by Roger Cook and Allen Reynolds)
‘Never Look Back’ (written by Tom Campbell, Jim Photoglo and Wendy Waldman)
‘Ball & Chain’ (written by Elton John and Gary Osborne)
‘When I’m Over You (What You Gonna Do)’ (written by Mark Germino and Chuck Kuening)
‘Talkin’ To Myself’ (written by Richard Allen, Frank Saulino and Jim Valentini)
‘If I Hadn’t Met You’ (written by Randy Goodrum)

Other personnel involved in the recording of Kathy Mattea‘s ‘From My Heart’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1985) included the following:

Kathy Mattea (vocals, guitar, background vocals)
Mark Casstevens, Sonny Garrish and Chris Leuzinger (guitar)
Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 – Thursday 7 June 2007) (organ, piano)
John Barlow Jarvis (piano)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano, organ)
Brent Rowan (guitar)
Bobby Wood (organ)
Bob Wray (bass)
Gary VanOsdale (viola)
Carl Gorodetzky and George Binkley III (violin)
Roy Christensen (cello)
Jonathan Edwards, Wendy Waldman, Mac McAnally, Pat McManus, John Thompson, Jim Photoglo and Allen Reynolds (background vocals)


The Statler Brothers: 'Christmas Present' (Mercury Records, 1985)

Milton Sledge played drums on The Statler Brothers‘ ‘Christmas Present’ (Mercury Records, 1985); the album reached No.42 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.


Kathy Mattea: 'Walk The Way The Wind Blows' (Mercury Records, 1986)

Milton Sledge played drums on Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Walk The Way The Wind Blows’ (Mercury Records, 1986), which was produced by Allen Reynolds, and reached No.13 on the Billboard Top 100 Albums Chart.

Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Walk The Way The Wind Blows’ (Mercury Records, 1986) included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Love At The Five & Dime’, which was written by Nanci Caroline Griffith (Monday 6 July 1953 – Friday 13 August 2021) (No.3, 1986)

‘Walk The Way The Wind Blows’ (written by Tim O’Brien)
(No.10, 1986)

‘You’re The Power’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and F.C. Collins)
(No.5, 1987)

‘Train of Memories’, which was written by Andy Byrd and Jimbeau Hinson (Wednesday 29 October 1952 – Friday 4 March 2022)
(No.6, 1987)

Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Walk The Way The Wind Blows’ (Mercury Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:

‘Reason To Live’ (written by Joanne Christy, Johnny Pierce and Geoff Levin)
‘Evening’ (written by Mitchell Parish and Harry White)
‘Leaving West Virginia’ (written by Kathy Mattea)
‘You Plant Your Fields’ (written by Wendy Waldman and Donny Lowery)
‘Back Up Grinnin’ Again’ (written by David Goodman)
‘Song For The Life’ (written by Rodney Crowell)

Other personnel involved in the recording of Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Walk The Way The Wind Blows’ (Mercury Records, 1986) included the following:

Kathy Mattea (vocals, background vocals)
Charlie Anderson (harmonica)
Bruce C. Bouton (guitar, pedal steel guitar)
Tommy Cozart (drums)
Bill Donohue (piano)
Bessyl Duhon (accordion)
Ray Flacke, Brent Rowan and K. Susan Taylor (guitar)
Béla Fleck (banjo)
Pat Flynn and Chris Leuzinger (guitar)
Jim Horn, Wayne Jackson and Quitman Dennis (horn)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (percussion)
Tim O’Brien (guitar, mandolin)
Mark O’Connor and Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Bobby Wood (keyboards)
Bob Wray (bass)
Wendy Waldman, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017), Craig Bickhardt, Vince Gill and Jim Photoglo (background vocals)


Alabama: 'The Touch' (RCA Records, 1986)

Milton Sledge played drums on Alabama’s ‘The Touch’ (RCA Records, 1986), which was produced by Alabama & Harold Shedd, and reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.

Alabama’s ‘The Touch’ (RCA Records, 1986) included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Touch Me When We’re Dancing’ (written by Terry Skinner, J.L. Wallace and Ken Bell) (No.1 for one week in November / December 1986)

‘You’ve Got The Touch’, which was written by Will Robinson, John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) and Lisa Palas
 (No.1 for one week in April 1987)

Alabama’s ‘The Touch’ (RCA Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:

‘Vacation’ (written by Randy Owen)
‘True, True Housewife’ (written by Randy Owen)
‘Is This How Love Begins’ (written by Bob Corbin)
‘Cruising’, which was written by Vern Dant, Jeff Cook (Saturday 27 August 1949 – Monday 7 November 2022) and Ted Hewitt
‘Let’s Hear It For The Girl’ (written by S. Alan Taylor)
‘It’s All Comin’ Back To Me Now’ (written by Dave Loggins)
‘I Taught Her Everything She Knows’, which was written by Teddy Gentry, Greg Fowler, John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001) and Walt Aldridge
‘Pony Express’ (written by Teddy Gentry, Ken Lambert, Buddy Cannon and Dean Dillon)

Other personnel involved in the recording of Alabama’s ‘The Touch’ (RCA Records, 1986) included the following:

Jeff Cook (Saturday 27 August 1949 – Monday 7 November 2022) (electric guitar, vocals, lead vocals on ‘Cruising’)
Teddy Gentry (bass guitar, vocals, lead vocals on ‘Pony Express’)
Mark Herndon (drums, vocals)
Randy Owen (electric guitar, lead vocals)
David Briggs (keyboards)
Mike Brignardello and Larry Paxton (bass guitar)
Charles Buckins (percussion)
Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar)
Roger Cox, Roger Hawkins and Bob Mater (drums)
Costo Davis (synthesizer)
Quitman Dennis (saxophone)
Steve Gibson (electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
John Willis (electric guitar)


Marty Stuart: 'Marty Stuart' (Columbia Records, 1986)

Milton Sledge played drums on Marty Stuart‘s self-titled album, ‘Marty Stuart’ (Columbia Records, 1986), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Arlene’ (written by Curtis Allen) (No.19, 1985)

‘Honky Tonker’ (written by Steve Forbert)
(No.59, 1986)

‘All Because of You’ (written by Steve Forbert)
(No.39, 1986)

‘Do You Really Want My Loving’ (written by Marty Stuart and Steve Goodman)
(No.59, 1986)

Marty Stuart‘s self-titled album, ‘Marty Stuart’ (Columbia Records, 1986), also included the following tracks:

‘The Shape I’m In’ (written by Robbie Robertson)
‘Hometown Heroes’ (written by David Mallett)
‘Maria (Love To See You Again)’ (written by Marty Stuart and Curtis Allen)
‘Heart of Stone’ (written by Marty Stuart and Curtis Allen)
‘Beyond The Great Divide’ (written by J.C. Crowley and Jack Wesley Routh)

Other personnel involved in the recording of Marty Stuart‘s self-titled album, ‘Marty Stuart’ (Columbia Records, 1986), included the following:

Marty Stuart (vocals, rhythm guitar)
Curtis Allen, Kathie Baillie, Alan LeBoeuf and Colleen Peterson (Tuesday 14 November 1950 – Wednesday 9 October 1996) (backing vocals, harmony vocals)
Jody Maphis (harmony vocals, acoustic guitar)
Duane Eddy, Vince Gill, Biff Watson and Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (lead guitar, rhythm guitar)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Flip Anderson (piano)
Shane Keister (synthesizer)
Bobby Whitlock (organ)
Jim Horn (saxophone)
Paco Shipp (harmonica)
T. Michael Coleman and Ralph Ezell (bass)
WS ‘Fluke’ Holland (Monday 22 April 1935 – Wednesday 23 September 2020) and David Humphreys (drums)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (percussion)


Kathy Mattea: 'Untasted Honey' (Mercury Records, 1987)

Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Untasted Honey’ (Mercury Records, 1987), which was produced by Allen Reynolds, and reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart.

Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Untasted Honey’ (Mercury Records, 1987) included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Goin’ Gone’ (written by Pat Alger, Bill Dale and Fred Koller) (No.1 for one week in January / February 1988)

‘Eighteen Wheels & A Dozen Roses’ (written by Gene Nelson and Paul Nelson)
(No.1 for two weeks in May / June 1988)

‘Untold Stories’ (written by Tim O’Brien)
(No.4, 1988)

‘Life As We Knew It’ (written by Walter Carter and Fred Koller)
 (No.4, 1988)

Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Untasted Honey’ (Mercury Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:

‘The Battle Hymn of Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) / this track was a duet with Tim O’Brien
‘Late In The Day’ (written by Tim O’Brien)
‘Untasted Honey’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Barry Alfonso)
‘Like A Hurricane’ (written by Pat Alger and Mark D. Sanders)
‘As Long As I Have A Heart’ (written by Don Henry and Dennis Wilson)
‘Every Love’ (written by Kye Fleming and Janis Ian)

Personnel involved in the recording of Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Untasted Honey’ (Mercury Records, 1987) included the following:

Kathy Mattea (vocals)
Tim O’Brien (guitar, mandolin, vocals)
Jerry Douglas (dobro)
Pat Alger, Ray Flacke, Pat Flynn, Nick Forster and Chris Leuzinger (guitar)
Bruce C. Bouton (pedal steel guitar)
Roy M. ‘Junior’ Husky (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) and Mike Leech (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Dave Pomeroy and Bob Wray (bass)
David Schaufer (dulcimer)
Beth Nielsen Chapman and John Thompson (background vocals)
Craig Bickhardt (guitar, background vocals)
Pete Wasner and Bobby Wood (organ, piano)
Buck White (piano)
Cindy Reynolds Wyatt (harp)


Shenandoah: 'The Road Not Taken' (Columbia Records, 1989)

Milton Sledge played drums on Shenandoah’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ (Columbia Records, 1989), which included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Mama Knows’ (written by Tony Haselden and Tim Menzies) (No.5, 1988)

‘The Church On Cumberland Road’ (written by Bob DiPiero, John Scott Sherrill and Dennis Robbins)
(No.1 for two weeks in April / May 1989)

‘Sunday In The South’ (written by Jay Booker)
(No.1 for one week in August 1989)

‘Two Dozen Roses’, which was written by Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005) and Mac McAnally
(No.1 for one week in December 1989)

‘See If I Care’, which was written by Walt Aldridge and Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005)
 (No.6, 1990)

Shenandoah’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ (Columbia Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:

‘She Doesn’t Cry Anymore’, which was written by Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005) and Will Robinson
‘The Road Not Taken’, which was written by Rick Bowles and Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005)
‘Changes’ (written by Billy Henderson and Billy Maddox)
‘She’s All I’ve Got Going’ (written by Mac McAnally)
‘Hard Country’, which was written by Rick Bowles and Robert Byrne (Saturday 10 July 1954 – Monday 27 June 2005)

Other personnel involved in the recording of Shenandoah’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ (Columbia Records, 1989) included the following:

Marty Raybon (lead vocals, background vocals)
Jim Seales (guitar, background vocals)
Stan Thorn (piano, keyboards, background vocals)
Ralph Ezell (bass, background vocals)
Mike McGuire (drums, background vocals)
Owen Hale (drums)
Steve Nathan (piano)
Mac McAnally (acoustic guitar, harmony vocals)
Lenny LeBlanc (bass, background vocals)
Hershey Reeves (vocals, gut string guitar)
Walt Aldridge (guitar)
Vassar Clements (Wednesday 25 April 1928 – Tuesday 16 August 2005) (fiddle)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar)


Garth Brooks': 'Garth Brooks' (Capitol Records, 1989)

Milton Sledge played drums on Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album, ‘Garth Brooks’ (Capitol Records, 1989), which included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

‘Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)’ (written by Randy Taylor and Garth Brooks) (No.8, 1989)

‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ (written by Kent Blazy and Garth Brooks)
(No.1 for one week in December 1989)

‘Not Counting You’ (written by Garth Brooks)
(No.2, 1990)

‘The Dance’ (written by Tony Arata)
(No.1, 1990)

Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album, ‘Garth Brooks’ (Capitol Records, 1989), also included the following tracks:

‘I’ve Got A Good Thing Going’ (written by Larry Bastian, Sandy Mahl and Garth Brooks)
‘Everytime That It Rains’ (written by Charlie Stefl, Ty England and Garth Brooks)
‘Alabama Clay’, which was written by Larry Cordle and Ronny Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010)
‘Cowboy Bill’ (written by Larry Bastian and Ed Berghoff)
‘Nobody Gets Off In This Town’, which was written by Larry Bastian and Dewayne L. Blackwell (Thursday 17 September 1936 – Sunday 23 May 2021)
‘I Know One’, which was written by ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013)

Other personnel involved in the recording of Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album, ‘Garth Brooks’ (Capitol Records, 1989), included the following:

Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar)
Chris Leuzinger (electric guitar)
Bruce C. Bouton (steel guitar)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Bobby Wood (keyboards, synthesizer)
Mike Chapman (bass)
Wayland Patton, Kathy Chiavola, Hurshel Wayne Wiginton (Saturday 29 January 1938 – Monday 6 March 2017), Jennifer O’Brien, Wendy Johnson, Curtis Young and Trisha Yearwood (background vocals)

Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album, ‘Garth Brooks’ (Capitol Records, 1989), reached No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and also reached No.13 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.


1990
Milton Sledge played banjo, drums and percussion on Daniel O’Donnell‘s ‘The Last Waltz’ (Ritz Records, 1990)


1991
Milton Sledge played drums on Davis Daniel’s ‘Fighting Fire With Fire’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1991)
Milton Sledge played drums on Jann Browne‘s ‘It Only Hurts When I Laugh’ (Curb Records, 1991)
Milton Sledge played drums on Hal Ketchum‘s ‘Past The Point of Rescue’ (Curb Records, 1991)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘Ropin’ The Wind’ (Capitol Records, 1991)
Milton Sledge played drums on Tracy Lawrence’s ‘Sticks & Stones’ (Atlantic Records, 1991)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Kathy Mattea‘s ‘Time Passes By’ (Mercury Records, 1991)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Emmylou Harris’ ‘Brand New Dance’ (Reprise Records, 1990)
Milton Sledge played drums on B.B. Watson’s ‘Light At The End of The Tunnel) (BNA Records, 1990)
Milton Sledge played drums on Garth Brooks’ ‘No Fences’ (Capitol Records, 1990)
Milton Sledge played drums on Mark Chesnutt‘s ‘Too Cold At Home’ (MCA Records, 1990)


1992
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘Beyond The Season’ (Capitol Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on Lynn Anderson‘s ‘Cowboy’s Sweetheart’ (Laserlight Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on The Bellamy Brothers‘ ‘Latest & The Greatest’ (Bellamy Brothers Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on John Anderson’s ‘Seminole Wind’ (BNA Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on Aaron Barker‘s ‘The Taste of Freedom’ (Atlantic Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on Hal Ketchum‘s ‘Sure Love’ (Curb Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘The Chase’ (Capitol Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played keyboards on Jeff Knight’s ‘They’ve Been Talkin’ About Me’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on Chris LeDoux’s ‘Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy’ (Liberty Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played drums on Neal McCoy‘s ‘Where Forever Begins’ (Atlantic Records, 1992)
Milton Sledge played banjo, drums and percussion on Daniel O’Donnell‘s ‘Follow Your Dream’ (Ritz Records, 1992)


1993
Milton Sledge played drums on Ray Benson & Asleep At The Wheel‘s ‘A Tribute To The Music of Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys’ (Liberty Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Emmylou Harris’ ‘Cowgirl’s Prayer’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Slim Whitman’s ‘How Great Thou Art’ (Arrival records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums on Gary Stewart’s ‘I’m A Texan’ (Hightone Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘In Pieces’ (Capitol Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Slim Whitman’s ‘Precious Memories’ (K-Tel Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums on Trisha Yearwood’s ‘The Song Remembers When’ (MCA Nashville Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums on ‘Toby Keith’ (Mercury Records, 1993), the self-titled debut album from Toby Keith (Saturday 8 July 1961 – Monday 5 February 2024)
Milton Sledge played drums on ‘Common Thread: The Songs of The Eagles’ (Giant Records, 1993), a various artists album
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Bob Woodruff’s ‘Dreams & Saturday Nights’ (Asylum Records, 1993)
Milton Sledge played drums on Kieran Halpin’s ‘The Rite Hand’ (Round Tower Music, 1993)


1994
Milton Sledge played drums on Bryan White‘s self titled debut album, ‘Bryan White’ (Asylum Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Davis Daniel’s self-titled debut album, ‘Davis Daniel’ (Polydor Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Ian Tyson’s ‘Eighteen Inches of Rain’ (Vanguard Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Hal Ketchum‘s ‘Every Little Word’ (MCG / Curb Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on ‘Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album’ (BNA Records, 1994), a various artists album
Milton Sledge played drums on Jamie O’Hara‘s ‘Rise Above It’ (RCA Nashville Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Ray Benson & Asleep At The Wheel‘s ‘Still Swinging’ (Liberty Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Pam Tillis’ ‘Sweetheart’s Dance’ (Arista Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Becky Hobbs‘ ‘The Boots I Came To Town In’ (Intersound Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Vince Gill‘s ‘When Love Finds You’ (MCA Records, 1994)
Milton Sledge played drums on Fred Koller‘s ‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (Alcazar Records, 1994)


1995
Milton Sledge played drums on Pam Tillis’ ‘All of This Love’ (Arista Nashville Records, 1995)
Milton Sledge played drums on ‘Boomtown’ (Mercury Records, 1995) from Toby Keith (Saturday 8 July 1961 – Monday 5 February 2024)
Milton Sledge played drums on Clinton Gregory‘s self-titled album, ‘Clinton Gregory’ (Polydor Records, 1995)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘Fresh Horses’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1995)
Milton Sledge played drums on The Moffatts’ ‘It’s A Wonderful World’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1995)
Milton Sledge played drums on Crystal Gayle‘s ‘Someday’ (Intersound Records, 1995)
Milton Sledge played drums on Ken Mellons‘ ‘Where Forever Begins’ (Epic Records, 1995)


1996
Milton Sledge played drums on Ian Tyson’s ‘All The Good ‘Uns’ (Stony Plain Records, 1996)
Milton Sledge played drums on Randy Travis‘ ‘Full Circle’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1996)
Milton Sledge played drums on Jo Dee Messina‘s self-titled debut album, ‘Jo Dee Messina’ (Curb Records, 1996)
Milton Sledge played drums on Keith Stegall‘s ‘Passages’ (Mercury Records, 1996)
Milton Sledge played drums on Shenandoah‘s ‘Shenandoah Christmas’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1996)
Milton Sledge played drums on Tracy Lawrence’s ‘Time Marches On’ (Atlantic Records, 1996)


1997
Milton Sledge played drums on Gene Watson‘s ‘A Way To Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997)
Milton Sledge played drums on Eddie Rabbitt’s ‘Beatin’ The Odds’ (Intersound Records, 1997)
Milton Sledge played percussion on The Amazing Rhythm Aces’ ‘Ride Again’ (Breaker Records, 1997)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘Sevens’ (Capitol Records, 1997)
Milton Sledge played drums on Trisha Yearwood’s ‘Songbook: A Collection of Hits’ (MCA Records, 1997)
Milton Sledge played drums on Rich McCready’s ‘That Just About Covers It’ (Magnatone Records, 1997)
Milton Sledge played drums on Tracy Lawrence’s ‘The Coast Is Clear’ (Atlantic Records, 1997)


1998
Milton Sledge played drums on Bill Engvall’s ‘Dorkfish’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1998)
Milton Sledge played drums on Becky Hobbs‘ ‘From Oklahoma With Love’ (Intersound Records, 1998)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Ruby Lovett‘s self-titled album, ‘Ruby Lovett’ (Curb Records, 1998)
Milton Sledge played drums on Juice Newton’s ‘The Trouble With Angels’ (River North Records, 1998)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Trisha Yearwood’s ‘Where Your Road Leads’ (MCA Nashville Records, 1998)
Milton Sledge played drums on The Amazing Rhythm Aces’ ‘Chock Full of Country Goodness’ (Valley Records, 1998)


1999
Milton Sledge played drums on Juice Newton’s ‘American Girl’ (Renaissance Records, 1999)
Milton Sledge played drums on Paul Shanklin’s ‘Bill Clinton: The Early Years’ (Narodniki Records, 1999)
Milton Sledge played drums on Bill Engvall’s ‘Here’s Your Christmas Album’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1999)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Ty England’s ‘Highways & Dance Halls’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1999)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Slim Whitman’s ‘How Great Thou Art: 16 Precious Memories’ (Madacy Entertainment, 1999)
Milton Sledge played drums on Philip Claypool’s ‘Perfect World’ (Curb Records, 1999)
Milton Sledge played drums on Garth Brooks’ ‘Garth Brooks & The Magic of Christmas’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1999) / this album was re-issued as ‘Songs From Call Me Claus’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 2001) in 2001


2000
Milton Sledge played drums on Kacey Jones’ ‘Every Man I Love Is Either Married, Gay or Dead’ (IGO Records, 2000)
Milton Sledge played drums on Damon Gray’s ‘Lookin’ For Trouble’ (Broken Bow Records, 2000)
Milton Sledge played drums on Tony Stampley’s ‘Rebelution’ (Tri Chord Records, 2000)
Milton Sledge played drums on Bobby Osborne’s ‘Selfishness In Man’ (OMS Records, 2000)


2001
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Charley Pride‘s ‘A Tribute To Jim Reeves’ (Music City Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums on Paul Overstreet‘s ‘Living By The Book’ (Scarlett Moon Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums on Gene Watson‘s ‘From The Heart‘ (RMG Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums on Paul Overstreet‘s ‘Christmas: My Favorite Time of The Year’ (Scarlett Moon Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums on Shawn Camp‘s ‘Lucky Silver Dollar’ (Skeeterbit Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘Scarecrow’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums on Joe Stampley‘s ‘Somewhere Under The Rainbow’ (Critter Records, 2001)
Milton Sledge played drums on Garth Brooks’ ‘Songs From Call Me Claus’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 2001) / this album was originally released as ‘Garth Brooks & The Magic of Christmas’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 1999) in 1999
Milton Sledge played drums on George Jones‘ ‘The Rock: Stone Cold Country’ (Bandit Records, 2001)


2002
Milton Sledge played drums on Sonny Marshall’s self-titled album, ‘Sonny Marshall’ (BSW Records, 2002)
Milton Sledge played drums on Randy Travis‘ ‘Trail of Memories: The Randy Travis Anthology’ (Rhino Records, 2002)

2003
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Charlie Allen’s self-titled debut album, ‘Charlie Allen’ (Parc Records, 2003)
Milton Sledge played drums on Gene Watson‘s ‘Gene Watson…Sings‘ (Intersound Records, 2003)
Milton Sledge played percussion on Jeannie Kendall‘s self-titled album, ‘Jeannie Kendall’ (Rounder Records, 2003)
Milton Sledge played drums on Rodney Carrington’s ‘Nut Sack’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 2003)
Milton Sledge played drums on Jimmy Fortune‘s ‘When One Door Closes’ (Audium Entertainment, 2003)


2004
Milton Sledge played drums on David Ball‘s ‘Freewheeler’ (Wildcatter Records, 2004)
Milton Sledge played drums on Zona Jones‘ ‘Harleys & Horses’ (D Records, 2004)
Milton Sledge played drums on George Hamilton IV’s ‘Songs of Faith & Inspiration’ (RGO Records, 2004)


2005
Milton Sledge played drums on Trisha Yearwood’s ‘Jasper County’ (MCA Nashville Records, 2005)
Milton Sledge played drums on Trick Pony’s ‘R.I.D.E.’ (Asylum-Curb Records, 2005)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Garth Brooks’ ‘The Lost Sessions’ (Pearl Records, 2005)


2007
Milton Sledge played drums and provided background vocals on Rodney Carrington’s ‘King of The Mountains’ (Capitol Nashville Records, 2007)
Milton Sledge played drums and percussion on Emmylou Harris’ ‘Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems’ (Rhino Records, 2007)


John Anderson: 'Bigger Hands' (Country Crossing Records, 2009)

On Tuesday 9 June 2009, John Anderson saw the release of ‘Bigger Hands’ (Country Crossing Records, 2009), which was produced by John Anderson and James Stroud, and included ‘Bar Room Country’ (written by John Anderson, Milton Sledge and Stan Webb).

John Anderson’s ‘Bigger Hands’ (Country Crossing Records, 2009) also included the following tracks:

‘How Can I Be So Thirsty’, which was written by John Anderson, Jerrod Niemann and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017)
‘Better News’ (written by John Anderson and Dean Dillon)
‘Hawaia In Hawaii’ (written by John Anderson and Shawn Camp)
‘The Greatest Story Never Told’ (written by John Anderson, Michael A. Anderson and Donna Kay Anderson)
‘Shuttin’ Detroit Down’ (written by John Anderson and John Rich)
‘Cold Coffee & Hot Beer’, which was written by John Anderson and Lionel Delmore (Tuesday 19 March 1940 – Monday 20 May 2002)
‘Missing Her Again’ (written by John Anderson and Dean Dillon)
‘Shorty’s Long Gone’ (written by John Anderson and Mark Farner)
‘What Used To Turn Me On’ (written by John Anderson, William M. Emerson and Martha Jo Emerson)
‘Fade Out’ (written by John Anderson and Shawn Camp)
‘Bigger Hands’ (written by John Anderson and James Ervan Parker)

Personnel involved in the recording of John Anderson’s ‘Bigger Hands’ (Country Crossing Records, 2009) included the following:

Eddie Bayers (drums)
Mike Brignardello (bass guitar)
Paul Franklin and Scotty Sanders (dobro, steel guitar)
Wes Hightower (background vocals)
Chip Martin (acoustic guitar)
Brent Mason (electric guitar)
Larry Paxton (bass guitar)
Joe Spivey (fiddle, mandolin)
Biff Watson (acoustic guitar)


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