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 Paul Overstreet, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 6 August 2009.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Paul Overstreet who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Paul Overstreet
This quote was submitted on Thursday 6 August 2009.
‘Gene Watson has always been one of my favourite singers in country music.
I first heard him on the radio when I was in Mississippi.
My brother-in-law was so crazy about Gene I had to pay attention.
What a great voice, so smooth I could listen to his music all day and not get tired of hearing him sing’
Thank you, Paul Overstreet, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Paul Overstreet…
Paul Overstreet was born on Thursday 17 March 1955 in Newton, Mississippi and is a highly acclaimed singer and songwriter.
After graduating from high school at the age of eighteen, Paul Overstreet moved from the bayous of Mississippi to Nashville, the country music capitol of the world. Not owning a suitcase, Paul Overstreet brought with him a laundry basket of Levis and football jerseys, ten original songs and a guitar.
Paul Overstreet packed them in a 1968 Ford Fairlane with lots of dreams of how great it was all going to be when he finally got to Nashville. It was a long, hard road, but the dream of writing songs and making records was so big that the toughest roads weren’t going to stop him. After sleeping in his car and eating potato salad sandwiches for a while, Paul Overstreet got a job at a water heater factory.
Stella Parton recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Long Lost Love’ (co-written with Even Stevens) and included the track on ‘Love Ya’ (Elektra Records, 1979).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Same Ole Me’ and included the track on ‘Still The Same Ole Me’ (Epic Records, 1981); the track, which featured back-up vocals from The Oak Ridge Boys, reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1982.
In 1982, Paul Overstreet achieved his first charting Billboard single, when ‘Beautiful Baby’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Even Stevens) reached No.76; the track was included on Paul Overstreet’s self-titled debut album, ‘Paul Overstreet’ (RCA Records, 1982).
Paul Overstreet’s self-titled debut album, ‘Paul Overstreet’ (RCA Victor, 1982), which was produced by Ron Haffkine, also included the following tracks:
‘Somebody’s Needin’ Somebody’ (written by Len Chera)
‘Jennifer Johnson & Me’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999) and Fred Koller
‘I Should Have Married You’, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998) and Even Stevens
‘One I Sing My Love Songs To’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024)
‘Mama, I’ll Sing One Song For You’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘Someplace To Come When It Rains’, which was written by Shel Silverstein (Thursday 25 September 1930 – Monday 10 May 1999)
‘One Night’ (written by Troy Seals and Mike Reid)
‘Grown Men’ (writtenn by Paul Overstreet and James Malloy)
‘Feels Good’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Even Her Worst (She’s Still The Best)’ (co-written with Al Gore) and included the track on ‘After All This Time’ (MCA Records, 1983).
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I Fell In Love Again Last Night’ (co-written with Thom Schuyler) and included the track on ‘The Forester Sisters’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1985.
The Forester Sisters – Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester – recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘The Missing Part’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘The Forester Sisters’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985).
Tanya Tucker recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘One Love At A Time’, which was co-written with Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008), and included the track on ‘Girls Like Me’ (Capitol Records, 1986); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985.
In 2010, Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Girls Like Me’ (Capitol Records, 1986), along with Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ (Capitol Records, 1987), was re-issued by Hump Head Records, as a ‘2-on-1’ CD set, ‘Girls Like Me / Love Me Like You Used To’ (Hump Head Records, 2010).
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Diggin’ Up Bones’, which was co-written with Al Gore and Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988), and included the track on ‘California Road’ (RCA Records, 1985).
• Ann M. Stuckey submitted a ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson on Saturday 25 January 2014
Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 – Tuesday 9 May 1989) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘On The Other Hand’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘LA To Miami’ (RCA Records, 1985).
In the latter part of 1985, Randy Travis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘On The Other Hand’ (co-written with Don Schlitz); the single reached No.67 on the Billboard country music singles chart in the Autumn / Fall of 1985, although it stayed on the Billboard chart for twelve weeks.
Following the release of Randy Travis‘ ‘1982’ (written by James H. Blackmon and Carl J. Vipperman), which reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1986 and took Randy Travis to stardom, Warner Bros. Records re-released ‘On The Other Hand’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz).
On this occasion, the single debuted at No.64 (higher than previously) and eventually reached No.1; the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July / August 1986.
In October 1986, Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) went ‘Gold’, while the Country Music Association (CMA) honoured Randy Travis with the ‘Horizon Award’ and named ‘On The Other Hand’ as ‘Song of The Year’.
In the Spring of 1987, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) cited ‘On The Other Hand’ as ‘Song of The Year’ and ‘Single of The Year’ and named Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) as the ‘Top Country Album’.
In late 1986, Paul Overstreet’s ‘Diggin’ Up Bones’, which was co-written with Al Gore and Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988), was also included on Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) and reached No.1 for Randy Travis (No.1 for one week in November 1986).
The fourth track released from Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ was also a Paul Overstreet composition; ‘No Place Like Home’ reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1987.
Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘The Storms of Life’, which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) and Troy Seals
‘My Heart Cracked (But It Did Not Break), which was written by Phil Thomas(1944 – Saturday 5 January 2019), Ronny Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010) and Don Singleton
‘Send My Body’ (written by Randy Travis)
‘Messin’ With My Mind’, which was written by Joe Allen and Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992)
‘Reasons I Cheat’ (written by Randy Travis)
‘There’ll Always Be A Honky Tonk Somewhere’, which was written by Johnny MacRae (1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013) and Steve Clark
Personnel involved in the recording of Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) included the following:
Baillie & The Boys, Thomas Brannon, Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008), Phil Forrest, Paul Overstreet, Lisa Silver and Diane Stegall (background vocals)
Eddie Bayers, Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) and James Stroud (drums)
Kenny Bell (acoustic guitar)
Dennis Burnside, Shane Keister and Bobby Wood (keyboards)
Larry Byrom (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
Mark Casstevens and Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (acoustic guitar)
Jerry Douglas (Dobro)
Steve Gibson, Greg Jennings, Fred Newell and Keith Stegall (electric guitar)
Doyle Grisham (steel guitar, keyboards)
Mark Hembree (acoustic bass)
Hoot Hester (Monday 13 August 1951 – Tuesday 30 August 2016) and Blaine Sprouse (fiddle)
David Hungate, Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) and Jack Williams (bass guitar)
Don Jackson (clarinet)
Kirk ‘Jelly Roll’ Johnson and Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica, percussion)
Kyle Lehning (keyboards, background vocals)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle, mandolin)
Randy Travis (lead vocals)
Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986, No.85 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1986, and No.61 on the Canadian RPM Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In 1986, Marie Osmond, with Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008), recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘You’re Still New To Me’ (co-written with Paul Davis) and included the track on ‘I Only Wanted You’ (Capitol Records, 1986); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in November 1986.
It was also in 1986, in conjunction with two other songwriters, Thom Schuyler and J Fred Knobloch, when Paul Overstreet formed the group S-K-O.
Signed to MTM Records, which was owned by Mary Tyler Moore (Tuesday 29 December 1936 – Wednesday 25 January 2017), S-K-O scored Billboard country music singles immediately with ‘You Can’t Stop Love’ (No.9, 1987) and ‘Baby’s Got A New Baby’ (No.1 for one week in March 1987); both tracks were included on ‘S-K-O’ (MTM Records, 1986).
In 1987, Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) saw the release of a highly acclaimed album, ‘Higher Ground’ (Epic Records, 1987), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Your Love’ (written by Beckie Foster and Tommy Rocco) (No.12, 1987)
‘Talkin’ To Myself Again’, which was written by Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021) (No.16, 1987)
‘Beneath A Painted Sky’, which was written by Joe Chambers (passed away on Wednesday 28 September 2022) and Bucky Jones (No.25, 1988)
Tammy Wynette’s ‘Higher Ground’ (Epic Records, 1987), which was produced by Steve Buckingham, featured extraordinary musicians and guest vocalists.
Guest vocalists on Tammy Wynette’s ‘Higher Ground’ (Epic Records, 1987) included the following:
Ricky Skaggs: background vocals on ‘Your Love’ (written by Beckie Foster and Tommy Rocco)
Gene Watson: background vocals on ‘Tempted’ (written by Al Turney)
Vern Gosdin (Sunday 5 August 1934 – Tuesday 28 April 2009): duet vocal on ‘Some Things Will Never Change’, which was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004)
Emmylou Harris: background vocals on ‘Beneath A Painted Sky’, which was written by Joe Chambers (passed away on Wednesday 28 September 2022) and Bucky Jones
Vince Gill: background vocals on ‘I Wasn’t Meant To Live My Life Alone’ (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet)
Larry Gatlin, Steve Gatlin & Rudy Gatlin: background vocals on ‘Higher Ground’ (written by Steve Buckingham)
The O’Kanes – Kieran Kane & Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021): background vocals on ‘Talking To Myself Again’, which was written by Jamie O’Hara
Harry Stinson, John Wesley Ryles and Ricky Van Shelton: background vocals on ‘A Slow Burning Fire’ (written by Jan Buckingham and Valerie Smith)
Paul Overstreet: background vocals on ‘There’s No Heart So Strong’ (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet)
Rodney Crowell and Jeanne Smith: background vocals on ‘All Through Throwing Good Love After Bad’, which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016) and Richard Leigh
Musicians who participated in the recording sessions for Tammy Wynette’s ‘Higher Ground’ (Epic Records, 1987) included the following:
Mark O’Connor (fiddle, mandolin, guitar)
Jerry Douglas (Dobro)
Mark Casstevens (guitar)
Steve Gibson and Steve Buckingham (guitar)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar, Dobro)
Tom Robb (bass)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Randy McCormick (piano)
Jay Spell (accordian)
In 1986 / 1988, during recording sessions for Warner Bros. Records, Rosie Flores recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘He Cares’ (co-written with Don Schlitz); the track was subsequently included on ‘Honky Tonk Reprise’ (Rounder Records, 1996), which was released on Tuesday 4 June 1996.
Randy Travis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Forever & Ever, Amen’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Always & Forever’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in June / July 1987, earned Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz a Grammy Award.
Randy Travis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘My House’ (co-written with Al Gore) and included the track on ‘Always & Forever’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987).
Randy Travis‘ ‘Always & Forever’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), which was released on Monday 4 May 1987, sold one million copies. On Saturday 4 June 1988, ‘Always & Forever’ completed a remarkable run – forty-three weeks at the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart.
Michael Martin Murphey recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘A Long Line of Love’ (co-written with Thom Schuyler) and included the track on ‘Americana’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in August 1987.
The Forester Sisters (Kathy, June, Kim and Christy Forester) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘You Again’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘You Again’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in October 1987.
In the late part of 1987, Paul Overstreet left S-K-O in order to pursue a solo recording career; as a result, S-K-O was renamed as S-K-B, taking on Craig Bickhardt as a new member.
Tanya Tucker recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ (Capitol Records, 1987); the track, which featured guest vocals from Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008) and Paul Overstreet, was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February / March 1988.
In 2010, Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ (Capitol Records, 1987), along with Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Girls Like Me’ (Capitol Records, 1986), was re-issued by Hump Head Records, as a ‘2-on-1’ CD set, ‘Girls Like Me / Love Me Like You Used To’ (Hump Head Records, 2010).
Tanya Tucker recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I’ll Tennessee You In My Dreams’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ (Capitol Records, 1987).
In 2010, Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ (Capitol Records, 1987), along with Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Girls Like Me’ (Capitol Records, 1986), was re-issued by England’s Hump Head Records, as a ‘2-on-1’ CD set, ‘Girls Like Me / Love Me Like You Used To’ (Hump Head Records, 2010).
Ricky Skaggs recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Lord, She Sure Is Good At Lovin’ Me’ (co-written with Randy Travis) and included the track on ‘Comin’ Home To Stay’ (Epic Records, 1988).
Ricky Skaggs recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Old Kind of Love’ and included the track on ‘Comin’ Home To Stay’ (Epic Records, 1988); the track reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988.
Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 – Tuesday 9 May 1989) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on the highly acclaimed ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ (RCA Records, 1988); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in December 1988 / January 1989.
Randy Travis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Deeper Than The Holler’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Old 8×10’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January / February 1989.
Tom Wopat recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Your Kind of Love’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Don’t Look Back’ (Capitol Records, 1988).
Lionel Cartwright recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Like Father, Like Son’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Lionel Cartwright’ (MCA Records, 1989).
Randy Travis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘How Do I Wrap My Heart Up For Christmas’ (co-written with Randy Travis) and included the track on ‘An Old Time Christmas’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1989).
In 1989, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘Sowin’ Love’ (RCA Records, 1989), which included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Love Helps Those’ (written by Paul Overstreet) (No.3 in December 1988)
‘Sowin’ Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.9, 1989)
‘All The Fun’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Taylor Dunn) (No.5 in November 1989) / this track became known as Paul Overstreet’s ‘signature’ song
‘Seein’ My Father in Me’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Taylor Dunn) (No.2 in 1990) / this track earned Paul Overstreet a Dove Award for ‘Country Recorded Song of The Year’ in 1991
‘Richest Man on Earth’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.3 in March 1990)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Sowin’ Love’ (RCA Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘Call The Preacher’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Love Never Sleeps’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Dig Another Well’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘What God Has Joined Together’, which was written by Paul Overstreet and Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008)
‘Homemaker’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Eugene D. Tyler)
‘Neath The Light of Your Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Sowin’ Love’ (RCA Records, 1989) reached No.13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989, and No.31 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart in 1989.
In 1989, Ricky Skaggs recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Straight & Narrow’ (co-written with Don Schlitz); the track, which was produced by Steve Buckingham and Ricky Skaggs, was included on the various artists original soundtrack of the movie, ‘Next of Kin’ (Columbia Records, 1989), which starred Patrick (Wayne) Swayze (Monday 18 August 1952 – Monday 14 September 2009).
Ronnie Milsap recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Houston Solution’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Stranger Things Have Happened’ (RCA Records, 1989); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989.
Marie Osmond recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Love Speaks Louder Than Words’ (co-written with Taylor Dunn, Kaysie Poulsen and Kellie Poulsen) and included the track on ‘Steppin’ Stone’ (Capitol Records, 1989).
The Judds – Naomi Judd (Friday 11 January 1946 – Saturday 30 April 2022) & Wynonna – recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Love Can Build A Bridge’ (co-written with Naomi Judd and John Barlow Jarvis) and included the track on ‘Love Can Build A Bridge’ (RCA Records, 1990); the track, which reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990, earned Paul Overstreet, Naomi Judd and John B. Jarvis a Grammy Award.
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 which 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 on the Billboard country music singles 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 and 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 guitars, electric guitars)
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’: 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
Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Kristine Arnold & Janis Oliver) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990).
Tanya Tucker recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Take Another Run’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Tennessee Woman’ (Capitol Records, 1990).
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Still Got A Crush On You’ (co-written with Dean Dillon) and included the track on ‘My Heart Is Yours’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1990).
Pam Tillis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘One of Those Things’ (co-written with Pam Tillis) and included the track on ‘Put Yourself in My Place’ (Arista Records, 1991); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991.
Paulette Carlson recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Love is Never Wrong’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Love Goes On’ (Capitol Records, 1991).
Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Somebody’s Doing Me Right’ (co-written with J Fred Knobloch and Dan Tyler) and included the track on ‘Unconditional Love’ (Capitol Records, 1991).
In 1991, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘Heroes’ (RCA Records, 1991), which included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Daddy’s Come Around’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.1, 1991)
‘Heroes’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Claire Cloninger) (No.4, 1991)
‘Ball & Chain’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1991)
‘If I Could Bottle This Up’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Dean Dillon) (No.30, 1991)
‘Billy Can’t Read’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Jerry Michael) (No.57, 1992) / this track became the theme song for the Country Music Association (CMA) / Country Music Television (CMT) ‘Literacy Project’
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Heroes’ (RCA Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘Love Lives On’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Taylor Dunn)
‘I’m So Glad I Was Dreaming’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘Straight & Narrow’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘She Supports Her Man’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Til the Mountains Disappear’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘The Calm at The Center of My Storm’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
Personnel involved in the recording of Paul Overstreet’s ‘Heroes’ (RCA Records, 1991) included the following:
Mike Brignardello (bass guitar)
Paul Franklin (pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, pedabro)
Steve Gibson (acoustic guitar, mandolin)
Rob Hajacos and Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Christopher Harris, Jana King, Janie Lambert, Chris Rodriguez, Lisa Silver, Pam Tillis, Bergen White and Trisha Yearwood (background vocals)
Shane Keister (keyboards)
Paul Leim (drums)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (percussion, harmonica, tambourine)
Jerry McPherson (electric guitar, tremolo guitar, E-bow, gut string guitar)
Paul Overstreet (lead vocals, background vocals)
Don Potter (acoustic guitar)
Bob Wray (bass guitar)
Reggie Young (Saturday 12 December 1936 – Thursday 17 January 2019) (electric guitar)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Heroes’ (RCA Records, 1991) reached No.17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1991, No.21 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart in 1991, and No.163 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1991.
Davis Daniel recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Still Got A Crush On You’ (co-written with Dean Dillon) and included the track on ‘Fighting Fire With Fire’ (Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1991); the track reached No.48 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991.
Ricky Skaggs recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Hold On Tight (Let It Go)’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘My Father’s Son’ (Epic Records, 1991).
In August 1992, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘Love Is Strong’ (RCA Records, 1992), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Me & My Baby’, which was written by Paul Overstreet and Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008) (No.22, 1992)
‘Still Out There Swinging’ (written by Paul Overstreet) (No.57, 1992)
‘Take Another Run’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.60, 1992)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Love Is Strong’ (RCA Records, 1992) also included the following tracks:
‘There But For The Grace of God Go I’ (written by Taylor Dunn and Paul Overstreet) / this track, which was No.1 on Christian radio, earned Paul Overstreet a Dove Award for ‘Country Recorded Song of The Year’ in 1994
‘Love Is Strong’ (written by Archie Jordan and Paul Overstreet) / this track gave Paul Overstreet his first No.1 song on Christian radio
‘Head Over Heels’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘What’s Going Without Saying’ (written by Jeff Borders and Paul Overstreet)
‘Take Some Action’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Lord, She Sure Is Good At Lovin’ Me’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Randy Travis)
‘Til The Answer Comes (Gotta Keep Praying)’ (written by Fred Carpenter, Paul Overstreet and Billy Prince)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Love Is Strong’ (RCA Records, 1992) reached No.60 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1992, and No.28 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart in 1992.
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Love Is Strong’ (RCA Records, 1992) earned Paul a Dove Award for ‘Country Recorded Album of The Year’ in 1992.
George Strait recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Trains Make Me Lonesome’ (co-written with Thom Schuyler) and included the track on ‘Holding My Own’ (MCA Records, 1992).
Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Those Words’ and included the track on ‘Somebody Like That’ (Capitol Records, 1993).
Aside from being a songwriter and a country music recording artist, Paul Overstreet is also an accomplished producer. Paul Overstreet co-produced his own albums and was sole-producer for Christian country artist, Suzie Luchsinger, who is the younger sister of Reba McEntire.
On Monday 22 November 1993, Susie Luchsinger saw the release of ‘Real Love’ (Integrity Music, 1993), which was produced by Paul Overstreet and successfully launched her career, reaching No.39 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums Chart in 1993; the album included the following tracks:
‘Brighter Day’ (written by Taylor Dunn and Paul Overstreet)
‘I Don’t Love You Like I Used To’ (written by Billy Aerts and Paul Overstreet) / this track, which was a duet with Paul Overstreet, was No.1 on the Christian Country Chart in 1993
‘For Pete’s Sake’ (written by Mike Curtis and Lenny LeBlanc) / this track was No.1 on the Christian Country Chart in 1994
‘That’s When The Real Love Starts’ (written by Dave Allen and Linda Young)
‘Walk Whatcha Talk’ (written by Karen Staley)
‘If Your Roof’s Been Leakin’
‘There Is A Candle’ (written by Chris Rice)
‘I Saw Him In Your Eyes’ (written by Billy Aerts and Paul Overstreet)
‘Love of God’ (traditional)
‘Nothin’ I Like Better’ (written by Jerry Michael and Paul Overstreet)
Susie Luchsinger’s ‘Real Love’ (Integrity Music, 1993) was released, in England, in 1994, by Nelson Word.
In February 1994, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘The Best of Paul Overstreet’ (RCA Records, 1994), which included the following tracks:
‘Sowin’ Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.9, 1989)
‘All The Fun’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Taylor Dunn) (No.5 in November 1989) / this track became known as Paul Overstreet’s ‘signature’ song
‘Seein’ My Father In Me’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Taylor Dunn) (No.2, 1990)
‘Richest Man On Earth’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.3 in March 1990)
‘Daddy’s Come Around’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.1, 1991)
‘Heroes’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Claire Cloninger) (No.4, 1991)
‘Ball & Chain’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1991)
‘If I Could Bottle This Up’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Dean Dillon) (No.30, 1991)
‘Billy Can’t Read’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Jerry Michael) (No.57, 1992) / this track became the theme song for the Country Music Association (CMA) / Country Music Television (CMT) ‘Literacy Project’
‘Take Another Run’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz) (No.60, 1992)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘The Best of Paul Overstreet’ (RCA Records, 1994) reached No.16 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart in 1994.
Glen Campbell (Wednesday 22 April 1936 – Tuesday 8 August 2017) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Mansion In Branson’ (co-written with Bobby Braddock) and included the track on ‘Glen Campbell Live! His Greatest Hits’ (Laserlight Records, 1994); the album was recorded ‘live’ at The Glen Campbell Goodtime Theatre in Branson, Missouri, on Tuesday 9 August 1994 and Wednesday 10 August 1994.
Davis Daniel recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘She Could Make A Freight Train Take A Dirt Road’ and included the track on ‘Davis Daniel’ (Polydor Records, 1994).
Travis Tritt recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Walking All Over My Heart’ (co-written with Al Gore) and included the track on ‘Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1994).
Alison Krauss & Union Station also recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Now That I’ve Found You’ (Rounder Records, 1995).
On Tuesday 27 February 1996, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘Time’ (Scarlett Moon Records, 1996), which included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘We’ve Got To Keep On Meeting Like This’ (written by Archie Jordan and Paul Overstreet) (No.73, 1996)
‘Even When It Don’t Feel Like It’ (written by Paul Overstreet) / this track was released as a single in 1996, but it did not chart
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Time’ (Scarlett Moon Records, 1996) also included the following tracks:
‘I’m Gonna Ring Her’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Randy Travis)
‘Let’s Go To Bed Early’ (written by Taylor Dunn, Sean McCarthy and Paul Overstreet)
‘You Gave Me Time’ (written by Bob DiPiero and Paul Overstreet)
‘I Always Will’ (written by Archie Jordan and Paul Overstreet)
‘One In A Million’ (written by Tom Campbell and Paul Overstreet)
‘Blackberry Cobbler’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Mr. Miller’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘My Rock’ (written by Don Bryant)
Paul Overstreet’s ‘Time’ (Scarlett Moon Records, 1996) reached No.37 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart in 1996.
On Tuesday 4 June 1996, Rosie Flores saw the release of ‘Honky Tonk Reprise’ (Rounder Records, 1996); one of the included tracks was Paul Overstreet’s ‘He Cares’ (co-written with Don Schlitz), which was recorded during recording sessions for Warner Bros. Records in 1986 / 1988.
Daniel O’Donnell & Mary Duff recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Timeless’ (Ritz Records, 1996).
Claire Lynch recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Safe Haven’ (co-written with Skip Ewing) and included the track on ‘Silver & Gold’ (Rounder Records, 1997).
Kenny Chesney recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy’ (co-written with Jim Collins) and included the track on ‘Everywhere We Go’ (BNA Records, 1999); the track reached No.11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999.
Kenny Chesney recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Everywhere We Go’ (co-written with Billy Aerts) and included the track on ‘Everywhere We Go’ (BNA Records, 1999).
Kenny Chesney recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘A Woman Knows’ (co-written with Kenny Chesney and Don Sampson) and included the track on ‘Everywhere We Go’ (BNA Records, 1999).
Mark Chesnutt recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Jolie’, which was co-written with Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008) and Skip Ewing, and included the track on ‘I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing’ (Decca Records, 1999).
In 1999, Paul Overstreet’s ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) was included on the soundtrack of the major motion picture, ‘Notting Hill’, which starred Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant; on the soundtrack, the track was performed by Ireland’s Ronan Keating, who also included it on ‘Ronan’ (Polydor Records, 2000).
In late 1999, Paul Overstreet founded Scarlet Moon Records and saw the release of a number of highly acclaimed albums, including ‘A Songwriter’s Project, Volume 1’ (Scarlet Moon Records, 2000), ‘Living By The Book’ (Scarlet Moon Records, 2001) and ‘Christmas, My Favourite Time of The Year’ (Scarlet Moon Records, 2001).
On Tuesday 22 August 2000, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘A Songwriter’s Project: Volume 1’ (Scarlet Moon Records, 2000), which included the following tracks:
‘Same Ole Me’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘When You Say Nothing At All’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘Forever & Ever, Amen’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘A Long Line of Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Thom Schuyler)
‘Diggin’ Up Bones’ (written by Al Gore and Paul Overstreet)
‘Be Mine’, which was written by Paul Davis (Wednesday 21 April 1948 – Tuesday 22 April 2008) and Paul Overstreet
‘On The Other Hand’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘I Fell In Love Again Last Night’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Thom Schuyler)
‘The Toughest Battles’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘What Are Friends For’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘When Mamma Ain’t Happy’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
On Tuesday 27 March 2001, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘Living By The Book’ (Scarlet Moon Records, 2001), which included the following tracks:
‘Lost & Found’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘He Is Risen’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Dig Another Well’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘Everybody Needs Your Touch’ (written by Rob Crosby and Paul Overstreet)
‘Living By The Book’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Doug Stone)
‘Steady Working’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Oh, Why’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Thom Schuyler)
‘I Will Carry My Cross For You’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘God Is Good All The Time’ (written by Don Moen and Paul Overstreet)
‘Until We Know’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Heart of My Heart’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Wise Men Still Seek Him’ (written by Taylor Dunn and Paul Overstreet)
‘I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
On Tuesday 14 August 2001, Paul Overstreet saw the release of ‘Christmas, My Favourite Time of The Year’ (Scarlet Moon Records, 2001), which included the following tracks:
‘Rocking Around The Christmas Tree’ (written by J. Marks and Johnny Marks)
‘The Greatest Christmas’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘White Christmas’ (written by Irving Berlin)
‘Merry Christmas, Mary’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
‘Winter Wonderland’ (written by Felix Bernard and Dick Smith)
‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ (written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram)
‘Wise Men Still Seek Him’ (written by Taylor Dunn and Paul Overstreet)
‘Christmas, My Favourite Time of The Year’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘One Christmas Eve’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Silent Night’ (written by Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr)
‘How Do I Wrap My Heart Up For Christmas’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Randy Travis)
Kenny Chesney recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Never Gonna Feel Like That Again’ (co-written with Philip Coleman) and included the track on ‘No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems’ (BNA Records, 2002).
Randy Travis recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘When Mama Prayed’ (co-written with Rory Lee Feek) and included the track on ‘Rise & Shine’ (Word Records / Warner Bros. Records / Curb Records, 2002).
In 2003, Paul Overstreet was inducted into The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Tracy Byrd recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘The Truth About Men’, which was co-written with Tim Johnson (Friday 29 January 1960 – Sunday 21 October 2012) and Rory Lee Feek, and included the track on ‘Truth About Men’ (RCA Records, 2003); the track featured guest vocals from Blake Shelton, Andy Griggs and Montgomery Gentry.
Tracy Byrd recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Baby Put Your Clothes On’ (co-written with Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon) and included the track on ‘Truth About Men’ (RCA Records, 2003).
Hank Williams Jr. recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Liquor To Like Her’ (co-written with Tom Hernby) and included the track on ‘I’m One of You’ (Curb Records, 2003).
Kenny Chesney recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘When I Think About Leaving’, which was co-written with Tim Johnson (Friday 29 January 1960 – Sunday 21 October 2012) and Rory Lee Feek, and included the track on ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ (BNA Records, 2004).
Julie Roberts recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Unlove Me’ (co-written with Patrick Jason Matthews) and included the track on ‘Julie Roberts’ (Mercury Records, 2004).
Blake Shelton recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Some Beach’ (co-written with Rory Lee Feek) and included the track on ‘Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2004); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Singles & Tracks Chart for four weeks in December 2004 / January 2005.
Blake Shelton recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Cotton Pickin’ Time’ (co-written with Even Stevens) and included the track on ‘Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2004).
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘On The Other Hand’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Hits I Missed…And One I Didn’t’ (Bandit Records, 2005), which was produced by Keith Stegall.
Sonny Burgess recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Anytime I’m Standing’ (co-written with Mickey Cates) and included the track on ‘Stronger’ (CPI Records, 2005).
Blaine Larsen recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘That’s All I’ve Got To Say About That’ (co-written with Jim Collins and Rob Crosby) and included the track on ‘Off To Join The World’ (BNA Records / Giantslayer Records, 2005).
Nancy Hays recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Cross Your Heart’ (co-written with Bruce Carroll) and included the track on ‘Get In Line’ (BBRD Records, 2005).
Tom Wurth recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I Can Bend’ (co-written with Rob Crosby) and included the track on ‘Tom Wurth’ (Aspirion Records, 2006).
Cliff Richard recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Love…The Album’ (EMI Records, 2007).
Jeff Bates recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Somebody’s Falling’, which was co-written with Kenny Beard (Thursday 26 February 1959 – Sunday 1 October 2017) and Deborah Allen, and included the track on ‘Jeff Bates’ (Black River Records, 2008).
Joe Nichols recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Old Things New’ (co-written with Bill Anderson and Buddy Cannon) and included the track on ‘Old Things New’ (Universal South Records, 2009).
Daryle Singletary (Wednesday 10 March 1971 – Monday 12 February 2018) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Rockin’ In The Country’ (co-written with Sonny Tillis) and included the track on ‘Rockin’ In The Country’ (E1 Music Records, 2009); this track was a duet with Charlie Daniels.
Joey + Rory – Joey Marie Martin Feek (Wednesday 10 September 1975 – Friday 4 March 2016) + Rory Lee Feek – recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘God Help My Man’ (co-written with Rory Lee Feek and Jamie Teachenor) and included the track on ‘Album No.2’ (Vanguard Records / Sugarhill Records, 2010).
Joe Paul Nichols recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘Friends In High Places’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2011); the track featured guest vocals from Frankie Miller.
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Randy Travis saw the release of ’25th Anniversary Celebration’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2011), which was produced by Kyle Lehning; one of the included tracks on the album, which was released to celebrate 25 years since the release of Randy Travis‘ debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was ‘Forever & Ever, Amen’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz), which featured guest vocals from Zac Brown Band / the original version of this track, which was included on Randy Travis‘ ‘Always & Forever’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1987), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in June / July 1987.
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Randy Travis saw the release of ’25th Anniversary Celebration’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2011), which was produced by Kyle Lehning; one of the included tracks on the album, which was released to celebrate 25 years since the release of Randy Travis‘ debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was ‘Diggin’ Up Bones’, which was written by Al Gore, Paul Overstreet and Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 Decemver 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988), which featured guest vocals from John Anderson / the original version of this track, which was included on Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in November 1986.
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, less than a week after Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) joined the dozen artists honoured with markers on the Mississippi Country Music Trail, Vancleave’s Paul Overstreet became Jackson County’s first marker recipient.
The trail markers, researched and placed by Mississippi Development Authority, were first unveiled in 2010 and have honoured such musical pioneers as Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993), Faith Hill, Jimmie Rodgers (8 September 1897 – Friday 26 May 1933) and Marty Stuart.
Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Night Time’ (co-written with Don Schlitz) and included the track on ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends’ (Warner Bros. Nashville Records, 2013); the track featured guest vocals from Buckwheat Zydeco.
Alabama recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I Wanna Be There’, which was co-written with Harley Allen (Monday 23 January 1956 – Wednesday 30 March 2011), and included the track on ‘Southern Drawl’ (BMG Chrysalis Records, 2015).
John Anderson recorded Paul Overstreet’s ‘I’m Still Hangin’ On’ (co-written with John Anderson and Dan Auerbach) and included the track on ‘Years’ (Easy Eye Sound, 2020).
On Friday 14 August 2020, Mo Pitney saw the release of ‘Ain’t Lookin’ Back’ (Curb Records, 2020); one of the included tracks was Paul Overstreet’s ‘Right Now With You’ (co-written with Wil Nance and Mo Pitney).
Between 1987 and 1991, BMI honoured Paul Overstreet as ‘Songwriter of The Year’ for five consecutive years.
In 1987, and in 1988, Paul Overstreet won the Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) ‘Song of The Year’ Awards.
Paul Overstreet was also awarded The Nashville Network (TNN) Viewer’s Choice Award for ‘Christian Country Artist’ and received the Christian Country Music Association Award for ‘Mainstream Artist of the Year’.
• Visit Paul Overstreet’s official site at pauloverstreet.com