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 2018, 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 Ray Pennington, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 24 May 2018.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Ray Pennington who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Sean Brady would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Leslie Ann Elliott (Tuesday 3 September 1935 – Tuesday 24 August 2021), without whom this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote’ from Ray Pennington would not have been possible.
Leslie Ann Elliott (Tuesday 3 September 1935 – Tuesday 24 August 2021) was Ray Pennington‘s executive secretary at Step One Records, from its inception in February 1984, until its closure in 2000.
While at Step One Records, Leslie Ann Elliott (Tuesday 3 September 1935 – Tuesday 24 August 2021) worked on orders, put them in the computer, packed product for mail, looked after phone promotion to radio, handled contracts, signed artists, and worked directly with artists whenever they wanted or needed anything.
Ray Pennington
This quote was submitted on Thursday 24 May 2018.
‘Gene is one of the nicest persons to work with.
It was easy to work with him because he is such a great singer.
I always felt good with what we did in the studio and really enjoyed working with him.
He makes you want to bring out the best of him and your producing – just a great combination!’
Thank you, Ray Pennington, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Ray Pennington…
Ray Pennington was born Ramon Daniel ‘Ray’ Pennington on Friday 22 December 1933 in Clay County, Kentucky and is known as an acclaimed American country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer and record producer.
Ray Pennington is known for writing the Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Montgomery Gentry song ‘I’m A Ramblin’ Man’, and for founding the independent record label, Step One Records (1984 – 2000), with songwriter Mel Holt and country music artist Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016).
Ray Pennington first performed in a Western Swing band, The Western Rhythm Boys, which performed in Ohio, and saw the release of a number of singles:
I’m In Love Again’ (written by Domino & Bartholonew) / ‘Boogie Woogie Country Girl’ (written by Pomus & Ashby) (Lee Records, 1956)
‘Fancy Free’ (written by Carl Ingram and Fred Silcox) / ‘You’ll Want Me Back, But I Won’t Care’ (Ruby Records, 1956)
In 1958, Ray Pennington saw the release, on Lee Records, of the single ‘They Took The Stars Out of Heaven’, which was written by Floyd Tillman (Tuesday 8 December 1914 – Friday 22 August 2003) / ‘My Steady Baby‘ (written by Russell P. Dyche and Ray Pennington) (Lee Records, 1958).
It was also in 1958 when Ray Pennington signed with King Records and saw the release, under the name Ray Starr, of ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’, which was written by Ray Pennington and Sonny Thompson (23 August 1916 – Friday 11 August 1989).
However, Ray Pennington was dissatisfied with the recording, so he asked that it be withdrawn as a single.
Roy Drusky (Sunday 22 June 1930 – Thursday 23 September 2004) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’, which was co-written with Sonny Thompson (23 August 1916 – Friday 11 August 1989), and included the track on ‘Anymore’ (Decca Records, 1961); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1961, and No.35 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1961.
Hawkshaw Hawkins (Thursday 22 December 1921 – Tuesday 5 March 1963) recorded ‘Lonesome 7-7203’, which was written by Justin Tubb (Tuesday 20 August 1935 – Saturday 24 January 1998), and included the track on ‘The All New Hawkshaw Hawkins’ (King Records, 1962); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for four weeks in May / June 1963, was subsequently included on ‘Lonesome 7-7203’ (King Records, 1969), at a time when Ray Pennington held a job as record producer and artists & repertoire at King Records.
Ray Pennington also received a production credit on Hawkshaw Hawkins’ ‘Lonesome 7-7203’ (King Records, 1969), one of the first country music albums to feature both black and white session musicians.
Hawkshaw Hawkins (Thursday 22 December 1921 – Tuesday 5 March 1963) perished in the 1963 plane crash, which also claimed the lives of fellow country music stars, Patsy Cline (Thursday 8 September 1932 – Tuesday 5 March 1963) and Lloyd Estel ‘Cowboy’ Copas (Tuesday 15 July 1913 – Tuesday 5 March 1963), along with pilot Randy Hughes.
At the time, Hawkshaw Hawkins (Thursday 22 December 1921 – Tuesday 5 March 1963) was a member of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and was married to country star Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 – Sunday 25 September 2016).
It was also at this time when Ray Pennington produced material for The Stanley Brothers and Reno & Smiley, and also played drums for Reno & Smiley.
Leroy Van Dyke recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’, which was co-written with Sonny Thompson (23 August 1916 – Friday 11 August 1989), and included the track on ‘Walk On By’ (Mercury Records, 1962).
James Brown (Wednesday 3 May 1933 – Monday 25 December 2006) & The Famous Flames recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’, which was co-written with Sonny Thompson (23 August 1916 – Friday 11 August 1989), in 4/4 time rather than the 3/4 in which it was originally written, and included the track on ‘James Brown & His Famous Flames Tour the U.S.A.’ (King Records, 1962); the track reached No.18 on the Billboard Hot R&B singles chart in 1962.
The Stanley Brothers – Carter Stanley (Thursday 27 August 1925 – Thursday 1 December 1966) and Ralph Stanley (Friday 25 February 1927 – Thursday 23 June 2016) – recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown’ (co-written with Roy E. Marcum) and included the track on ‘Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown’ (Starday Records, 1963).
Dave Dudley (Thursday 3 May 1928 – Monday 22 December 2003) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’, which was co-written with Sonny Thompson (23 August 1916 – Friday 11 August 1989), and included the track on ‘Talk of The Town’ (Mercury Records, 1964).
In 1964, Ray Pennington moved to Nashville, where he worked at Pamper Music, producing for Tex Williams (Thursday 23 August 1917 – Friday 11 October 1985); Ray Pennington also produced James Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Price (Wednesday 27 May 1931 – Tuesday 4 August 1987), who recorded two of Ray Pennington’s songs: ‘Walking On New Grass’ and ‘Happy Tracks’.
It was also in 1964 when Ray Pennington saw the release, on Dome Records, of ‘Red Roses (A Symbol of True Love)’ (written by Ray Pennington) / ‘Just One More Time’ (written by Ray Pennington).
James Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Price (Wednesday 27 May 1931 – Tuesday 4 August 1987) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Walking On New Grass’ and included the track on ‘One Hit Follows Another’ (Boone Records, 1967); the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1966.
In 1966, Ray Pennington signed a contract with Capitol Records as a recording artist, charting three songs, ‘Who’s Been Mowing The Lawn (While I Was Gone)’ (No.43, 1966), ‘I’m A Ramblin’ Man’ (written by Ray Pennington) (No.29, 1967) and ‘Who’s Gonna Walk The Dog (& Put Out The Cat)’ (written by Ray Pennington) (No.65, 1967), before departing the label.
James Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Price (Wednesday 27 May 1931 – Tuesday 4 August 1987) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Happy Tracks’ and included the track on ‘One Hit Follows Another’ (Boone Records, 1967); the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967.
It was at this time, between 1966 and 1967, when Ray Pennington continued to perform in both The Western Rhythm Boys and another band called The Starliners.
Ray Pennington also worked at a record store and saw the release of a rhythm & blues single, ‘I Have To Laugh To Keep From Crying’, which was recorded under the name Ray Starr.
Stan Hitchcock (Saturday 21 March 1936 – Wednesday 4 January 2023) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Rings’, which was co-written with Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included the track on ‘I’m Easy To Love’ (Epic Records, 1968); the track reached No.66 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘My Goal For Today’ (co-written with Chuck Howard) and included the track on ‘Country Girl’ (RCA Records, 1968).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Walking On New Grass’ and included the track on ‘She Wears My Ring’ (Columbia Records, 1968).
In 1969, Ray Pennington departed Capitol Records, and moved to the roster at Monument Records, where he saw the release of five more singles:
‘What Eva Doesn’t Have’ (written by Ray Pennington) / ‘Denver’, which was written by Ray Pennington and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) (No.70, 1969)
‘This Song Don’t Care Who Sings It’ (written by Ray Pennington) (No.69, 1969)
‘You Don’t Know Me’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) (No.61, 1970)
‘The Other Woman’ (written by Donald Edmond Rollins) (No.74, 1970)
‘Bubbles In My Beer’, which was written by Tommy Duncan (Wednesday 11 January 1911 – Tuesday 25 July 1967), Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) and Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975) (No.68, 1971)
In 1969, Elton Williams (passed away on Saturday 14 November 2020) saw the release, on Monument Records, of ‘Open Season On My Suzy’ (written by Ray Pennington and John DeBord); the track was a non-album single.
In 1970, George McCrae & Gwen McCrae saw the release, on Alston Records, of ‘Three Hearts In A Tangle’, which was written by Ray Pennington and Sonny Thompson (23 August 1916 – Friday 11 August 1989); the track, which was released as a non-album single, was a regional hit in South Florida.
In 1970, Ray Pennington saw the release, on EMH Records, of ‘The Devil’s Den’ (written by Ray Pennington and Ken Stilts) / ‘Nothing’s Changed, Nothing’s New’ (written by Ray Pennington).
In 1970, Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘Ray Pennington Sings For The Other Woman’ (Monument Records, 1970), which included the following tracks:
‘Grazin’ In Greener Pastures’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Don’t Build No Fences For Me’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Country Blues’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘I Wouldn’t Treat A Doggone Dog (The Way You’re Treatin’ Me)’
‘This Song Don’t Care Who Sings It’ (written by Ray Pennington) (No.69, 1969)
‘Happy Times’
‘It Makes No Difference Now’
‘Faded Love’
‘We Could’
‘You Don’t Know Me’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) and Eddy Arnold (Wednesday 15 May 1918 – Thursday 8 May 2008) (No.61, 1970)
‘I Know Love’ (written by Fred Luther Foster)
‘The Other Woman’ (written by Donald Edmond Rollins) (No.74, 1970)
It was also in 1970 when Ray Pennington worked for Buckhorn Music, publishers of ‘For The Good Times’ (written by Kris Kristofferson); Ray Pennington thought that the song would do well for Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), who was touring at the time.
Ray Pennington obtained a copy of Ray Price‘s schedule and sent a copy of the demo to a club in Odessa, Texas, where Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) would appear.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) listened to the demo between shows and decided to record it.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Grazin’ In Greener Pastures’ and included the track on ‘For The Good Times’ (Columbia Records, 1970); the track, which was the ‘B-side’ of ‘For The Good Times’ (written by Kris Kristofferson), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1970.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘For The Good Times’ (Columbia Records, 1970); the track was subsequently included on ‘Welcome to My World: The Love Songs of Ray Price‘ (Hux Records, 1970), which was released on Monday 29 July 2013.
Johnny Bush (Sunday 17 February 1935 – Friday 16 October 2020) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Bush Country’ (Stop Records, 1970).
In March 1971, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) won his only Grammy Award for ‘For The Good Times’ (written by Kris Kristofferson).
Ricky Skaggs & Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 – Tuesday 9 May 1989) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown’ (co-written with Roy E. Marcum) and included the track on ‘Second Generation Bluegrass’ (Rebel Records, 1972).
It was in 1972 when Ray Pennington saw the release, on Monument Records, of ‘Woman, Go On Home’ (written by Ray Pennington) / ‘Dark-Haired Women’ (written by Ray Pennington).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘I’m A Ramblin’ Man’ and included the track on ‘The Ramblin’ Man’ (RCA Records, 1974); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September / October 1974.
It was during his time at RCA Records when Ray Pennington worked as a producer on projects for RCA country music artists, including Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 – Sunday 21 May 2006) and Pretty Miss Norma Jean.
Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 – Sunday 21 May 2006) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Don’t Stop In My World (If You Don’t Mean To Stay)’ and included the track on ‘Alone Again’ (RCA Victor Records, 1976).
In June 1975, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) saw the release of ‘Dreaming My Dreams With You’ (RCA Records, 1975), which was produced by Waylon Jennings, ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement (Sunday 5 April 1931 – Thursday 8 August 2013) and Ray Pennington; the album included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Dreaming My Dreams With You’ (written by Allen Reynolds) (No.10, 1975)
‘Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way’ (written by Waylon Jennings) / ‘Bob Wills Is Still The King’ (written by Waylon Jennings) (No.1 for one week in November 1975)
In 1976, Ray Pennington saw the release, on Zodiac Records, of ‘The Good Ole Days Are Right Now’ (written by Ray Pennington) / ‘Steppin’ Aside Just Ain’t My Style’ (written by Ray Pennington); both tracks were produced by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004).
It was also in 1976 when Ray Pennington saw the release, on Zodiac Records, of ‘I Can’t Get Up By Myself’ (written by Ray Pennington) / ‘Steppin’ Aside Just Ain’t My Style’ (written by Ray Pennington).
In December 1976, Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) saw the release of ‘Waylon Live!’ (RCA Records, 1976), which was produced by Ray Pennington and Waylon Jennings, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Good Hearted Woman’ (written by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson) (No.1 for three weeks in February / March 1976)
In 1978, Brenda Kaye Perry saw the release of ‘Deeper Water’ (MRC Records, 1978), which was produced by Ray Pennington, and included the following tracks:
‘Deeper Water’ (written by J. McBee)
‘Slip Sliding Away’ (written by Paul Simon)
‘I Am A Woman’ (written by Linda Nail)
‘There Lies The Difference’ (written by J. McBee)
‘If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday’, which was written by Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019) and Sonny Throckmorton
‘I Can’t Get Up By Myself’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘(What A) Wonderful World’, which was written by Lou Adler, Herb Alpert and Sam Cook (Thursday 22 January 1931 – Friday 11 December 1964)
‘I’ll Make You Love Me Again’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘I Need Someone To Take Somebody’s Place’, which was written by Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011)
‘I Built A Wall’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Free’ (written by Brenda Kaye Perry)
In 1978, Ray Pennington saw the release, on MRC Records, of ‘Lucy Needs A Friend’ / ‘If This Is Living (Wonder How It Feels To Die)’.
It was also in 1978 when Ray Pennington charted his last solo single, ‘She Wanted A Little Bit More’, on MRC Records; the track reached No.79 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
In 1980, Ray Pennington founded the duo Bluestone with Jerry McBee, and charted with ‘Haven’t I Loved You Somewhere Before’, which reached No.79.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Somewhere In Texas’ and included the track on ‘Somewhere In Texas’ (Dimension Records, 1982).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Angel In My Heart’ (co-written with Jesse Shofner) and included the track on ‘Somewhere In Texas’ (Dimension Records, 1982).
In 1983, Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘Memories’ (EMH Records, 1983), which was recorded at Hilltop Recording Studio in Nashville, and was produced by Ray Pennington; the album, which was engineered by Kevin McManus, included the following tracks:
‘The Memories That Last’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Til The Fear Slips Away’, which was written by Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) and Ray Pennington
‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Ray Pennington
‘I Can’t Forget About You’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Then I Can Face Your Memory’ (written by Ray Pennington and Jesse Shofner)
‘You Saved Me From Me’ (written by Ray Pennington and Jesse Shofner)
‘Nothing’s Changed, Nothing’s New’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘The Devil’s Den’ (written by Ray Pennington and Ken Stilts)
‘I’ll Never Let You Go’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Nothing To Go On’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Sweet, Sweet Woman’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘While I Was Slippin’ In (She Was Steppin’ Out)’ (written by Ray Pennington and Jesse Shofner)
Ricky Skaggs recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown’ (co-written with Roy E. Marcum) and included the track on ‘Don’t Cheat In Our Hometown’ (Epic Records, 1983); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1984.
In February 1984, Ray Pennington co-founded Step One Records with songwriter Mel Holt and country music artist Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) was the first artist signed to Step One Records.
At the time of the foundation of Step One Records, it was one of the few independent country music labels to achieve significant Billboard country music chart success, most notably in 1991, when the label released Clinton Gregory‘s recording of ‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (written by Alan Syms) (No.26, 1991), the only independently released single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart at the time of its release.
Other artists signed to the roster at Step One Records included the following:
• Matt Benson
• Sheryl Brewer
• Don Cox
• Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015)
• Dawnett Faucett
• The Geezinslaws
• Clinton Gregory
• The Kendalls – Royce Kendall (Wednesday 25 September 1935 – Friday 22 May 1998) and Jeannie Kendall
• Jerry Lansdowne
• Charlie McCoy
• Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007)
• Ray Pennington
• Celinda Pink
• Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
• Bryan Smith
• Cal Smith (Thursday 7 April 1932 – Thursday 10 October 2013)
• Gene Watson
• Western Flyer
• Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996)
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘One Away From One Too Many Heartaches’ and included the track on ‘Down In Texas Today’ (Step One Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Heart of Texas Records in 2006.
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Then I Can Face Your Memory’ (co-written with Jesse Shofner) and included the track on ‘Down In Texas Today’ (Step One Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Heart of Texas Records in 2006.
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘So Many Ways To Say Goodbye’ and included the track on ‘Down In Texas Today’ (Step One Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Heart of Texas Records in 2006.
In 1984, Ray Pennington & Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) saw the release of ‘ Swingin’ From The 40’s Thru The 80’s’ (Step One Records, 1984), which included the following tracks:
‘Steel Guitar Rag’
‘Hang Your Head In Shame’
‘San Antonio Rose’
‘Right Or Wrong’
‘It Makes No Difference Now’
‘Pan Handle Rag’
‘Heart To Heart Talk’
‘Steppin’ Up’
‘Walking On New Grass’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘There’s A New Moon Over My Shoulder’
‘Oklahoma Stomp’
‘Time Changes Everything’
‘Faded Love’, which was written by Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975) and John Wills
‘B. Bowman Hop’
‘Nothing’s Changed, Nothing’s New’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Bubbles In My Beer’, which was written by Tommy Duncan (Wednesday 11 January 1911 – Tuesday 25 July 1967), Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) and Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975)
‘Maiden’s Prayer’
‘Big Beaver’
‘Deep Water’, which was written by Fred Rose (Floyd Jenkins) (24 August 1898 – Wednesday 1 December 1954)
‘Before You Turn Me Down’
‘Five Fingers’
‘Cincinnati Blues’
In 1985, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) signed a recording contract with Step One Records, an independent record label created by Ray Pennington, songwriter Mel Hot and country music artist Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016); Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) remained with Step One Records until 1989.
In September 1985, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘(She’s Got A Hold of Me Where It Hurts) She Won’t Let Go’ (written by Lee Bach) (No.77, 1985)
‘I’m Not Leaving (I’m Just Getting Out of Your Way)’, which was written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Royce D. Porter (Saturday 1 April 1939 – Thursday 31 May 2018) (No.81, 1985)
‘Five Fingers’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Ray Pennington (No.67, 1985)
Ray Price‘s ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Why Don’t Love Just Go Away (When It’s All Gone)’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb
‘Give This Broken Heart A Break’ (written by James Whiting and Joe H. Hunter)
‘Lonely Like A Rose’ (written by Joe Allen and Ralph Murphy)
‘Just Enough Love’ (written by Jane Mariash and Matraca Berg)
‘Memories To Burn’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985); Gene Watson‘s version of the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986, and No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Here’s To You’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘All You Have To Do Is Come Back Home’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb
In December 1985, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Portrait of A Singer’ (Step One Records, 1985), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You’, which was written by Russ Morgan (29 April 1904 – Thursday 7 August 1969) and Larry Stock (1896 – Friday 4 May 1984) (No.60, 1986)
‘All The Way’, which was written by Jimmy Van Heusen (26 January 1913 – Tuesday 6 February 1990) and Sammy Cahn (18 June 1913 – Friday 15 January 1993) (No.73, 1986)
‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’, which was written by Samuel Howard Stept (18 September 1897 – Tuesday 1 December 1964) and Sidney Clare (15 August 1892 – Tuesday 29 August 1972) (No.86, 1986)
In 1986, The Swing Shift Band with Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) & Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘In The Mood For Swinging’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
‘In The Mood’
‘Careless Hands’
‘Country Club’
‘The Kind of Love I Can’t Forget’
‘Don’t Worry’
‘Tuxedo Junction’
‘Good Ole Country Mood’
‘String of Pearls’
‘My Kind of Girl’
‘Curtain Call’
‘When You’ve Seen One Broken Heart’
‘Undecided’
‘Home In San Antone’
In May 1986, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 1’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks, all of which were re-recordings:
‘Crazy Arms’, which was written by Chuck Seals and Ralph E. Mooney (Sunday 16 September 1928 – Sunday 20 March 2011) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for twenty weeks in 1956, and also reached No.27 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1956
‘City Lights’ (written by Bill Anderson) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for twelve weeks between October 1958 and January 1959, and also reached No.71 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1958
‘I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)’
‘Half A Man’
‘Heartaches By The Number’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1959
‘Release Me (& Let Me Love Again)’, which was written by Eddie Miller (Wednesday 10 December 1919 – Monday 11 April 1977) and Robert Yount (Sunday 20 October 1929 – Thursday 30 June 2005) / the original version of this track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1954
‘My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You’, which was written by Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975) and Lee Ross / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1957, and also reached No.63 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1957
‘Soft Rain’ / the original version of this track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1961
‘I’ll Sail My Ship Alone’ / the original version of this track was an album track in 1957
‘Burning Memories’ / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1964
In June 1986, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 2’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks, all of which were re-recordings:
‘Danny Boy’, which was written by Frederic Edward Weatherly (4 October 1848 – Saturday 7 September 1929) / the original version of this track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967
‘Touch My Heart’ / the original version of this track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1966
‘Crazy’ (written by Willie Nelson) / the original version of this track reached No.73 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967
‘A Way To Survive’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Moneen Carpenter / the original version of this track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1966
‘You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me’, which was written by Jim Weatherly (Wednesday 17 March 1943 – Wednesday 3 February 2021) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in October 1973
‘Night Life’ (written by Willie Nelson) / the original version of this track reached No.28 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1963
‘The Other Woman (In My Life)’ / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1965
‘Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) / the original version of this track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1965
‘I’d Rather Be Sorry’ (written by Kris Kristofferson) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970
‘Grazin’ In Greener Pastures’ (written by Ray Pennington) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1970
It was also in June 1986 when Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 3’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks, all of which were re-recordings:
‘For The Good Times’ (written by Kris Kristofferson) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1970
‘She Wears My Ring’, which was written by Narciso Serradell Sevilla (1843 – 1910), Felice Bryant (Friday 7 August 1925 – Tuesday 22 April 2003) and Boudleaux Bryant (Friday 13 February 1920 – Thursday 25 June 1987) / the original version of this track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1968
‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ (written by Kris Kristofferson) / the original version of this track was an album track in 1970
‘Getting Over You Again’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb / the original version of this track reached No.28 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
‘Forty & Fading’ / the original version of this track reached No.18 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982
‘Diamonds In The Stars’ / the original version of this track was an album track in 1981
‘Sweetheart of The Year’ / the original version of this track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1969
‘I’m Still Not Over You’ (written by Willie Nelson) / the original version of this track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967
‘It Don’t Hurt Me Half As Bad’ (written by Joe Allen, D. Lay and B. Lindsay) / the original version of this track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
‘I Won’t Mention It Again’, which was written by Don Law (Monday 24 February 1902 – Monday 20 December 1982) and Frank Jones / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in May / June 1971, and also reached No.42 on the Billboard pop music singles chart in 1971
In 1986, Sammi Smith (Thursday 5 August 1943 – Saturday 12 February 2005) saw the release of ‘Better Than Ever’ (Step One Records, 1985), which included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘You Just Hurt My Last Feeling’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Royce D. Porter (Saturday 1 April 1939 – Saturday 2 June 2018) (No.76, 1985)
‘An Offer I Couldn’t Refuse’ / this track was released as a single in 1985, but it did not chart
‘Love Me All Over’ (All Over Again) (No.80, 1986)
Sammi Smith’s ‘Better Than Ever’ (Step One Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Cowboy From Wyoming’
‘Living It Up’
‘I Get The Blues’
‘Don’t Let It Happen Again’
‘Those Eyes’
‘One Away From One Too Many’
‘I’ll Never Get Up This Slow’
In 1986, Darrell McCall & Johnny Bush (Sunday 17 February 1935 – Friday 16 October 2020) saw the release of ‘Hot Texas Country’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
‘The Twenty-Fourth Hour’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Pick Me Up On Your Way Down’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Wait ‘Til The Sun Shines, Nellie’ (written by Bill Taylor, David Brown and Ralph Bartch)
‘You Done Me Wrong’, which was written by Shirley Jones and Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘If You’ll Hold The Ladder’ (written by Buzz Rabin and Sarah Busby)
‘I Can’t See Texas From Here’ (written by George Strait)
‘There’ll Always Be Honky Tonks in Texas’ (written by Robert William Reinhardt and Conrad Pierce)
‘Just Ridin’ Through’ (written by Don Cusic)
‘Broken Promise Land’, which was written by Larry Kingston (Sunday 10 August 1941 – Sunday 20 February 2005), Phil Earhart and Terry Fuller
‘Afternoon Rendezvous’ (written by Barbara Wyrick and Terry Woodford)
In September 1986, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘A Revival of Old Time Singing’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
‘In The Garden’
‘I’ll Fly Away’
‘Precious Memories’
‘Love Lifted Me’
‘Softly & Tenderly’
‘When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder’
‘What Did The Carpenter Build’
‘Amazing Grace’
‘In Vain’
‘Rock of Ages’
‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’
‘Just As I Am’
In December 1986, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘The Heart of Country Music’ (Step One Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’
‘Walking The Floor Over You’
‘Please Don’t Leave Me’
‘I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)’, which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953)
‘He’ll Have To Go’
‘Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go)’
‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’
‘Blues Stay Away From Me’
‘Slippin’ Around’
‘Satisfied Mind’
‘Walking On New Grass’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Just Someone I Used To Know’
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Bonnie Owens (Tuesday 1 October 1929 – Monday 24 April 2006)
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy)
‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘No One Will Ever Know’, which was written by Mel Foree (Tuesday 25 July 1911 – Sunday 28 October 1990) and Fred Rose (24 August 1898 – Wednesday 1 December 1954)
‘Last Letter’
‘Jealous Heart’
‘There Goes My Everything’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)
‘Waiting For A Train’
In 1987, Dave Holladay (real name: David Blanchette) (1958 – Tuesday 17 September 2002) saw the release of ‘Ramona From Daytona’ (Step One Records, 1987), which included the following tracks:
‘Excuse Me For Loving You’ (written by Jesse Shofner)
‘No One But You’
‘I Wish I Felt This Way At Home’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Couldn’t Love Have Picked A Better Place To Die’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Bucky Jones
‘Ramona From Daytona’
‘What Cheatin’ Is Today’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Pull Up A Pillow’ (written by Connie Hays and Aaron Wilburn)
‘You Should Still Be Mine’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Leona Williams
‘Old Memories’
‘I.O. Blues’
‘Now She’s In Paris’ (written by Wade Kirby and Jesse Shofner) / this track reached No.83 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986
In November 1987, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘A Christmas Gift For You’ (Step One Records, 1987), which included the following tracks:
‘Christmas Card’
‘Silver Bells’
‘Blue Christmas’
‘Jingle Bells’
‘Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer’
‘White Christmas’
‘For Christmas’
‘Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow’
‘With Christmas Near’
‘What A Merry Christmas This Would Be’
‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’
‘Silent Night’
In March 1988, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Just Enough Love’ (Step One Records, 1988), which included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘When You Gave Your Love To Me’ (written by Jesse Shofner) (No.55, 1986)
‘Just Enough Love (For One Woman)’ (No.52, 1987)
‘Big Ole Teardrops’ (No.68, 1988)
‘Don’t The Morning Always Come Too Soon’ (No.55, 1988)
‘I’d Do It All Over Again’ (No.83, 1988)
Ray Price‘s ‘Just Enough Love’ (Step One Records, 1988) also included ‘Old Loves Never Die’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb; this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
In 1988, The Swing Shift Band with Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) & Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘Swing & Other Things’ (Step One Records, 1988), which included the following tracks:
‘(Turn Me Loose &) Let Me Swing’ (written by Ray Pennington) / this track reached No.76 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988
‘Caravan’ (written by Duke Ellington, Irving Mills and Juan Tizol)
‘Bonaparte’s Retreat’, which was written by Pee Wee King (Wednesday 18 February 1914 – Tuesday 7 March 2000) and Redd Stewart (Sunday 27 May 1923 – Saturday 2 August 2003)
‘Perdido’ (written by Ervin Drake, Hans Lengsfelder and Juan Tizol)
‘Midnight Comes & Goes’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Fat Boy Rag’, which was written by Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975) and Lester Barnard Jr.
‘Blue of A Kind’ (written by Mel Holt and Ray Pennington)
‘Same Old Me’ (written by Paul Overstreet)
‘Columbus Stockade Blues’, which was written by Jimmie Davis (11 September 1899 – Sunday 5 November 2000) and Eva Sargent
‘Blue Eyes’ (written by Elton John and Gary Osborne)
‘Loose Tights’, which was written by Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015)
‘Sugar Moon’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) and Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975)
‘You & Me’, which was written by George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010) and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015)
‘Texas With The X Removed’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Take The ‘A’ Train’ (written by Billy Strayhorn)
‘My Weakness Is Too Strong’, which was written by Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) and Ray Pennington
‘Midnight In Old Amarillo’ (written by Billy Bowman)
‘I’m Getting Nowhere (At Getting Over You)’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘The Memory’ (written by Charlotte Pennington and Ray Pennington)
‘Moonlight Serenade’, which was written by Alton Glenn Miller (Tuesday 1 March 1904 – missing in action: Friday 15 December 1944) and Mitchell Parish (Tuesday 10 July 1900 – Wednesday 31 March 1993)
‘The Good Ole Days Are Right Now’ (written by Ray Pennington)
On Monday 1 August 1988, Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘Dear Lord, I’ve Changed (Since I’ve Been Unchained)’ (Step One Records, 1988), which included the following tracks:
‘I’ve Changed (Since I’ve Been Unchained)’
‘The Love He Has For Me’
‘Redeemed of The Ages Will Sing’
‘Turn On Your Light & Let It Shine’
‘What Did The Carpenter Build’
‘Nothing Can Stand In My Way’
‘Dear Lord’
‘I Can’t Get Up By Myself’
‘You Saved Me From Me’ (written by Ray Pennington and Jesse Shofner)
‘God Will Bless You By & By’
‘Something Good Was Going On In Galilee’
‘One Splendid Day’
‘My Home That Lies Beyond Jordan’
‘Over There’ (written by Ray Pennington)
In July 1989, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘By Request’ (Step One Records, 1989), which included the following tracks:
‘I’ve Got A New Heartache’
‘Spanish Eyes’
‘Invitation To The Blues’
‘This Cold War With You’
‘April’s Fool’
‘She’s Got To Be A Saint’ (written by Joe Paulini and Mario J. DiNapoli) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in December 1972 / January 1973
‘Twenty Fourth Hour’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013)
‘Heart Over Mind’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) / the original version of this track was released as a non-album single and reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1961; the track was subsequently included on ‘The Essential Ray Price: 1951 – 1962’ (Columbia Records, 1991)
‘Pride’ / the original version of this track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1962
‘I’ve Just Destroyed The World (I’m Living In)’, which was written by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) and Willie Nelson
‘Somewhere In Texas’
In 1990, Clinton Gregory saw the release of his debut album, ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus, and included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Nobody’s Darlin’, which was written by Jimmie Davis (11 September 1899 – Sunday 5 November 2000) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Made For Lovin’ You’, which was written by Sonny Throckmorton and Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘She Put The Music In Me’ (written by Al DeLory and Lee Johnson) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Couldn’t Love Have Picked A Better Place To Die’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Bucky Jones (No.64, 1991)
Clinton Gregory‘s debut album, ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Moccasin Man’, which was written by Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004)
‘Back On Track’, which was written by Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004), M. Johnson and D. Gibson
‘Darlin’, Does He’ (written by K. Steele, R. Steele and John Wiggins)
‘Love Is A Road’ (written by Jim Rushing, Rory Bourke and J. Hicks)
‘Loving On Backstreets’ (written by Hugh H. King)
‘You Can’t Take It With You’, which was written by Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022) and Jim Kandy
‘I Can’t Be Myself’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory‘s debut album, ‘Music ‘n’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990), included the following:
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Roger Ball (acoustic guitar)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Gregg Galbraith and Brent Mason (lead guitar)
Clinton Gregory (fiddle, vocals)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Gary Prim (keyboard)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Dennis Wilson and Rhonda Hart (background vocals)
In 1991, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) & Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) saw the release of ‘Memories That Last’ (Step One Records, 1991), which included the following tracks:
‘Memories That Last’
‘Everybody Loves Somebody’
‘Too Big To Fight’
‘Take A Chance On Me’
‘Cold Cold Heart’
‘Side By Side’
‘Somewhere Along The Way’
‘Walking My Baby Back Home’
‘Whole Lot of You’
‘Mansion On The Hill’
‘When I Fall In Love’
‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ (written by Willie Nelson)
In 1991, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘If It Weren’t For Country Music, I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus, included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘(If It Weren’t For Country Music) I’d Go Crazy’ (written by Alan Syms) (No.26, 1991)
‘One Shot At A Time’ (written by Curt Ryle) (No.51, 1991) / this track also reached No.51 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1991
‘Satisfy Me & I’ll Satisfy You’ (written by Bill Dees) (No.53, 1991) / this track also reached No.41 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1991
Clinton Gregory‘s ‘If It Weren’t For Country Music, I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991) also included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Never Always Love You’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Maybe I Should Have Been Listening’ (written by Buzz Rabin)
‘Heartbreak Highway’, which was written by Lonnie Wilson, Brent Mason and Don Pfrimmer (Thursday 9 September 1937 – Monday 7 December 2015)
‘Blue Country Frame of Mind’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘House of Diamonds’ (written by Curt Ryle and M. Baker)
‘There’s Never Been A Honky Tonk’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Your Uncharted Mind’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘For Crying Out Loud’, which was written by David Brewer, Faye Brewer and Jerry Dean Cupit (1954 – Wednesday 10 September 2014)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory‘s ‘If It Weren’t For Country Music, I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991) included the following:
Clinton Gregory (fiddle, vocals)
Roger Ball and Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Brent Mason (lead guitar)
Jerry Kroon and Gene Chrisman (drums)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (acoustic piano)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Clinton Gregory, Rhonda Hart and Dennis Wilson (background vocals)
In December 1991, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘Freeborn Man‘ (Step One Records, 1991), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Play, Ruby, Play’ (written by Tony Brown and Troy Seals) (No.25, 1992) / this track also reached No.20 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1992
‘She Takes The Sad Out of Saturday Night’ (written by Curt Ryle and Billy Henderson) (No.50, 1992) / this track also reached No.74 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1992
‘Who Needs It’ (written by J. Mehaffey and Brent Mason) (No.29, 1992) / this track also reached No.39 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1992
‘Look Who’s Needing Who’, which was written by Clinton Gregory, Randy Hardison (Saturday 11 March 1961 – Tuesday 4 June 2002) and Kevin Grantt (No.65, 1993)
Clinton Gregory‘s ‘Freeborn Man‘ (Step One Records, 1991) included the following tracks:
‘Freeborn Man’
‘If A Broken Heart Could Kill’
‘Til This Ring Turns Green’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘The Game Is The Same’
‘She Can’t Believe My Eyes’
‘Here’s To You, Tears To Me’
‘The Jukebox Has A 45’
‘I Wish It Was That Easy Going Home’
In April 1992, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘Step One Records Hall of Fame Series’ (Step One Records, 1992), which included the following tracks:
‘Take Back Your Old Love Letters’
‘Way It Was’
‘Love Me Down To Size’
‘Sometimes Left To Lose’
‘Leaving’s Not The Way To Go’
‘Let Me Talk To You’
‘Don’t Worry, I’m Not Staying Very Long’
‘Misty Morning Rain’
‘Now She’s In Paris’
‘Back To Wall’
‘There’s A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere’
‘I’m Not Crazy Yet’ / the original version of this track reached No.28 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1966
‘Over’
In 1992, The Swing Shift Band with Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) & Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘Swingin’ By Request’ (Step One Records, 1992), which included the following tracks:
‘Broadway’
‘Sunrise Serenade’ (written by Frankie Carle and Jack Lawrence)
‘Little Brown Jug’, which was written by Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) and Ray Pennington
‘Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive’ (written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer)
‘Fly Me To The Moon’ (written by Bart Howard)
‘Canadian Sunset’
‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ (written by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell)
‘Li’l Liza Jane’
‘Keeper of My Heart’
‘Roly Poly’
‘Mama Was The Rose of San Antone’
‘Where I’m Concerned’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘You Pushed Me To The Limit’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Our Yesterdays’
‘Lily Dale’
‘Rubber Dolly’
‘I Built A Wall’
‘You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry’
‘Stompin’ At The Savoy’ (written by Benny Goodman, Andy Razaf, Edgar Sampson and Chick Webb)
‘April’s Fool’
‘On The Sunny Side of The Street’ (written by Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh)
In 1992, Jack Robertson saw the release of ‘Honky Tonk Daze’ (Step One Records, 1992), which included the following tracks:
‘Come & Get Us Mama (We’re In Trouble With The Law)’ (written by Jack Robertson)
‘I Kissed The Bus’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Living With Your Memory’, which was written by Jerry Dean Cupit (1954 – Wednesday 10 September 2014)
‘Bent over Backwards’ (written by Tracy Reynolds and Jack Robertson)
‘Honky Tonk Daze’ (written by David Brewer and Paye Brewer)
‘Bootie Bumpin’ Dancin’ Fool’, which was written by Jerry Dean Cupit (1954 – Wednesday 10 September 2014), Ken Mellons and Jack Robertson
‘Where Do You Think You’re Coming From’ (written by Jack Robertson)
‘What’s My World Coming To’, which was written by Jerry Dean Cupit (1954 – Wednesday 10 September 2014)
‘Middle of A Drought’ (written by Jack Robertson)
‘The Old Country Barber’, which was written by Jerry Dean Cupit (1954 – Wednesday 10 September 2014)
‘Blue Neon Blues’ (written by Mel Holt)
Personnel involved in the recording of Jack Robertson’s ‘Honky Tonk Daze’ (Step One Records, 1992) included the following:
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Gregg Galbraith, Mike Severs and Brent Mason (lead guitar)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (keyboards)
Clinton Gregory and Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Roger Ball and Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica)
David Smith (bass)
Jennifer O’Brien and Margie Cates (background vocals)
On Monday 21 June 1993, Clinton Gregory saw the release of ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Standing On The Edge of Love’ (written by J.P. Pennington and Troy Seals) (No.52, 1993)
‘Master of Illusion’ (written by Mel Tillis Jr. and Curt Ryle) (No.59, 1993)
Clinton Gregory‘s ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993) also included the following tracks:
‘If I Were A Painting’ (written by Skip Ewing and Don Sampson)
‘The Day The Boys Leave The Girls Alone’ (written by Troy Seals, Jerry Michaels and Randy Edwards Jr.)
‘In The Arms of Love’, which was written by Gene Price and Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘Somewhere Beyond Nowhere’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Surrender’, which was written by Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020), Lonnie Wilson and Kent Blazy
‘Rocking The Country’ (written by Tommy Barnes and Tony Stampley)
‘Watermelon Time In Georgia’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Ladies Choice’ (written by Don Singleton and Rick Yancy)
‘Wish You Were Here’ (written by Bob Dellaposta)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory‘s ‘Master of Illusion’ (Step One Records, 1993) included the following:
Clinton Gregory (fiddle, vocals)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) and Jim Murphy (steel guitar)
David Smith and Marty Privette (bass guitar)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
Jerry Kroon and Eddie Davidson (drums)
Gregg Galbraith, Brent Mason, Kelly Back and Jimmy Dormire (electric guitar)
Roger Ball and Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Buddy Spicher and Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Anthony La Marchina (cello)
Lee Bradley and Clinton Gregory (background vocals)
It was in 1993 when Gene Watson became despondent and seriously considered quitting the country music industry for good.
Gene Watson had no management and felt that he didn’t have anything to look forward to. Gene Watson had not enjoyed a major hit song since 1989 and felt that the country music industry had turned its back on him.
While Gene Watson was considering retiring from the business he contributed so much to, a name was thrown at him, that of an old friend and booking agent – Allen Whitcomb (Tuesday 11 November 1947 – Tuesday 24 October 2006).
Gene Watson traveled to Nashville to meet with Allen Whitcomb (Tuesday 11 November 1947 – Tuesday 24 October 2006). They talked, a deal was struck and Gene Watson once again had a recording home.
In September 1993, Gene Watson signed a recording contract with singer / songwriter / producer Ray Pennington and joined the roster at Step One Records in Nashville.
Step One Records, which was based in Nashville, was owned by Ray Pennington, songwriter Mel Holt and country music artist, Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016); Ray Pennington acted as the company’s chief executive.
On Monday 6 December 1993, Gene Watson saw the release of his debut album for Step One Records, ‘Uncharted Mind‘ (Step One Records, 1993), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus; the album included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Snake In The House’ (written by T.W. Hale and Royal Wade Kimes) / this track was released as a single in 1993, but it did not chart
‘He’s Back In Texas Again’ (written by Troy Seals and Wayne Newton) / this track was released as a single in 1995, but it did not chart
Gene Watson’s ‘Uncharted Mind‘ (Step One Records, 1993) also included the following tracks:
‘Glass Hearts’ (written by Hap Hall)
‘Your Uncharted Mind’ (written by Mel Holt) / this track was also recorded by Clinton Gregory, who included it on ‘If It Weren’t for Country Music, I’d Go Crazy’ (Step One Records, 1991)
‘Hold That Thought’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016) and Tommy Rocco
‘You Gave Me A Mountain’, which was written by Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 – Wednesday 8 December 1982) / this version of ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’ is a re-recording; the original version was included on Gene Watson’s ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977)
‘Simple Minded Heart’ (written by Curt Ryle, Mel Tillis Jr. and Donald Lee Burns)
‘Cool Ole Fool’, which was written by Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019)
‘Mirrors Don’t Lie’ (written by Curt Ryle and Billy Henderson)
‘Give Her My Best’ (written by Roger Ball and Debbie Hullett)
Personnel involved in the recording of Gene Watson’s ‘Uncharted Mind‘ (Step One Records, 1993) included the following:
Gary Prim (piano, keyboard)
Dirk Johnson (synthesiser)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Roger Ball, Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) (acoustic guitar)
Kelly Back (electric guitar)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
John Wesley Ryles, Margie Cates, Debra Black and Ray Davis (background vocals)
Gene Watson’s relationship with Ray Pennington at Step One Records was one of mutual respect and admiration.
At Step One Records, Gene Watson simply arrived at the recording studio, and Ray Pennington did all the rest.
The release of Gene Watson’s debut album for Step One Records, ‘Uncharted Mind‘ (Step One Records, 1993), opened some doors for Gene; some American country music radio stations willingly added some of its tracks to their play-lists.
In musical terms, Gene Watson was back, and a revival of his country music career had begun.
On Monday 24 January 1994, The Swing Shift Band with Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) & Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘Swingin’ Our Way’ (Step One Records, 1994), which included the following tracks:
‘Just Swingin’ (written by Ernie Wilkins)
‘Opus One’ (written by Sy Oliver)
‘I Love You So Much It Hurts’, which was written by Floyd Tillman (Tuesday 8 December 1914 – Friday 22 August 2003)
‘After You’ve Gone’ (written by Henry Creamer and Turner Layton)
‘Airmail Special’ (written by Charlie Christian, Benny Goodman and Jimmy Mundy)
‘I’ll Never Always Love You’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Anytime’ (written by Herbert ‘Happy’ Lawson)
‘Born To Lose’, which was written by Frankie Brown and Ted Daffan (Saturday 21 September 1912 – Sunday 6 October 1996)
‘Just A Way of Life’ (written by Mel Holt and Ray Pennington)
‘It Only Happens (Every Now & Then)’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Dusty Road (My Life’s Like A)’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘One Minute With You’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Sentimental Journey’ (written by Les Brown, Bud Green and Ben Homer)
‘Someone Out In Dallas (Has Your Number)’ (written by Roger Ball and Ray Pennington)
‘Careless Love’ (written by W.C. Handy, Martha E. Koenig and Spencer Williams)
‘Triple Play’, which was written by Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015)
‘Moonglow’ (written by Eddie DeLange, Will Hudson and Irving Mills)
‘Peter Gunn’, which was written by Enrico Nicola ‘Henry’ Mancini (Wednesday 16 April 1924 – Tuesday 14 June 1994)
‘My Weakness Is Too Strong’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Woodchopper’s Ball’ (written by Joe Bishop and Woody Herman)
On Tuesday 2 August 1994, Willie Nelson & Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) (co-founder of Step One Records) saw the release of ‘Six Hours At Pedernales’ (Step One Records, 1994), which was produced by Ray Pennington, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart:
‘Turn Me Loose & Let Me Swing’ (written by Ray Pennington) (No.86, 1994)
Willie Nelson & Curtis Potter’s ‘Six Hours At Pedernales’ (Step One Records, 1994) also included the following tracks:
‘Nothing’s Changed, Nothing’s New’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Chase The Moon’ (written by Sharon Pennington and Jesse Shofner)
‘Are You Sure’, which was written by Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) and Willie Nelson
‘The Party’s Over’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘My Heroes Have Always Been Country‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2014)
‘We’re Not Talking Anymore’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Once You’re Past The Blues’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘It Won’t Be Easy’ (written by Don Silvers)
‘Stray Cats, Cowboys, & Girls of The Night’ (written by Jesse Shofner)
‘The Best Worst Thing’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘It Should Be Easier Now’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘My Own Peculiar Way’ (written by Willie Nelson)
Personnel involved in the recording of Willie Nelson & Curtis Potter’s ‘Six Hours At Pedernales’ (Step One Records, 1994) included the following:
Willie Nelson (guitar, vocals)
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Roger Ball (acoustic guitar)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Gregg Galbraith and Brent Mason (electric guitar)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) (vocals)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
David Smith (guitar)
Kristin Wilkinson (strings)
On Tuesday 4 October 1994, The Swing Shift Band with Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) & Ray Pennington saw the release of ‘It’s All In The Swing’ (Step One Records, 1994), which included the following tracks:
‘Danny G’, which was written by Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015)
‘On The Street Where You Live’ (written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe)
‘Satin Doll’ (written by Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer and Billy Strayhorn)
‘Marie’, which was written by Irving Berlin (11 May 1888 – Friday 22 September 1989)
‘Don’t Be That Way’ (written by Benny Goodman, Mitchell Parish and Edgar Sampson)
‘Out of Nowhere’ (written by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman)
‘Blues 4 MTG’ (written by Gregg Galbraith)
‘You Want What!?’ (written by Rob Hajacos)
‘I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart’ (written by Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Henry Nemo and John Redmond)
‘Deep Purple’ (written by Peter DeRose and Mitchell Parish)
‘I’m Truly Yours’ (written by Bryan Hill and Tony Hiller)
‘The Singer In The Band’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘Jersey Bounce’ (written by Tiny Bradshaw, Edward Johnson and Bobby Plater)
‘Dardanella’ (written by Felix Bernard, Johnny Black and Fred Fisher)
‘Dah Dot’, which was written by Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015)
‘The Right Side of Wrong’
‘Moseying’ (written by Paul Franklin, Rob Hajacos and Brent Mason)
‘Any Other Way’ (written by Ray Pennington and W.D. Smith)
‘No Goodbyes’ (written by Ray Pennington and W.D. Smith)
In 1994, Don Cox saw the release of his debut album, ‘All Over Town‘ (Step One Records, 1994), which included three tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & tracks Chart:
‘All Over Town’ (written by Tommy Barnes) (No.53, 1994)
‘In My Father’s Eyes’ (written by Tommy Barnes) / this track was released as a single in 1994, but it did not chart
‘Honey, Don’t Pay The Ransom’ (written by Kent Blazy, Rob Crosby and Jim Dowell) / this track was released as a single in 1995, but it did not chart
Don Cox’s debut album, ‘All Over Town‘ (Step One Records, 1994), also included the following tracks:
‘Too Much Too Little’ (written by Roger Ball)
‘Your Part’ (written by Tony Mullins and Donnie Skaggs)
‘A Month of Somedays’ (written by Mike McGuire and Bobby Tomberlin)
‘Today’s The Day’
‘Chase The Moon’ (written by Sharon Pennington and Jesse Shofner)
‘The Jukebox Has A Forty-Five’ (written by Bobby Charles and Charles McGuyer)
‘Suicide Mission’ (written by Larry Brown, Bill Emerson, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Rusty McHugh)
‘A Long Way Past Goodbye’ (written by Alan Syms)
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 14 March 2013) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Over There’ and included the track on ‘Highway To The Sky’ (Step One Records, 1995); this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Jesus Is All I Need‘ (Step One Records, 1997).
On Friday 10 November 1995, Celinda Pink saw the release of ‘Unchained’ (Step One Records, 1995); one of the included tracks was ‘I’ve Changed (Since I’ve Been Unchained)’ (written by Ray Pennington).
In 1996, Don Cox saw the release of ‘Each One’s A Winner’ (Step One Records, 1996), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus, and included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Sweet, Sweet Woman’ (written by Ray Pennington) / this track was released as a single in 1997, but it did not chart
Don Cox’s ‘Each One’s A Winner’ (Step One Records, 1996) also included the following tracks:
‘I Never Met A Woman I Didn’t Like’ (written by Lonnie Wilson and Curtis Wright)
‘Besides You’ (written by Jerry Taylor)
‘Man Overboard’ (written by Tommy Barnes, Brady Seals and Hamstein Stroudavarious)
‘It’s My Lucky Day’ (written by Robert Ellis Orrall, Billy Spence and Curtis Wright)
‘Mary’s Go ‘Round’, which was written by Beau Bruce, Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) and Jae Mason
‘Did He Say It Better Than Me’, which was written by Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) and Dee Moeller
‘Gentlemen, Start Your Engines’ (written by Sharon Pennington and Bryan Smith)
‘The Shadow Knows’ (written by David Smith)
‘The Reins Are In Your Hands’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘The Time of Her Life’ (written by Bryan Smith)
Personnel involved in the recording of Don Cox’s ‘Each One’s A Winner’ (Step One Records, 1996) included the following:
Kelly Back (lead guitar)
Aubrey Haynie (fiddle)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Kevin Williams (acoustic guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Dirk Johnson and Catherine Styron (keyboards)
John Wesley Ryles and Curtis Wright(harmony singers)
On Thursday 24 October 1996, Gene Watson saw the release of his second album for Step One Records, ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus.
Gene Watson‘s second album for Step One Records, ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996), was an album of exquisite Texas swing and was an album of exquisite Texas swing and tasteful balladry, and included one track, which would ultimately put the Gene Watson name firmly back on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, after an absence of some four years.
The track in question, ‘Change Her Mind’, which was written by Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999), Paul Nelson and Larry Boone, entered the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, on Saturday 25 January 1997.
Gene Watson‘s second album for Step One Records, ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996), also included the following tracks:
‘The Good Ole Days Are Right Now’ (written by Ray Pennington) / In 1976, Ray Pennington saw the release, on Zodiac Records, of ‘The Good Ole Days Are Right Now’ / ‘Steppin’ Aside Just Ain’t My Style’ (written by Ray Pennington); both tracks were produced by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004)
‘You Pushed Me To The Limit’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘The Man That Broke Your Heart’, which was written by Billy Joe Foster, Tommy Collins (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 14 March 2000) and Gene Pistilli (Thursday 27 March 1947 – Tuesday 26 December 2017)
‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ (written by Joe Allen) / this version of ‘I Don’t Need A Thing At All’ is a re-recording; the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1977)
‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’ (written by Steve Spurgin and J.D. Mendenhall) / this version of ‘Speak Softly (You’re Talking To My Heart)’ is a re-recording; the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981)
‘Somewhere Beyond Nowhere’ (written by Mel Holt) / this track was also included on ‘The Pen of Mel Holt’ (Step One Records, 1997), a various artists compilation album
‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’, which was written by Kent Westberry and Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003) / this version of ‘Love In The Hot Afternoon’ is a re-recording; the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Love in the Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975)
‘Getting Over You Again’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb
‘Where I’m Concerned’ (written by Ray Pennington)
Personnel involved in the recording of Gene Watson‘s second album for Step One Records, ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996), included the following:
Kelly Back (lead guitar)
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Dirk Johnson (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Aubrey Haynie, Rob Hajacos and Hoot Hester (Monday 13 August 1931 – Tuesday 30 August 2016) (fiddle)
Hoot Hester (Monday 13 August 1931 – Tuesday 30 August 2016) (mandolin)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Steve W. Maudlin Horns (brass, horns)
Kris Wilkinson Strings (strings)
John Wesley Ryles and Margie Cates Trio (harmony vocals)
Lorrie Morgan recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Don’t Stop In My World (If You Don’t Mean To Stay)’ and included the track on ‘Greater Need’ (BNA Records, 1996).
By March 1997, Gene Watson‘s recording of ‘Change Her Mind’, which was written by Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999), Paul Nelson and Larry Boone, had reached No.44 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart, thanks in no small part by the work carried out by an excellent promotion team at Step One Records.
One of the reasons for the revival in Gene Watson’s career at this time can be attributed to the fact that many of the people programming the song for American country music radio did not know who Gene Watson was, and actually thought that he was a new, young artist. Many listeners to American country music radio thought the same thing.
‘Change Her Mind’, which was written by Danny ‘Bear’ Mayo (Monday 2 October 1950 – Saturday 2 October 1999), Paul Nelson and Larry Boone, was also recorded by Larry Boone, who included the track on ‘One Way To Go’ (Columbia Records, 1991), and by Tony Toliver, who included the track on ‘Half Saint, Half Sinner’ (Rising Tide Records, 1996).
Gene Watson‘s follow-up single, ‘No Goodbyes’ (written by Ray Pennington), did not achieve as high a chart position, only reaching No.73 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1997.
It was also in 1997 when Gene Watson saw the release of his third album for Step One Records; ‘Jesus is all I Need‘ (Step One Records, 1997), which was produced by Ray Pennington and engineered by Kevin McManus, was an album project which Gene Watson had been wishing to record for some time – a collection made up entirely of religious material.
The recording of ‘Jesus is all I Need‘ (Step One Records, 1997) was also very much a family affair; six of the ten featured tracks were written by Gene Watson‘s cousin, Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002), while his sisters, Virginia Ruth Watson Thompson and Mary Lois Watson Templeton (Friday 28 October 1932 – Friday 9 April 2004), provided wonderful harmony vocals.
Gene Watson‘s third album for Step One Records, ‘Jesus is all I Need‘ (Step One Records, 1997), included the following tracks:
‘Jesus Is All I Need’, which was written by Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002)
‘Over There’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘The City’, which was written by Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002)
‘Amazing Grace’, which was written by John Newton (24 July 1725 – 21 December 1807) and Bill Walker
‘Before The Hammer Could Ring’, which was written by Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002)
‘Precious Memories’, which was written by John Braselton Fillmore Wright (21 February 1877 – Tuesday 13 October 1959)
‘Climb Higher’, which was written by Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002)
‘Shine From The Mountain’, which was written by Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002)
‘My Eyes Are On The Prize’, which was written by Bobbie Joyce Harris Bost (Saturday 10 February 1940 – Saturday 6 April 2002)
‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’, which was written by Alvin Pleasant Carter (15 December 1891 – Monday 7 November 1960)
Personnel involved in the recording of Gene Watson‘s ‘Jesus is all I Need‘ (Step One Records, 1997), included the following:
Kelly Back (lead guitar)
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Dirk Johnson (piano, keyboards)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Aubrey Haynie and Hoot Hester (Monday 13 August 1931 – Tuesday 30 August 2016) (fiddle)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Virginia Ruth Watson Thompson, Mary Lois Watson Templeton (Friday 28 October 1932 – Friday 9 April 2004) and Margie Cates Trio (harmony vocals)
On Tuesday 22 July 1997, The Swing Shift Band with Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) & Ray Pennington, saw the release of ‘Goin’ Out Swingin’ (Step One Records, 1997), which included the following tracks:
‘Boggs’ Boogie’ (written by Noel Boggs, Donnel Clyde Cooley and Jimmy Wyble)
‘Walkin’ My Baby Back Home’ (written by Fred E. Ahlert, Les Brown and Roy Turk)
‘S Wonderful’, which was written by George Jacob Gershwin (26 September 1898 – Sunday 11 July 1937) and Ira Gershwin (6 December 1896 – Wednesday 17 August 1983)
‘Lazy River’, which was written by Sidney Arodin (29 March 1901 – Friday 6 February 1948) and Hoagland Howard ‘Hoagy’ Carmichael (22 November 1899 – Sunday 27 December 1981)
‘Wills Point’
‘Darktown Strutters’ Ball’
‘Shiny Stockings’ (written by Frank Foster)
‘The Next Best Thing’ (written by Ray Pennington and Sharon Pennington)
‘Drownin’ My Troubles’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘The Day You Left Me’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) / this track featured guest vocals from Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016)
‘The Heart of A Clown’ (written by Frances Kane, Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins) / this track featured guest vocals from Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016)
‘Won’t You Ride In My Little Red Wagon’, which was written by Rex Griffin (Monday 12 August 1912 – Sunday 11 October 1959)
‘Woman, Go On Home’ (written by Ray Pennington)
‘So Many Ways To Say Goodbye’ (written by Ray Pennington)
On Tuesday 18 November 1997, Gene Watson saw the release of his final album for Step One Records; ‘A Way to Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997) was produced by Ray Pennington, engineered by Kevin McManus, and recorded at Oak Valley Studio in Nashville.
Gene Watson‘s final album for Step One Records, ‘A Way to Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997), included the following tracks:
‘Couldn’t Love Have Picked A Better Place To Die’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Bucky Jones / Gene Watson re-recorded this track and included it on ‘Real.Country.Music‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016)
‘Just In Case’ (written by Rick Tiger and Shawn Hammonds)
‘A Way To Survive’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Moneen Carpenter
‘When There’s Not A Tear Left To My Name’ (written by Billy Troy and Bennie Boling)
‘You Can’t Believe A Thing I Say’ (written by Don Miller and Jamey Whiting)
‘Someone’s Child’ (written by Billy Troy and Lee Bach)
‘All Hat, No Cattle’ (written by Lee Bach, Billy Troy and Leroy Anderson)
‘Fourteen Carat Mind’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Larry Lee Favorite (1939 – Saturday 26 May 2001) / this track is a re-recording / the original version of ‘Fourteen Carat Mind’ was included on Gene Watson‘s ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981), and was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January 1982
‘Old Porch Swing’, which was written by Joe Allen and Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992) / the original version of this track version was included on Gene Watson‘s ‘In Other Words‘ (Canada: Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992 / United States: Broadland International Records, 1992)
‘Class Reunion’ (written by Don Henry and Craig Morris) / the original version of this track was included on Gene Watson‘s ‘In Other Words‘ (Canada: Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992 / United States: Broadland International Records, 1992)
All tracks on Gene Watson‘s ‘A Way to Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997) were produced by Ray Pennington; the tracks ‘Old Porch Swing’, which was written by Joe Allen and Charlie Williams (Friday 20 December 1929 – Thursday 15 October 1992), and ‘Class Reunion’ (written by Don Henry and Craig Morris), were produced by Gary Buck (Thursday 21 March 1940 – Tuesday 14 October 2003) at Reflections in Nashville, in December 1991 / February 1992.
Personnel involved in the recording of Gene Watson‘s final album for Step One Records, ‘A Way to Survive‘ (Step One Records, 1997), included the following:
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Dirk Johnson (keyboards)
Aubrey Haynie (fiddle)
Gregg Galbraith (lead guitar)
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Kevin Williams (acoustic guitar)
Margie Cates, Jennifer O’Brien and John Wesley Ryles (background vocalists)
Gene Watson‘s ‘In Other Words‘ (Canada: Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992 / United States: Broadland International Records, 1992) was produced by Gary Buck (Thursday 21 March 1940 – Tuesday 14 October 2003); the recording engineer was Les Ladd and the studio used was Reflections in Nashville.
Personnel involved in the recording of Gene Watson‘s ‘In Other Words‘ (Canada: Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992 / United States: Broadland International Records, 1992), included the following:
Leo Jackson (Monday 22 October 1934 – Sunday 4 May 2008) (acoustic guitar)
Gregg Galbraith (lead Guitar)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) (piano)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Lonnie Williams (drums)
T.J. Clay (harmonica)
Ronny Light, Jennifer O’Brien and Margie Cates (background singers)
Tim Graves recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Walking On New Grass’ and included the track on ‘Walking On New Grass’ (Pinecastle Records, 1997).
In 1998, Step One Records closed its doors and its catalogue of material was purchased by Gusto Music in Nashville.
Montgomery Gentry recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘I’m A Ramblin’ Man’ and included the track on ‘Carrying On’ (Columbia Records, 2001).
Lost & Found recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Just About Then’, which was co-written with John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) and Keith Stegall, and included the track on ‘It’s About Time’ (Rebel Records, 2002).
Laura Cantrell recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Yonder Comes A Freight Train’ and included the track on ‘When The Roses Bloom Again’ (United Kingdom: Spit & Polish Records, 2002 / United States: Diesel Only Records, 2002).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘She’s Leaving & I’m Almost Gone’ (co-written with Fred Lehner and Jerry McBee) and included the track on ‘Chicago Dancin’ Girls’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘The Only One I Hold Against Her’ and included the track on ‘Chicago Dancin’ Girls’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘I’m Not Supposed To Care’ (co-written with Jesse Shofner) and included the track on ‘Chicago Dancin’ Girls’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Best Worst Thing’ and included the track on ‘Chicago Dancin’ Girls’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Honky Tonks Are Calling Me Again’ and included the track on ‘Them Old Honky Tonks’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Holding On To Holding On’ and included the track on ‘Them Old Honky Tonks’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Far Away Feeling’ and included the track on ‘Them Old Honky Tonks’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘I Can’t Keep My Mind Off of You’ and included the track on ‘Them Old Honky Tonks’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Nothing Can Stand In My Way’ and included the track on ‘When The Neon Lights Come On’ (Hillside Records, 2008).
Laura Cantrell recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘Yonder Comes A Freight Train’ and included the track on the EP (extended play) disc, ‘Trains And Boats And Planes’ (Diesel Only Records, 2008).
On Wednesday 7 October 2020, acclaimed singer / songwriter / guitarist / drummer / record producer / Step One Records executive Ray Pennington died at his home at New Hope Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee as a result of a house fire on that day.
‘Devastated to learn that my friend Ray Pennington has died.
Ray signed me to his label, Step One Records, and I recorded several of his songs and he produced my albums there.
He was a great singer, songwriter, producer and a great man.
One of his most well-known songs was No.1 for Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002), ‘I’m A Ramblin’ Man’ (No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September / October 1974).
Please keep his family in your prayers.
RIP’
Source
Gene Watson
Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020