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 2025, 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 Roger Ball, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 2 September 2025.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Roger Ball who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Roger Ball
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 2 September 2025.
‘I don’t know if this is the kind of quote you are looking for.
I was A&R director at Step One Records.
One of my jobs was to set appointments with the many publishers to listen to songs for our artists.
When I would tell the song-pluggers that I was looking for songs for Gene Watson, many times they would say, ‘He is my favourite singer’!
That says a lot about his talent.
I always got top drawer material’
Thank you, Roger Ball, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Roger Ball…
Roger Ball was born on Saturday 23 January 1954, and is an acclaimed country music guitarist, producer and songwriter from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Between 1988 and 1995, Roger Ball worked in the A&R department at the independent record label, Step One Records at 1300 Division Street in Nashville.
In 1988, The Quackers recorded ‘Jolly Old Saint Nicholas’, as a non-album single, for Step One Records, the B-side of which was ‘Up On The Housetop’; the tracks were produced by Roger Ball and Dave Hall.
In 1988, The Geezinslaws saw the release of a self-titled album, ‘The Geezinslaws’ (Step One Records, 1988), which included the following tracks:
‘The King Is Gone (& So Are You)’ (written by Roger Ferris)
‘Is That Your Girlfriend’ (written by Bob Moulds)
‘C-H-E-A-T-I-N’ ‘ (written by Bob Moulds and Michael Ballew)
‘Ever Changin’ Woman’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004)
‘Daddy Don’t Live in Heaven’ (written by Bob Moulds and Michael Ballew)
‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ (written by E.Y. Harburg and H. Arlen)
‘Swervin’ In My Lane’ (written by Robert Earl Keen)
‘Dinosaur’ (written by Hank Williams Jr.)
‘Fryin’ Pan (Never Leave My Wife At Home)’, which was written by John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020)
‘Warning On The Label’, which was written by Rayburn Anthony (1937 – Saturday 21 April 2018)
‘Hank Williams Led A Happy Life’ (written by Sammy Allred)
Personnel involved in the recording of The Geezinslaws’ self-titled album, ‘The Geezinslaws’ (Step One Records, 1988), included the following:
The Kyle Sisters (backing vocals)
Dale Jacobs and David Smith (bass)
Bob Mater, Kevin Fitzpatrick and Reno Mussatto (drums)
Danny Levin, Larry Telford, Reese Wynans and Steve Doonan (keyboards)
Bill Wise and Michael Severs (lead guitar)
Sammy Allred (mandolin, vocals)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Roger Ball (rhythm guitar)
DeWayne Smith (rhythm guitar, vocals)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
In March 1989, Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume I’ (Step One Records, 1989), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following (re-recorded) tracks:
‘Sweet Dreams’, which was written by Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003)
‘Wine Me Up’, which was written by Billy Deaton and Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996)
‘Face To The Wall’ (written by Bill Anderson)
‘She Went A Little Bit Farther’, which was written by Mack Vickery (Wednesday 8 June 1938 – Tuesday 21 December 2004) and Merle Kilgore (Thursday 9 August 1934 – Sunday 6 February 2005)
‘Just What I Had In Mind’, which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 – Wednesday 25 May 2005)
‘Goin’ Steady’, which was written by Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996)
‘I Miss You Already’, which was written by Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) and Marvin Rainwater (Thursday 2 July 1925 – Tuesday 17 September 2013)
‘She Fights That Lovin’ Feeling’ (written by J. Adams)
‘What’s He Doing In My World’, which was written by Billy Moore, Carl Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990) and Eddie Bush
‘Leavin’ & Sayin’ Goodbye’, which was written by Jeannie Seely (Saturday 6 July 1940 – Friday 1 August 2025)
Personnel involved in the recording of Faron Young’s ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 1’ (Step One Records, 1989) included the following:
David Smith (bass)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Kevin McManus (engineer)
Hank Singer and Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Richard Barish (lead guitar)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Roger Ball (rhythm guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Ray Emmett (Wednesday 15 December 1937 – Sunday 2 June 2013) (vocals)
In March 1989, Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume II’ (Step One Records, 1989), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following (re-recorded) tracks:
‘Hello Walls’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Alone With You’, which was written by Lester Vanadore and Roy Drusky (Sunday 22 June 1930 – Thursday 23 September 2004)
‘Tripping Over Love She Left Behind’ (written by Dewayne Orender and Gary Litton)
‘I Guess I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night’, which was written by Carl Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990) and Jerry Fuller
‘Three Days’, which was written by Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) and Willie Nelson
‘If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’)’, which was written by Tommy Collins (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 14 March 2000)
‘Country Girl’, which was written by Roy Drusky (Sunday 22 June 1930 – Thursday 23 September 2004)
‘I’m Getting Nowhere (At Getting Over You)’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and Ronnie Pennington
‘Unmitigated Gall’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘If I Ever Fall In Love With A Honky Tonk Girl’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
Personnel involved in the recording of Faron Young’s ‘Greatest Hits, Volume II’ (Step One Records, 1989) included the following:
David Smith (bass)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Kevin McManus (engineer)
Hank Singer and Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Richard Barish (lead guitar)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Roger Ball (rhythm guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Ray Emmett (Wednesday 15 December 1937 – Sunday 2 June 2013) (vocals)
In March 1989, Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits, Volume III’ (Step One Records, 1989), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following (re-recorded) tracks:
‘Four In The Morning’, which was written by Jerry Donald Chesnut (Thursday 7 May 1931 – Saturday 15 December 2018)
‘Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young’, which was written by Joe Allison (Friday 3 October 1924 – Friday 2 August 2002)
‘The Memory’, which was written by Charlotte Pennington and Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘Just Out of Reach’ (written by Frank Stewart)
‘Step Aside’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016)
‘Congratulations’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘This Little Girl of Mine’, which was written by Jan Crutchfield (Saturday 26 February 1938 – Tuesday 30 October 2012)
‘Until I Can Make It On My Own’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010) and Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998)
‘That Over Thirty Look’ (written by Billy Arr and Rick Klang)
‘Almost Dawn in Denver’ (written by B. Deaton, C. Davis and C. Pitts)
Personnel involved in the recording of Faron Young’s ‘Greatest Hits, Volume II’ (Step One Records, 1989) included the following:
David Smith (bass)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Kevin McManus (engineer)
Hank Singer and Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Richard Barish (lead guitar)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) and Roger Ball (rhythm guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Ray Emmett (Wednesday 15 December 1937 – Sunday 2 June 2013) (vocals)
In June 1990, The Geezinslaws saw the release of ‘World Tour’ (Step One Records, 1990), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘I Kissed The Bus’
‘Unchained Melody’
‘Afraid You’d Come Back’
‘Victim of Life’s Circumstances’
‘Mental Revenge’
‘Life Can Have Meaning’
‘Night & Day’
‘My Pocket’s Got A Hole In It’
‘Weeds Out Live The Roses’
‘If You Don’t Believe I Love You’
‘Lonely Heart’
Personnel involved in the recording of The Geezinslaws’ ‘World Tour’ (Step One Records, 1990) included the following:
David Smith (bass)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Kevin McManus (engineer)
Gary Prim (keyboards)
Brent Mason and Mike Severs (lead guitar)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Roger Ball (rhythm guitar)
In 1992, The Geezinslaws saw the release, on Step One Records and Festival Records, of a non-album single, ‘Help, I’m White & I Can’t Get Down’ (written by Clinton Gregory and Roger Ball), which was produced by Roger Ball; the B-side of this single was ‘I Kissed The Bus’ (written by Martin Holt), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020).
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, Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) & Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) saw the release of ‘The Memories That Last’ (Step One Records, 1991), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘The Memories That Last’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
‘Everybody Loves Somebody’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
‘Too Big To Fight’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
‘Take A Chance On Me’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price
‘Cold, Cold Heart’ / this track featured vocals from Faron Young
‘Side By Side’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
‘Somewhere Along The Way’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price
‘Walkin’ My Baby Back Home’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
‘Whole Lot of You’ / this track featured vocals from Faron Young
‘Mansion On The Hill’ / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
‘When I Fall In Love’ / this track featured vocals from Faron Young
‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ (written by Willie Nelson) / this track featured vocals from Ray Price & Faron Young
Personnel involved in the recording of Faron Young & Ray Price‘s ‘The Memories That Last’ (Step One Records, 1991) included the following:
David Smith (bass)
Gene Christian (drums)
Kevin McManus (engineer)
Clinton Gregory (fiddle)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Richard Bass and Roger Ball (guitar)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Ray Emmett (Wednesday 15 December 1937 – Sunday 2 June 2013) (tenor vocals)
Blondie Calderon (Vibraphone)
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’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Sunday 13 October 2024)
‘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 (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and engineered by Kevin McManus; the album included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Play, Ruby, Play’, which was written by Troy Seals (Wednesday 16 November 1938 – Tuesday 1 April 2025) and Tony Brown (No.25 in January 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)
‘Who Needs It’ (written by J. Mehaffey and Brent Mason) (No.29, 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) also included the following tracks:
‘If A Broken Heart Could Kill’, which was written by Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024), Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Allen Henson
‘Freeborn Man’ (written by Mark Lindsay and Keith Allison)
‘Til This Ring Turns Green’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘The Game Is The Same’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘She Can’t Believe My Eyes (written by Roger Ball)
‘Here’s To You, Tears To Me’ (written by Andrew Wilson Jr.)
‘The Jukebox Has A 45’ (written by B. Charles and C. McGuyer)
‘I Wish It Was That Easy Going Home’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
Personnel involved in the recording of Clinton Gregory‘s ‘Freeborn Man’ (Step One Records, 1991) included the following:
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) and Roger Ball (acoustic guitar)
Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Brent Mason and Redd Volkaert (lead guitar)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Clinton Gregory (fiddle)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Gary Prim (synthesizers)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Clinton Gregory, Jennifer O’Brian and Dennis Wilson (background vocals)
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 Thursday 8 October 1992, The Geezinslaws saw the release of ‘Feelin’ Good, Gittin’ Up, Gittin’ Down’ (Step One Records, 1992), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘Help, I’m White & I Can’t Get Down’ (written by Clinton Gregory and Roger Ball) / this track, which reached No.56 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1992, earned The Geezinslaws the ‘Indie Best Seller Award’ from The National Association of Record Merchandisers in 1993
‘Copenhagen’
‘You Belong To Me’
‘Let’s Think About Living’
‘The Diet Song’
‘I Kissed The Bus’
‘Someone Sweet To Love’
‘Peel Me A Nanner’
‘Bluebird’
Personnel involved in the recording of The Geezinslaws’ ‘Feelin’ Good, Gittin’ Up, Gittin’ Down’ (Step One Records, 1992) included the following:
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (rhythm guitar)
Dale Jacobs, Ronny Hughes and David Smith (bass)
Jerry Kroon and Kevin Fitzpatrick (drums)
Denis Ryan, Kevin McManus and Ronny Light (engineer)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) and Larry Telford (keyboards)
Billy Wise, Brent Mason and Gregg Galbraith (lead guitar)
Roger Ball (mandolin)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
DeWayne Smith (vocals, acoustic guitar)
Sam Allred (Saturday 5 May 1934 – Wednesday 9 May 2018) (vocals, mandolin)
In 1992, The Geezinslaws saw the release, on Step One Records and Festival Records, of a non-album single, ‘Help, I’m White & I Can’t Get Down’ (written by Clinton Gregory and Roger Ball), which was produced by Roger Ball; the B-side of this single was ‘I Kissed The Bus’ (written by Martin Holt), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020).
In 1993, The Geezinslaws saw the release, on Step One Records, of a non-album single, ‘I Wish I Had A Job To Shove’ (written by Roger Ball and Tommy Barnes); the B-side of this single was ‘Self Made Man’ (written by Mel Holt), and both tracks were produced by Roger Ball and Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020).
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’, which was written by J.P. Pennington and Troy Seals (Wednesday 16 November 1938 – Tuesday 1 April 2025) (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’, which was written by Troy Seals (Wednesday 16 November 1938 – Tuesday 1 April 2025), 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)
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
The Del McCoury Band recorded ‘Snake In The House’ (written by T.W. Hale and Royal Wade Kimes) and included the track on ‘The Cold Hard Facts’ (Rounder Records, 1996).
‘He’s Back In Texas Again’, which was written by Troy Seals (Wednesday 16 November 1938 – Tuesday 1 April 2025) and Wayne Newton / this track was released as a single in 1995, but it did not chart
John Schneider recorded ‘He’s Back In Texas Again’, which was written by Troy Seals (Wednesday 16 November 1938 – Tuesday 1 April 2025) and Wayne Newton, and included the track on ‘Tryin’ to Outrun The Wind’ (MCA Records, 1985).
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)
Clinton Gregory‘s ‘If It Weren’t For Country Music, I’d Go Crazy’ also included ‘Maybe I Should Have Been Listening’, which was written by Buzz Rabin (Friday 25 October 1940 – Sunday 13 October 2024), the original version of which was recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
‘Hold That Thought’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016) and Tommy Rocco
Myra Rolen recorded ‘Hold That Thought’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016) and Tommy Rocco, and included the track on ‘Hold That Thought’ (Pretty World Records, 2014).
‘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)
This version of ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’, which was written by Marty Robbins (Saturday 26 September 1925 – Wednesday 8 December 1982), was 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)
WC Edgar recorded ‘Mirrors Don’t Lie’ (written by Curt Ryle and Billy Henderson) and included the track on ‘Alcohol of Fame’ (WC Edgar / Universal Vision Entertainment, 2008); the track featured guest vocals from Daryle Bruce Singletary (Wednesday 10 March 1971 – Monday 12 February 2018).
‘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)
• You can read a Country Music People review of Gene Watson’s ‘Uncharted Mind‘ (Step One Records, 1993); the review, which was written by Craig Baguley, was published in the February 1994 issue of the United Kingdom monthly publication Country Music People.
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 Hank Craig and 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)
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)
In 1994, Rhonda Hart saw the release, on Step One Records, of a non-album single, ‘Waitin’ For The Phone To Ring’ (written by Bob Tassi and Joe Tassi), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) and Roger Ball.
In August 1994, Willie Nelson, with special guest, Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016), saw the release of ‘Six Hours At Pedernales’ (Step One Records, 1994), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the following tracks:
‘Nothing’s Changed, Nothing’s New’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘Chase The Moon’ (written by Jesse Shofner and Sharon Pennington)
‘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 and Craig)
‘We’re Not Talking Anymore’ (written by Mel Holt)
‘Turn Me Loose & Let Me Swing’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘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’, which was written by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020)
‘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:
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009) (acoustic guitar)
Roger Ball (acoustic guitar, A&R assistance)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Brent Mason and Gregg Galbraith (electric guitar)
Eric Paul and Kevin McManus (engineer)
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) (guest vocals)
Rob Hajacos (fiddle)
Chris McDonald Horns (Horn Section)
Gary Prim (piano, keyboards)
Thomas Bailey ‘Bunky’ Keels (Thursday 11 January 1934 – Monday 29 November 2004) (piano)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Steve Mauldin (Strings arranger, Horns arranger)
Kris Wilkinson Strings (String Section)
On Saturday 20 August 1994, Western Flyer – Danny Myrick (lead vocals, bass guitar), Chris Marion (keyboards, vocals), T.J. Klay (harmonica, mandolin, vocals), Bruce Gust (drums, vocals), Steve Charles (lead guitar, vocals) and Roger Helton (acoustic guitar, banjo, vocals) – saw the release of a self-titled album, ‘Western Flyer’ (Step One Records, 1994), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020); one of the included tracks was ‘I Would Give Anything’ (written by Roger Ball).
In 1995, The Geezinslaws saw the release, on Step One Records, of a non-album single, ‘Because of Country Music (I’ve Gone Crazy)’ (written by Alan Syms and Roger Ball), which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020).
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