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 2012, 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 Rory Bourke, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 5 July 2012.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Rory Bourke who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Rory Bourke
This quote was submitted on Thursday 5 July 2012.
‘I’ve always thought that Gene Watson is one of our best, heartfelt singers we have in country music today.
I was thrilled when I heard his recording of ‘Back In The Fire’ (written by Rory Bourke and Mike Reid).
I thought it just doesn’t get any better than this; he makes a song live’
Thank you, Rory Bourke, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Rory Bourke…
Rory Bourke, during a career of more than thirty years, has had his compositions recorded by Anne Murray, Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977), Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Phil Vassar, Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ronnie Milsap, Julio Iglesias, Tim McGraw, and Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022), along with many others.
In 1989, Rory Bourke was inducted into The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been named ASCAP ‘Writer of The Year’ on three occasions: in 1976, 1979 and 1983.
Rory Bourke is a four-time Grammy nominee and the recipient of two CMA triple play awards. Rory Bourke served on the Board of Directors of The Nashville Songwriters Foundation for many years.
Rory Bourke was born Rory Michael Bourke on Tuesday 14 July 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a boy, Rory Bourke loved watching movie musicals.
When he was seven years old, Rory Bourke started going to the movies with the little girl who lived next door. Her father was manager of Lowe’s MGM Theater and Rory Bourke saw every MGM musical they made.
Seeing all those musicals was a big part of the reason Rory Bourke became a songwriter.
In 1964, Rory Bourke graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College and married his college sweetheart, Rita Welty, shortly after. Rory Bourke’s first job was tracing lost railroad cars for New York Central Railroad. His true calling, however, was songwriting.
When there were no lost cars filled with cabbages from Mexico or pig iron from Alabama, Rory Bourke wrote songs. Rory Bourke spent his lunch hours writing lyrics on yellow slips of paper and when work was done, he brought those slips of paper home with him and set the lyrics to music.
In 1969, Rory Bourke came to Nashville as head of Sales & Promotion for Mercury Records Country & Western Division.
Shortly afterwards, Henry Hurt signed Rory Bourke to Chappell Music as a songwriter. It was there that Rory Bourke met Don Gant who became a mentor.
Rory Bourke later signed with Polygram Music.
In 1973, Rory Bourke’s ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’, which was co-written with Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), became a worldwide hit single for Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995); the track, which was included on Charlie Rich’s ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (Epic Records, 1973), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in November / December 1973, and No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart for two weeks in December 1973.
In 1979, Rory Bourke began a long and successful co-writing career with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021).
In 1994, Rory Bourke left his position as staff writer with PolyGram in order to form his own publishing company, Rory Bourke Music Company.
Since then, Rory Bourke has had hit singles as a BMI writer / publisher with Phil Vassar (‘Carlene’), Collin Raye (‘Little Red Rodeo’) and Jo Dee Messina (‘Bye Bye’).
In 1999, ‘Bye Bye’ was named ASCAP’s ‘Most Performed Song of The Year’. Rory Bourke is also writer and publisher of ‘Eyes of A Woman’, a cut which was included on Tim McGraw’s ‘A Place In The Sun’ (Curb Records, 1999).
Rory Bourke tells aspiring songwriters, ‘I learn from every person I write with, and I hope they learn from me. Songwriting is an art whose lessons are never completely learned’.
On Monday 8 June 1970, in Nashville, Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Patch It Up’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998); the track was released as a single, in October 1970, backed with ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’.
On Wednesday 12 August 1970, Elvis Presley recorded a ‘live’ version of ‘Patch It Up’ at The International Hotel in Las Vegas and included the track on ‘Elvis: That’s the Way It Is’ (RCA Records, 1970), which was released in December 1970.
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Neon Rose’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘I Ain’t Never’ (MGM Records, 1972); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972.
Sandy Posey recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘You Say Beautiful Things To Me’, which was co-written with Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998), and included the track on ‘Why Don’t We Go Somewhere & Love’ (Columbia Records, 1972).
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Sweet Magnolia Blossom’ and included the track on ‘Mr. Country Rock’ (ABC Records, 1973); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1973.
Ferlin Husky (Thursday 3 December 1925 – Thursday 17 March 2011) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Neon Rose’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘True True Loving’ (ABC Records, 1973).
Ferlin Husky (Thursday 3 December 1925 – Thursday 17 March 2011) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I’ll Never Play That Memory Again’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘Sweet Honky Tonk’ (ABC Records, 1973).
Ferlin Husky (Thursday 3 December 1925 – Thursday 17 March 2011) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Baby’s Blue’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘Sweet Honky Tonk’ (ABC Records, 1973).
Ferlin Husky (Thursday 3 December 1925 – Thursday 17 March 2011) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Between Me & Blue’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘Sweet Honky Tonk’ (ABC Records, 1973).
David Rogers (Friday 27 March 1936 – Tuesday 10 August 1993) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Neon Rose’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘Just Thank You’ (Atlantic Records, 1973).
Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Now Lonely Is Only A Word’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘Take Time To Love Her’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973).
• Ann M. Stuckey submitted a ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson on Saturday 25 January 2014
Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’, which was co-written with Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included the track on ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (Epic Records, 1973); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for three weeks in November / December 1973.
The song began life as ‘Hey, Mister’ and when combined with another song, ‘Mama McCluskey’, became ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’; the single also reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1973, and had sold more than two million copies by the end of 1974.
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Stop If You Love Me’ and included the track on ‘Rub It In’ (ABC Records, 1974).
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Farmer’s Daughter’ and included the track on ‘Rub It In’ (ABC Records, 1974).
Lynn Anderson (Friday 26 September 1947 – Thursday 30 July 2015) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Smile For Me’ and included the track on ‘Smile For Me’ (Columbia Records, 1974); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1974, and No.10 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1974.
David Rogers (Friday 27 March 1936 – Tuesday 10 August 1993) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Know I’m Living (Now That I’m Loving You)’ and included the track on ‘Hey There Girl’ (Atlantic Records, 1974).
Bobby G. Rice recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Neon Rose’ (co-written with Gayle Barnhill) and included the track on ‘She Sure Laid The Loneliness On Me’ (GRT Records, 1974).
Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming’ and included the track on ‘Promised Land’ (RCA Records, 1975).
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Please James’ and included the track on ‘Still Thinkin’ ‘Bout You’ (ABC Records, 1975).
Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’, which was co-written with Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included the track on ‘Loving You Beats All I’ve Ever Seen’ (Epic Records, 1975).
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Easy As Pie’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Easy As Pie’ (ABC Records / Dot Records, 1976); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976, and No.54 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976.
Olivia Newton-John (Sunday 26 September 1948 – Monday 8 August 2022) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Smile For Me’ and included the track on ‘Come On Over’ (MCA Records, 1976).
T.G. Sheppard recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Little Brown Paper Bag Blues’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Motels & Memories’ (Melodyland Records, 1976).
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘There’s More To Her Than Meets The Eye’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Crash’ (ABC Records / Dot Records, 1976).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Honky Tonk Memories’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘First Class’ (Playboy Records, 1977); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.
Charly McClain recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Here’s Charly McClain’ (Epic Records, 1977); the track reached No.87 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.
Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Your Place Or Mine’ and included the track on ‘Your Place Or Mine’ (RCA Records, 1977); the track reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.
Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It All Came Back’ (co-written with Bucky Jones and Len Chiriacka) and included the track on ‘The First Time’ (ABC Records / Dot Records, 1977).
Barbara Mandrell recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Don’t Hand Me No Hand Me Down Love’ (co-written with Charles Silver) and included the track on ‘Love’s Ups & Downs’ (Dot Records, 1977).
Dolly Parton recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Heartbreaker’ (RCA Records, 1978).
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Whose Arms Are You In Tonight’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008), and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Burgers & Fries’ (RCA Records, 1978).
Cher recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Take Me Home’ (Casablanca Records, 1979).
Jennifer Warnes recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Know A Heartache When I See One’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘A Shot Through The Heart’ (Arista Records, 1979); the track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979, No.12 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979, No.19 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1979, No.14 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1979, and No.46 on the Canadian RPM pop music singles chart in 1979.
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Shadows In The Moonlight’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘New Kind of Feeling’ (Capitol Records, 1979); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1979, No.1 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart for three weeks in 1979, and No.25 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in July 1979.
Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Special Delivery’ (Liberty Records, 1979).
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Stranger At My Door’, which was co-written with Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘I’ll Always Love You’ (Capitol Records, 1979).
Roy Orbison (Thursday 23 April 1936 – Tuesday 6 December 1988) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Love Is A Cold Wind’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Laminar Flow’ (Asylum Records, 1979).
Tanya Tucker recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Love Knows We Tried’, which was co-written with Jan Crutchfield (Saturday 26 February 1938 – Thursday 1 November 2012) and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘Dreamlovers’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track reached No.40 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.
Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Love Is A Cold Wind’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Nobody But You’ (Liberty Records, 1980).
Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Loretta’ (MCA Records, 1980).
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Lucky Me’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Somebody’s Waiting’ (Capitol Records, 1980); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, No.42 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1980, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks Chart in May 1980.
Johnny Lee recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Do You Love As Good As You Look’, which was co-written with Jerry Gillespie and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Lookin’ For Love’ (Asylum Records, 1980).
In June 1980, Jeanne Pruett recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson; the track, which reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, was subsequently included on Jeanne Pruett’s ‘Music Row’ (Audiograph Records, 1983).
Bellamy Brothers (Howard & David Bellamy) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Do You Love As Good As You Look’, which was co-written with Jerry Gillespie and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Sons of The Sun’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in March 1981.
Con Hunley recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘No Relief In Sight’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Ask Any Woman’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981); the track reached No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982.
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Blessed Are The Believers’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Sandy Pinkard, and included the track on ‘Where Do You Go When You Dream’ (Capitol Records, 1981); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June / July 1981, No.10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in 1981, and No.34 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1981.
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Call Me With The News’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘Where Do You Go When You Dream’ (Capitol Records, 1981).
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Another Sleepness Night’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Where Do You Go When You Dream’ (Capitol Records, 1981); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1982, and No.1 on the RPM Country Tracks Chart in Canada in 1982.
Gail Davies recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Round The Clock Loving’, which was co-written with K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020), and included the track on ‘Givin’ Herself Away’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1982); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982, and No.13 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1982.
Sandy Posey recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Know A Heartache’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘Tennessee Rose’ (51-West Records, 1982).
The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Doctor’s Orders’ (co-written with Kieran Kane and Bruce Channel) and included the track on ‘Bobbie Sue’ (MCA Records, 1982).
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Ain’t No Way To Rise Above (Fallin’ In Love)’, which was co-written with Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Patti Dahlstrom, and included the track on ‘The Hottest Night of The Year’ (Capitol Records, 1982).
Sissy Spacek recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Lonely But Only For You’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020), and included the track on ‘Hangin’ Up My Heart’ (Atlantic Records, 1983); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983.
Juice Newton recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Stranger At My Door’, which was co-written with Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Dirty Looks’ (Capitol Records, 1983); the track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983.
Deborah Allen recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Baby I Lied’ (co-written with Deborah Allen and Rafe Van Hoy) and included the track on ‘Cheat The Night’ (RCA Records, 1983); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1983, and No.26 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1983.
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘A Little Good News’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Tommy Rocco, and included the track on ‘A Little Good News’ (Capitol Records, 1983); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in December 1983.
The Country Music Association (CMA) named ‘A Little Good News’ as ‘Single Record of The Year’; the recording earned Anne Murray a ‘Country Vocal’ Grammy Award.
Anne Murray re-recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘A Little Good News’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Tommy Rocco, and included the track on ‘Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends’ (Manhattan Records, 2007); the track was a duet with The Indigo Girls.
George Strait recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘You Look So Good In Love’, which was co-written with Glen Ballard and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘Right Or Wrong’ (MCA Records, 1983); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January 1984.
Janie Fricke recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It’ (co-written with Rafe Van Hoy and Deborah Allen) and included the track on ‘Love Lies’ (Columbia Records, 1983); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in March / April 1984.
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘You Look So Good In Love’, which was (co-written with Glen Ballard and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘You’ve Really Got A Hold on Me’ (MCA Records, 1983).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Too Good To Stop Now’ (co-written with Bob McDill) and included the track on ‘Too Good to Stop Now’ (Epic Records, 1984); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984.
Tracey Ullman recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Baby, I Lied’ (co-written with Deborah Allen and Rafe Van Hoy) and included the track on ‘You Caught Me Out’ (Stiff Records, 1984).
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Should Know By Now’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Heart Over Mind’ (Capitol Records, 1984).
Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Doctor’s Orders’ (co-written with Kieran Kane and Bruce Channel) and included the track on ‘Stand Up’ (Capitol Records, 1985); the track reached No.53 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986.
Johnny Lee recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Doctor’s Orders’ (co-written with Kieran Kane and Bruce Channel) and included the track on ‘Keep Me Hangin’ On’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1985).
Crystal Gayle recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Nobody Should Have To Love This Way’, which was co-written with Tommy Rocco and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Straight To The Heart’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986); the track reached No.26 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986.
Tanya Tucker recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Only Over For You’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Girls Like Me’ (Capitol Records, 1986).
In 2010, Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Girls Like Me’ (Capitol Records, 1986), along with Tanya Tucker‘s ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ (Capitol Records, 1987), was re-issued by Hump Head Records, as a ‘2-on-1’ CD set, ‘Girls Like Me / Love Me Like You Used To’ (Hump Head Records, 2010).
Judy Rodman recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Come Next Monday’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) and included the track on ‘Judy’ (MTM Records, 1986).
Dan Seals (Sunday 8 February 1948 – Wednesday 25 March 2009) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘While I’m Here’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘On The Frontline’ (Capitol Records, 1986).
Marie Osmond recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Making Magic’ (co-written with Thomas Campbell) and included the track on ‘I Only Wanted You’ (Capitol Records, 1986 / Curb Records, 1990).
K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Two Hearts’ (co-written with K.T. Oslin) and included the track on ’80s Ladies’ (RCA Records, 1987).
K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Lonely But Only For You’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and K.T. Oslin, and included the track on ’80s Ladies’ (RCA Records, 1987).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Traces’ (Capitol Records, 1987); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987.
Ronnie Milsap recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Where Do The Nights Go’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Heart & Soul’ (RCA Records, 1987); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January 1988.
Gene Watson recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Back In The Fire’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Back in the Fire‘ (Warner Bros. Records, 1988); the track reached No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988, and No.24 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988.
K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Round The Clock Lovin’ (co-written with K.T. Oslin) and included the track on ‘This Woman’ (RCA Records, 1988); the track was the B-side of ‘Didn’t Expect It To Go Down This Way’ (written by K.T. Oslin), which reached No.23 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989, and No.27 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1989.
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Who But You’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020), and included the track on ‘As I Am’ (Capitol Records, 1988).
Anne Murray recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Slow Passin’ Time’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Tommy Rocco, and included the track on ‘As I Am’ (Capitol Records, 1988).
John Conlee recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Til You Were Gone’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Fellow Travelers’ (16th Avenue Records, 1989).
Shelby Lynne recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘The Hurtin’ Side’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Sunrise’ (Epic Records, 1989); the track reached No.38 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1989.
Shelby Lynne recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Til You Were Gone’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Sunrise’ (Epic Records, 1989).
Shelby Lynne recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Your Love Stays With Me’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Sunrise’ (Epic Records, 1989).
Lorrie Morgan recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘He Talks To Me’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Leave The Light On’ (RCA Records, 1989); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in August 1990.
Lorrie Morgan recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Too Late (To Love Me Now)’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Leave The Light On’ (RCA Records, 1989).
Marie Osmond recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘A Too Blue Moon’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘Steppin’ Stone’ (Capitol Records, 1989).
Baillie & The Boys recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘The Lights of Home’, which was co-written with Bucky Jones and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021), and included the track on ‘The Lights of Home’ (RCA Records, 1990).
K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Come Next Monday’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and K.T. Oslin, and included the track on ‘Love In A Small Town’ (RCA Records, 1990); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for two weeks in November / December 1990.
K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Oo-Wee’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and K.T. Oslin, and included the track on ‘Love In A Small Town’ (RCA Records, 1990).
K.T. Oslin (Friday 15 May 1942 – Monday 21 December 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Two Hearts’ (co-written with K.T. Oslin) and included the track on ‘Love In A Small Town’ (RCA Records, 1990).
Lee Roy Parnell recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘You’re Taking Too Long’ (co-written with Gary Nicholson and Lee Roy Parnell) and included the track on ‘Lee Roy Parnell’ (Arista Records, 1990).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Couldn’t See You Leaving’, which was co-written with Ronny Scaife (1947 – Wednesday 3 November 2010), and included the track on ‘Crazy in Love’ (MCA Records, 1990); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991 and holds the distinction of being Conway Twitty’s final Billboard Top 10 hit single.
Mike Reid recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Til You Were Gone’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Turning For Home’ (Columbia Records, 1991); the track reached No.17 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991.
Mike Reid recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Got A Life’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Turning For Home’ (Columbia Records, 1991).
Mike Reid recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Your Love Stays With Me’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Turning For Home’ (Columbia Records, 1991).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘She’s In Love’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Even Now’ (MCA Records, 1991); this was the final album which Conway Twitty would see released in his lifetime.
Lorrie Morgan recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘In Tears’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Something In Red’ (RCA Records, 1991).
Lee Roy Parnell recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Road Scholar’ (co-written with Cris Moore and Lee Roy Parnell) and included the track on ‘Love Without Mercy’ (Arista Records, 1992); this track was a duet with Delbert McClinton.
Lee Roy Parnell recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Tender Moment’ (co-written with Cris Moore and Lee Roy Parnell) and included the track on ‘Love Without Mercy’ (Arista Records, 1992); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993.
Lee Roy Parnell recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Roller Coaster’ (co-written with Gary Nicholson and Lee Roy Parnell) and included the track on ‘Love Without Mercy’ (Arista Records, 1992).
Sweethearts of The Rodeo – Kristine Arnold & Janis Oliver – recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Why Should I Stay Blue’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992).
Darryl & Don Ellis recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Something Moving In Me’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘No Sir’ (Epic Records, 1992).
Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘It’s Who You Love’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Kieran Kane, and included the track on ‘Currents’ (RCA Records, 1992).
Mike Reid recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Back In The Fire’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Twilight Town’ (Columbia Records, 1992).
Lee Roy Parnell recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Fresh Coat of Paint’ (co-written with Cris Moore and Lee Roy Parnell) and included the track on ‘On The Road’ (Arista Records, 1993).
Shelby Lynne recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Tell Me I’m Crazy’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Temptation’ (Mercury Records / Morgan Creek Records, 1993).
Neal McCoy recorded recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Something Moving In Me’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘No Doubt About It’ (Atlantic Records, 1994).
Jesse Hunter recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘By The Way She’s Lookin’ (co-written with Jesse Hunter) and included the track on ‘A Man Like Me’ (BNA Records, 1994); the track reached No.65 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994.
Kate Wallace recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Whisper Something Sweet’ (co-written with Kate Wallace) and included the track on ‘Kate Wallace’ (Honest Records, 1995).
Lisa Brokop recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Know A Heartache When I See One’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022), and included the track on ‘Lisa Brokop’ (Patriot Records / Liberty Records, 1996).
Kenny Chesney recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Back In My Arms Again’ (co-written with Lee Roy Parnell and Cris Moore) and included the track on ‘Me & You’ (BNA Records, 1996).
Billy Dean recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘It’s What I Do’ (Capitol Records, 1996); the track reached No.45 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in late 1996.
Jo Dee Messina recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Bye Bye’ (co-written with Phil Vassar) and included the track on ‘I’m Alright’ (Curb Records, 1998); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for one week in April 1998.
Jo Dee Messina recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I’m Alright’ (co-written with Phil Vassar) and included the track on ‘I’m Alright’ (Curb Records, 1998); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for two weeks in August / September 1998.
The Wilkinsons recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Fly (The Angel Song)’ (co-written with Steve Wilkinson) and included the track on ‘Nothing But Love’ (Giant Records, 1998); the track was No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in January 1999, and reached No.15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999.
The Wilkinsons recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘One Faithful Heart’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Steve Wilkinson, and included the track on ‘Nothing But Love’ (Giant Records, 1998).
Peggy Rains recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Tell Me I’m Crazy’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘It’s A Good Day’ (Peggy Rains Music, 1998).
Tim McGraw recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Eyes of A Woman’ (co-written with Steve Mandile) and included the track on ‘A Place In The Sun’ (Curb Records, 1999).
Phil Vassar recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Carlene’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Phil Vassar, and included the track on ‘Phil Vassar’ (Arista Records, 2000); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2000.
Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘All That You Could Be’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘There You Go Again’ (Dreamcatcher Records, 2000).
South65 (Lance Leslie, Brent Parker, Stephen Parker, Jerimy Koeltzow and Doug Urie) recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’, which was co-written with Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and Randy VanWarmer (Wednesday 30 March 1955 – Monday 12 January 2004), and included the track on ‘Dream Large’ (Atlantic Nashville Records, 2001).
Con Hunley recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘No Relief In Sight’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on ‘Sweet Memories’ (IMMI Records, 2003); the original version of this track was included on Con Hunley‘s ‘Ask Any Woman’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981), reaching No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982.
Gene Watson re-recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Back In The Fire’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Gene Watson: Then & Now‘ (Koch Records Nashville, 2005).
Anne Murray re-recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘A Little Good News’, which was co-written with Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Tommy Rocco, and included the track on ‘Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends’ (Manhattan Records, 2007); the track was a duet with The Indigo Girls.
The original version of ‘A Little Good News’ was recorded by Anne Murray, who included it on ‘A Little Good News’ (Capitol Records, 1983), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in December 1983, and was named by The Country Music Association (CMA) as ‘Single Record of The Year’, earning Anne Murray a ‘Country Vocal’ Grammy Award.
Josh Turner recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Haywire’ (MCA Records, 2010).
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Randy Travis saw the release of ’25th Anniversary Celebration’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2011), which was produced by Kyle Lehning; one of the included tracks on the album, which was released to celebrate 25 years since the release of Randy Travis‘ debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was Rory Bourke’s ‘More Life’ (co-written with Mike Reid), which featured guest vocals from Don Henley, and was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2012, but it did not chart.
Dallas Wayne recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘No Relief In Sight’, which was co-written with Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 – Sunday 23 November 2008) and Johnny Wilson, and included the track on‘Songs The Jukebox Taught Me’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2016).
Teea Goans recorded Rory Bourke’s ‘Tell Me I’m Crazy’ (co-written with Mike Reid) and included the track on ‘Swing, Shuffle & Sway’ (Crosswind Corporation, 2017).
• Visit Rory Bourke’s official site at rorybourke.com