Gene Watson’s Peers: Quote from Sonny Throckmorton: May 2018

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 Sonny Throckmorton, which he submitted to this site on Friday 18 May 2018.

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

Sonny Throckmorton

Sonny Throckmorton
This quote was submitted on Friday 18 May 2018.

‘Gene Watson is one of the great ones!

I am very much a fan of Gene and I am sincerely in awe of Mr. Watson’s talent’

Thank you, Sonny Throckmorton, for your support of Gene Watson.



About Sonny Throckmorton…

Sonny Throckmorton

Sonny Throckmorton started out as a performer, but instead he became one of the most successful songwriters in country music, with over 1,000 of his songs recorded by an impressive list of artists, including Tanya Tucker, Dave & Sugar (Dave Rowland: Monday 26 January 1942 – Thursday 1 November 2018), Moe Bandy, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), T.G. Sheppard, Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022), John Conlee, The Oak Ridge BoysDoug Stone, and Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020).


Sonny Throckmorton was born James Fron ‘Sonny’ Throckmorton on Wednesday 2 April 1941 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and spent much of his childhood traveling the American south-west before his family finally settled in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Sonny Throckmorton moved to San Francisco, California after graduating from college, and first played rock & roll before switching his focus to country music at record producer Pete Drake’s suggestion.

After graduating from college, Sonny Throckmorton moved to San Francisco and played rock & roll in area clubs.


At the urging of guitarist and publisher Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988), Sonny Throckmorton switched to country music, and moved to Nashville in 1964, working as a bass player for Carl Butler (Thursday 2 June 1927 – Friday 4 September 1992) & Pearl Butler (Friday 30 September 1927 – Tuesday 1 March 1988) for two years.


Sonny Throckmorton then wrote for, and managed, Pete Drake’s publishing company; his first hit single as a songwriter was ‘How Long Has It Been’, which was recorded by Bobby Lewis, reaching No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1966.


Bobby Lewis: 'How Long Has It Been' (United Artists Records, 1967)

Bobby Lewis recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘How Long Has It Been’ and included the track on ‘How Long Has It Been’ (United Artists Records, 1967); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1966.


Sonny Throckmorton remained in Nashville for a few more years as a song promoter and staff writer for different companies before landing a job as a staff writer for the prestigious Sony / Tree Publishing.  Unfortunately, none of the young writer’s songs became hit singles, and he was fired.


In May 1973, Sonny Throckmorton recorded Buzz Rabin‘s ‘Angels In Red’ and included the track on ‘Wake Up, Judy’ (Capitol Records, 1973), which was produced by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004).


Jean Shepard: 'I'll Do Anything It Takes' (United Artists Records, 1974)

Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 – Sunday 25 September 2016) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘What I Had With You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘I’ll Do Anything It Takes’ (United Artists Records, 1974).


Slim Whitman: 'Happy Anniversary' (United Artists Records, 1974)

Slim Whitman (Saturday 20 January 1923 – Wednesday 19 June 2013) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘What I Had With You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Happy Anniversary’ (United Artists Records, 1974).


Jan Howard: 'Sincerely Jan Howard' (GRT Records, 1975)

Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘It Always Rains On Me’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Sincerely Jan Howard’ (GRT Records, 1975).


In 1975, Sonny Throckmorton returned to Texas, because he had promised himself that he would quit music if he didn’t succeed by the time he was thirty-five years old.

Sonny Throckmorton’s fellow songwriters continued trying to sell his songs, however, and six months later, Sonny returned and was re-hired by Sony / Tree Publishing.


Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 – Wednesday 17 July 1985) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘It Always Rains On Me’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘After The Storm’ (Playboy Records, 1976).


Over the course of nine months, over 150 of Sonny Throckmorton’s songs were recorded, including ‘Thinking of A Rendezvous’ (co-written with Bobby Braddock), which became Johnny Duncan‘s first No.1 hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976.


Johnny Duncan: 'Johnny Duncan' (Columbia Records, 1977)

Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Thinkin’ of A Rendezvous’ (co-written with Bobby Braddock) and included the track on ‘Johnny Duncan’ (Columbia Records, 1977); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in December 1976.


In 1976, Jim Mundy saw the release of ‘I’m Knee Deep In Loving You’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton) on ABC Records; the track, which was a non-album single, reached No.86 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976; Jim Mundy is a brother of Ann J. Morton.


It was also in 1976 when Sonny Throckmorton tried recording his own songs, first for Starcrest Records, and then for Mercury Records; his single releases between 1976 and 1981 included the following:

‘Rosie’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.76, 1976)

‘Lovin’ You, Lovin’ Me’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
(No.73, 1977)

‘I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (& Left My Heart Alone)’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
(No.54, 1978)

‘Smooth Sailin’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton / ‘Last Cheater’s Waltz’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
(No.47, 1979)

‘Can’t You Hear That Whistle Blow’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Chris Dodson)
(No.66, 1979)

‘Friday Night Blues’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Rafe Van Hoy)
(No.89, 1980)

‘A Girl Like You’ (written by Buzz Cason and Freddy Weller)
(No.77, 1981)


Dave & Sugar: 'That's The Way Love Should Be' (RCA Victor Records, 1977)

Dave & Sugar (Dave Rowland: Monday 26 January 1942 – Thursday 1 November 2018) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I’m Knee Deep In Loving You’ and included the track on ‘That’s The Way Love Should Be’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.


Merle Haggard: 'Ramblin' Fever' (MCA Records, 1977)

Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Ramblin’ Fever’ (MCA Records, 1977); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977.


Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘What I Had With You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘One of A Kind’ (Epic Records, 1977).


Tanya Tucker: 'Ridin' Rainbows' (MCA Records, 1977)

Tanya Tucker recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I’m Knee Deep In Loving You’ and included the track on ‘Ridin’ Rainbows’ (MCA Records, 1977).


Gene Watson: 'Reflections' (Capitol Records, 1978)

Gene Watson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Don’t Know How To Tell Her (She Don’t Love Me Anymore)’ (co-written with Bobby Fischer) and included the track on ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); the track featured background vocals from Nashville Edition, with Janie Fricke.

Gene Watson: 'Reflections & Should I Come Home' (Hux Records, 2009)

On Tuesday 27 January 2009, England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979), as a special ‘2-for-1‘ CD set.


Sonny Throckmorton: 'Last Cheater's Waltz' (Mercury Records, 1978)

In 1978, Sonny Throckmorton saw the release of his debut album, ‘Last Cheater’s Waltz’ (Mercury Records, 1978), which included the following tracks:

‘I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (& Left My Heart Alone)’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.54, 1978)

‘Last Cheater’s Waltz’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
 (No.47, March 1979)

‘I’m Knee Deep In Loving You’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)

‘Middle Age Crazy’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)

‘She Sure Makes Leavin’ Look Easy’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
/ this track was the B-side of ‘I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (& Left My Heart Alone)’

‘Smooth Sailin’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton
/ this track was the B-side of ‘Last Cheater’s Waltz’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)

‘If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday’, which was written by Sonny Throckmorton and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)

‘I Feel Like Loving You Again’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Bobby Braddock)

‘I’m Turning You Loose’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton

‘Drink It Down, Lady’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton)


Between 1976 and 1980, at least one of Sonny Throckmorton’s songs appeared on the Billboard country music singles chart almost every week, and overall, more than a thousand of his songs were recorded by country music artists.  Sonny Throckmorton’s streak of songwriting continued into the 1980s and 1990s.


Jerry Lee Lewis: 'Country Memories' (Mercury Records, 1977)
Jerry Lee Lewis: 'All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology' (Rhino Records, 1993)

Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Middle Age Crazy’ and included the track on ‘Country Memories’ (Mercury Records, 1977); the track, which reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, was subsequently included on ‘All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology’ (Rhino Records, 1993).

Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Middle Age Crazy’ became the basis of a major movie, and Sonny was named ‘Songwriter of The Year’ by Nashville Songwriters Association, three years in a row, between 1978 and 1980.


Tommy Overstreet: 'Better Me' (ABC / Dot Records, 1978) Tommy Overstreet: 'Audiograph Live' (Audiograph Records, 1978) Tommy Overstreet: 'The Best of Tommy Overstreet' (Hux Records, 2015)

Tommy Overstreet (Friday 10 September 1937 – Monday 2 November 2015) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Fadin’ In, Fadin’ Out’ (co-written with Bobby Braddock) and included the track on ‘Better Me’ (ABC / Dot Records, 1978); the track, which reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, was also included on Tommy Overstreet’s ‘Audiograph Live’ (Audiograph Records, 1983), and ‘The Best of Tommy Overstreet’ (Hux Records, 2015).


Jerry Lee Lewis: 'Jerry Lee Keeps Rockin' (Mercury Records, 1978)

Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Last Cheater’s Waltz’ and included the track on ‘Jerry Lee Keeps Rockin’ (Mercury Records, 1978).


Kenny Rogers: 'The Gambler' (United Artists Records, 1978)

Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘A Little More Like Me (The Crucifixion)’ and included the track on ‘The Gambler’ (United Artists Records, 1978); the album reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978, No.12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 1978, No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums Chart in 1978, and No.6 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums Chart in 1978.


Brenda Kaye Perry: 'Deeper Water' (MRC Records, 1978)

Brenda Kaye Perry recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Deeper Water’ (MRC Records, 1978), an album which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020).


T.G. Sheppard: '3/4 Lonely' (Warner Bros. Records, 1979)

T.G. Sheppard recorded Sonny Throckmorton ‘You Feel Good All Over’ and included the track on ‘3/4 Lonely’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.

T.G. Sheppard: '3/4 Lonely' (Warner Bros. Records, 1979)

T.G. Sheppard recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Last Cheater’s Waltz’ and included the track on ‘3/4 Lonely’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1979); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in October 1979.


Jerry Lee Lewis: 'Jerry Lee Lewis' (Elektra Records, 1979)

Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Wish I Was Eighteen Again’ and included the track on ‘Jerry Lee Lewis’ (Elektra Records, 1979).


Moe Bandy: 'It's a Cheating Situation' (Columbia Records, 1979)

Moe Bandy recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘It’s A Cheating Situation’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘It’s A Cheating Situation’ (Columbia Records, 1979), the track, which featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke, reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks for one week in April 1979.


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived' (MCA Records, 1979)

The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘There Must Be Something About Me That She Loves’ and included the track on ‘The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived’ (MCA Records, 1979).


Conway Twitty: 'Cross Winds' (MCA Records, 1979)

Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (& Left My Heart Alone)’ and included the track on ‘Crosswinds’ (MCA Records, 1979).


Moe Bandy: 'One of a Kind' (Columbia Records, 1979)

Moe Bandy recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘One of A Kind’ (co-written with Bobby Fischer) and included the track on ‘One of A Kind’ (Columbia Records, 1979); the track reached No.13 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979.


Sonny Throckmorton’s stature as a major songwriter flourished and, in 1980, he was named BMI ‘Songwriter of The Year’.


John Conlee: 'Friday Night Blues' (MCA Records, 1980)

John Conlee recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Friday Night Blues’ (co-written with Rafe VanHoy) and included the track on ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.

John Conlee: 'Friday Night Blues' (MCA Records, 1980)

John Conlee recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘She Can’t Say That Anymore’ (co-written with Rafe VanHoy) and included the track on ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.

John Conlee: 'Friday Night Blues' (MCA Records, 1980)

John Conlee recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘What I Had With You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track reached No.12 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981.


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Together' (MCA Records, 1980)

The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Tryin’ To Love Two Women’ and included the track on ‘Together’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June / July 1980.

The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Together' (MCA Records, 1980)

The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘A Little More Like Me (The Crucifixion)’ and included the track on ‘Together’ (MCA Records, 1980).


Merle Haggard: 'The Way I Am' (MCA Records, 1980)

Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Way I Am’ and included the track on ‘The Way I Am’ (MCA Records, 1980); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, and No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980.


George Burns: 'I Wish I Was Eighteen Again' (Mercury Records, 1980)

George Burns (20 January 1896 – Saturday 9 March 1996) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Wish I Was Eighteen Again’ and included the track on ‘I Wish I Was Eighteen Again’ (Mercury Records, 1980); the track reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, and No.8 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980.


T.G. Sheppard: 'Smooth Sailin' (Warner Bros. Records, 1980)

T.G. Sheppard recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Smooth Sailin’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Smooth Sailin’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980); the track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.

T.G. Sheppard: 'Smooth Sailin' (Warner Bros. Records, 1980)

T.G. Sheppard recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Feel Like Loving You Again’ (co-written with Bobby Braddock) and included the track on ‘Smooth Sailin’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1980); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January / February 1981.


John Anderson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘You’ve Got The Longest Leavin’ Act In Town’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘John Anderson 2’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981).


Jeannie C. Riley: 'From Harper Valley To The Mountain Top' (MCA Records, 1981)

Jeannie C. Riley recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Safely In The Arms of Jesus’ and included the track on ‘From Harper Valley To The Mountain Top’ (MCA Records, 1981).


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Bobbie Sue' (MCA Records, 1982)

The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (& Left My Heart Alone)’ and included the track on ‘Bobbie Sue’ (MCA Records, 1982); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982.


John Starling: 'Waitin' On A Southern Train' (Sugar Hill Records, 1982)

John Starling (Tuesday 26 March 1940 – Thursday 2 May 2019) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Waitin’ On A Southern Train’ and included the track on ‘Waitin’ On A Southern Train’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1982).


Gene Watson: 'Sometimes I Get Lucky' (MCA Records, 1983)

Gene Watson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘She Sure Makes Leaving Seem Easy’ and included the track on ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky‘ (MCA Records, 1983).


Wayne Kemp: 'Country, Past, Present, Future' (Door Knob Records, 1983)

Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ For A Long, Long Time’, which was co-written with Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Country, Past, Present, Future’ (Door Knob Records, 1983).


The Judds: 'Why Not Me' (RCA Records, 1984)

The Judds – Wynonna Judd & Naomi Judd (Friday 11 January 1946 – Saturday 30 April 2022) – recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Why Not Me’, which was co-written with Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) and Brent Maher, and included the track on ‘Why Not Me’ (RCA Records, 1984); the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in December 1984 / January 1985, was named as Academy of Country Music’s ‘Song of The Year’ for 1984.

The Judds: 'Why Not Me' (RCA Records, 1984)

The Judds – Wynonna Judd & Naomi Judd (Friday 11 January 1946 – Saturday 30 April 2022) – recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Bye Bye Baby Blues’, which was co-written with Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) and Brent Maher, and included the track on ‘Why Not Me’ (RCA Records, 1984).


Gene Watson: 'Little By Little' (MCA Records, 1984)

Gene Watson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For A Long, Long Time)’, which was co-written with Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Little By Little‘ (MCA Records, 1984).


Mel McDaniel: 'Stand Up' (Capitol Records, 1985)
Mel McDaniel: 'Mel McDaniel's Greatest Hits' (Capitol Records, 1986)

Mel McDaniel (Sunday 6 September 1942 – Thursday 31 March 2011) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Stand Up’ (co-written with Bruce Channel and Ricky Ray Rector) and included the track on ‘Stand Up’ (Capitol Records, 1985); the track, which reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985, and No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1985, was subsequently included on Mel McDaniel’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (Capitol Records, 1986).


George Strait: 'Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind' (MCA Records, 1985)

George Strait recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ (co-written with Casey Kelly) and included the track on ‘Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind’ (MCA Records, 1985); the track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985, and No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1985.


The Judds: 'Rockin' With The Rhythm' (RCA Records, 1985)

The Judds – Wynonna Judd & Naomi Judd (Friday 11 January 1946 – Saturday 30 April 2022) – recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘If I Were You’, which was co-written with Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002) and Brent Maher, and included the track on ‘Rockin’ With The Rhythm’ (RCA Records, 1985).


Michael Martin Murphey: 'Tonight We Ride' (Warner Bros. Records, 1986)

Michael Martin Murphey recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The One That Got Away’ (co-written with Michael Martin Murphey and David Hoffner) and included the track on ‘Tonight We Ride’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986).


Sonny Throckmorton: 'Southern Train' (Warner Bros. Records, 1986)

In 1986, Sonny Throckmorton signed a second recording contract, this time with Warner Bros. Records, and saw the release of ‘Southern Train’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:

‘Waitin’ On A Southern Train’
‘You’ve Got The Longest Leaving Act In Town’
‘Bye Bye Baby Blues’
‘We’ve Come A Long Way Getting To Goodbye’
‘How It Feels When The Feeling Is Gone’
‘It’s All Gone’
‘Fool’s Moon’
‘My First Reaction’
‘How Far Can You See’
‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Fred Koller)


Sonny Throckmorton was inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987

In 1987, with innumerable hit singles under his belt, Sonny Throckmorton was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.


The Oak Ridge Boys: 'Where The Fast Lane Ends' (MCA Records, 1987)

The Oak Ridge Boys recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (co-written with Fred Koller) and included the track on ‘Where The Fast Lane Ends’ (MCA Records, 1987).


In 1988, Sonny Throckmorton retired to his ranch in Texas in order to care for his ailing father.


Logue & McCool (Chris Logue & Pat McCool): 'Logue & McCool' (Harmac Records, 1988)

Logue & McCool – Chris Logue and Pat McCool (Tuesday 14 October 1952 – Monday 18 October 2010) – recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ (co-written with Casey Kelly) and included the track on ‘Logue & McCool’ (Harmac Records, 1988).


Ray Lynam: 'If We're Not Back in Love By Monday' (Ritz Records, 1988)
Ray Lynam: 'The Very Best of Ray Lynam' (Ritz Records, 1991)
Ray Lynam: 'The Essential Ray Lynam' (Rosette Records, 2015)

Ray Lynam recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘If We’re Not Back In Love By Monday’ (Ritz Records, 1988); the track was subsequently included on Ray Lynam’s ‘The Very Best of Ray Lynam’ (Ritz Records, 1991) and Ray Lynam’s ‘The Essential Ray Lynam’ (Rosette Records, 2015).


Marie Osmond: 'All In Love' (Capitol Records, 1988 / Curb Records, 1990)

Marie Osmond recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Without A Trace’ (co-written with Katerina Kitridge) and included the track on ‘All In Love’ (Capitol Records, 1988 / Curb Records, 1990); the track reached No.50 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988, and No.40 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988.


George Strait: 'Beyond The Blue Neon' (MCA Records, 1989)

George Strait recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For A Long, Long Time)’, which was co-written with Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘Beyond The Blue Neon’ (MCA Records, 1989).


Shane Barmby (Monday 1 February 1954 – Thursday 27 October 2022) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I Wonder Who’s Missing You Now’ (co-written with C. Dillingham) and included the track on his debut album, ‘Let’s Talk About Us’ (Mercury Records, 1989).


Dan Seals: 'On Arrival' (Capitol Records, 1990)

Dan Seals (Sunday 8 February 1948 – Wednesday 25 March 2009) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Made For Lovin’ You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘On Arrival’ (Capitol Records, 1990).


Tammy Wynette: 'Heart Over Mind' (Epic Records, 1990)

Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘I’m Turning You Loose’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Heart Over Mind’ (Epic Records, 1990); this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart.


Clinton Gregory: 'Music 'n' Me' (Step One Records, 1990)

Clinton Gregory recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Made For Lovin’ You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Music ‘N’ Me’ (Step One Records, 1990); this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart.


Doug Stone: 'From The Heart' (Epic Records, 1992)
Doug Stone: 'Greatest Hits, Volume 1' (Epic Records, 1994)

Doug Stone recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Made For Lovin’ You’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘From The Heart’ (Epic Records, 1992); the track, which reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1993, was subsequently included on Doug Stone‘s ‘Greatest Hits, Volume 1’ (Epic Records, 1994).


Roy Clark: 'My Favorite Hymns' (Intersound Records, 1995)

Roy Linwood Clark (Saturday 15 April 1933 – Thursday 15 November 2018) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Safely In The Arms of Jesus’ and included the track on ‘My Favorite Hymns’ (Intersound Records / Compendia Music Group, 1995).


The Band: 'High On The Hog' (Rhino Records, 1996)

The Band recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Stand Up’ (co-written with Bruce Channel and Ricky Ray Rector) and included the track on ‘High On The Hog’ (Rhino Records, 1996).


Alan Jackson: 'Under The Influence' (Arista Records, 1999)

Alan Jackson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Way I Am’ and included the track on ‘Under The Influence’ (Arista Records, 1999).


John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘It’s A Cheatin’ Situation’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘In Spite of Ourselves’ (Oh Boy Records, 1999); the track featured guest vocals from Dolores Keane.


Katy Moffatt recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Waitin’ For The Sun To Shine’ and included the track on ‘Loose Diamond’ (Hightone Records, 1999).


Wayne Kemp: 'The Alcohall of Fame' (CMC Records, 2001)

Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Leavin’s Been Coming For A Long Long Time’, which was co-written with Joe Allen and Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘The Alcohall of Fame’ (CMC Records, 2001).


Willie Nelson: 'It Always Will Be' (Lost Highway Records, 2004)

Willie Nelson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Big Booty’ and included the track on ‘It Always Will Be’ (Lost Highway Records, 2004).


Dave Kirby: 'Is Anybody Going to San Antone?' (Heart of Texas Records, 2004)

On Tuesday 5 October 2004, Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) saw the release of ‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone?’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2004), his first solo album in twenty years; one of the included tracks was Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Leaving’s Been Coming (For A Long, Long Time)’, which was co-written with Joe Allen.


Lee Ann Womack recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Waiting For The Sun To Shine’ and included the track on ‘There’s More Where That Came From’ (MCA Records Nashville, 2005).


Billy Keeble recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘It Always Rains On Me’, which was co-written with Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004), and included the track on ‘The Real Me’ (Global Records, 2005).


Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (Will Oldham): 'Ask Forgiveness' (United States: Drag City Records, 2007 / United Kingdom: Domino Records, 2007)

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (Will Oldham) recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Way I Am’ and included the track on ‘Ask Forgiveness’ (United States: Drag City Records, 2007 / United Kingdom: Domino Records, 2007).


The Grascals: 'Keep On Walkin' (Rounder Records, 2008)

The Grascals recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Can’t You Hear That Whistle Blow’ (co-written with Chris Dodson) and included the track on ‘Keep On Walkin’ (Rounder Records, 2008).


Cody Jinks: 'I'm Not The Devil' (Cody Jinks Music, 2016)

Cody Jinks recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Way I Am’ and included the track on ‘I’m Not The Devil’ (Cody Jinks Music, 2016).


Willie Nelson: 'God's Problem Child' (Legacy Recordings, 2017)

Willie Nelson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Butterfly’ (co-written with Mark Sherrill) and included the track on ‘God’s Problem Child’ (Legacy Recordings, 2017), an album which was produced by Buddy Cannon.


Sonny Throckmorton: 'A New Kind of High' (Country Garden Records, 2018)

In 2018, Sonny Throckmorton saw the release of ‘A New Kind of High’ (Country Garden Records, 2018), which included the following tracks:

‘A Little Bit of That’
‘Next’
‘Party Man’
‘Butterfly’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Mark Sherrill)
‘Pink Limousine’
‘Wasting A Fire’
‘Look What I Missed’
‘Little Miss Out of The Blue’
‘Deal Breaker’
‘Ride Me Back Home’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Buddy Cannon)


Willie Nelson: 'Ride Me Back Home' (Sony Music / Legacy Recordings, 2019)

Willie Nelson recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘Ride Me Back Home’ (co-written with Buddy Cannon) and included the track on ‘Ride Me Back Home’ (Sony Music / Legacy Recordings, 2019), which was produced by Buddy Cannon.


Mike Hughes: 'Warm Red Wine' (Big Bear Creek Music, 2023)

Mike Hughes recorded Sonny Throckmorton’s ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ (co-written with Casey Kelly) and included the track on ‘Warm Red Wine’ (Big Bear Creek Music, 2023).


Sonny Throckmorton

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