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 Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver & Kristine Arnold), which they submitted to this site on Thursday 16 January 2025.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver & Kristine Arnold) who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
As well as receiving the ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson, Janis Oliver also sent a personal message to Sean Brady, which he’d like to share:
‘Hello Sean!
I hope your new year is off to a great start!
I hope this quote will work for you!
Thanks again for your patience with the delays.
We really appreciate being included in your wonderful website and wish you the very best!
Thanks so much!,
Janis’
Sean Brady would also like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Dave Pomeroy, without whom this Gene Watson ‘Peer’s Quote’ from Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver & Kristine Arnold) would not have been possible.
Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver & Kristine Arnold)
This quote was submitted on Thursday 16 January 2025.
‘No doubt Gene Watson will always stand out as one of the all time greats of country music.
He’s been referred to as a ‘singer’s singer‘, and we got to experience that first hand.
What an honor it was to share the stage with Gene, when we were invited to join the Kinfolk’s Cruise to Alaska.
It’s an experience we still talk about to this day, and will always hold dear’
Thank you Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver & Kristine Arnold), for your support of Gene Watson.
About Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver & Kristine Arnold)…
Sweethearts of The Rodeo are an American country music duo, composed of sisters Janis Oliver (guitar, vocals) and Kristine Arnold (née Oliver) (vocals).
Between 1986 and 1991, Sweethearts of The Rodeo saw the release, on Columbia Records, of four highly acclaimed albums, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988), ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990) and ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), along with twelve singles.
In the 1980s, Sweethearts of The Rodeo reached the Top 10 of the Billboard country music singles chart on seven occasions, with their highest-charting singles being ‘Midnight Girl / Sunset Town’ (written by Don Schlitz) (No.4, 1987) and ‘Chains of Gold’ (written by Paul Kennerley) (No.4, 1987).
During the 1990s, Sweethearts of The Rodeo recorded two acclaimed albums for Sugar Hill Records; ‘Rodeo Waltz’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1993) and ‘Beautiful Lies’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1996).
Janis Oliver was born on Monday 1 March 1954 and her sister, Kristine Arnold, was born on Wednesday 28 November 1956 in the South Bay region of Los Angeles, California. Janis and Kristine were raised in Manhattan Beach, California, and sang in elementary school, and then performed Bluegrass music as the Oliver Sisters during their teenage years.
Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold became Sweethearts of The Rodeo, taking the name from The Byrds’ iconic album, ‘Sweetheart of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1968).
The Byrds’ album, ‘Sweetheart of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1968), despite being the least commercially successful Byrds’ album upon its initial release, is today considered to be a seminal and highly influential country rock album.
Following their discovery by Emmylou Harris, Sweethearts of The Rodeo secured slots as opening acts and backing vocalists for other artists.
In 1977, Sweethearts of The Rodeo opened a Redondo Beach, California show for Sundance, a group which included a then 19-year-old Vince Gill.
In 1980, Janis Oliver married Vince Gill who, by then, was a member of Pure Prairie League.
(Sunday 28 November 1943 – Friday 25 September 2015)
Kristine Arnold married Leonard Lamar Arnold (Sunday 28 November 1943 – Friday 25 September 2015), who was a member of the band, Blue Steel.
In 1983, the Gills moved to Nashville, followed by the Arnolds, with the sisters singing together again.
In 1985, Sweethearts of The Rodeo won the Wrangler Country Showdown talent contest, and then signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s first single, ‘Hey, Doll Baby’ (written by Titus Turner), made its debut in April 1986, and was followed by the release of their self-titled debut album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986); ‘Hey, Doll Baby’ reached No.21 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986.
Then came Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s first Billboard Top 10 hit single, ‘Since I Found You’ (written by Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) (No.7, 1986), which also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986; the success of ‘Since I Found You’ helped Foster & Lloyd (Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) secure a recording contract of their own.
In 1986, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of their self-titled debut album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), which was produced by Steve Buckingham and Hank DeVito, and included five tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Hey, Doll Baby’ (written by Titus Turner) (No.21, 1986) / the original version of this track was recorded by The Everly Brothers – Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) and Phil Everly (Thursday 19 January 1939 – Friday 3 January 2014) – who included it on ‘They’re Off & Running’ (Cadence Records, 1958); the track was subsequently included on The Everly Brothers’ ‘The Fabulous Style of The Everly Brothers’ (Cadence Records, 1960)
‘Since I Found You’ (written by Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) (No.7, 1986) / this track, which also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986, was also included on the soundtrack to ‘Nadine’ (TriStar Pictures, 1987), a motion picture, which starred Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger; the success of ‘Since I Found You’ helped Foster & Lloyd (Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) secure a recording contract of their own
‘Midnight Girl, Sunset Town’ (written by Don Schlitz) (No.4, 1986) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Chains of Gold’ (written by Paul Kennerley) (No.4, 1987) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Gotta Get Away’ (written by Janis Oliver) (No.10, 1987) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s self-titled debut album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), also included the following tracks:
‘Chosen Few’ (written by John Hall and Don Schlitz)
‘Everywhere I Turn’ (written by Janis Oliver and Michael G. Joyce)
‘I Can’t Resist’ (written by Hank DeVito and Rodney Crowell)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s self-titled debut album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), included the following:
Michael Rhodes (Wednesday 16 September 1953 – Saturday 4 March 2023) (bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Harry Stinson (louvinturn)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017), Gregg Galbraith, Janis Oliver, Larry Byrom, Steve Gibson and Vince Gill (guitar)
David Innis, John Jarvis and Shane Keister (keyboards)
Hank DeVito (steel guitar)
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s self-titled debut album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), reached No.8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1986.
In 1988, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988), which was produced by Steve Buckingham, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Satisfy You’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988
‘Blue To The Bone’ (written by Michael Garvin and Bucky Jones) (No.5, 1988)
‘I Feel Fine’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney (No.9, 1988) / the original version of this track was recorded by The Beatles, and was No.1 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart for five weeks in December 1964 / January 1965, No.1 on the Canadian pop music singles chart in 1964, and No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart for three weeks in December 1964 / January 1965 / ‘I Feel Fine’ was included on The Beatles ‘Beatles ’65’ (Capitol Records, 1965) and ‘A Collection of Beatles Oldies’ (Parlophone Records, 1966)
‘If I Never See Midnight Again’ (written by Don Schlitz and Craig Bickhardt) (No.39, 1989)
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988) also included the following tracks:
‘We Won’t Let That River Come Between Us’ (written by Wally Wilson and Kevin Welch)
‘So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)’, which was written by Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) / the original version of this track was recorded by The Everly Brothers – Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) and Phil Everly (Thursday 19 January 1939 – Friday 3 January 2014) – who included it on ‘It’s Everly Time’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1960)
The Everly Brothers’ recording of ‘So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)’ (written by Don Everly) reached the following chart positions:
• Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart (No.7, 1960)
• United Kingdom’s Record Retailer Chart (No.4, 1960)
• United Kingdom’s New Musical Express Chart (No.4, 1960)
• New Zealand’s ‘Lever Hit Parade’ (No.7, 1960)
• Australia (No.19, 1960)
• Canada’s ‘CHUM Hit Parade’ (No.18, 1960)
• Belgium (Flanders) (No.15, 1960)
• Billboard Hot R&B Sides Chart (No.16, 1960)
• Cash Box Top 100 Chart (No.9, 1960)
• Cash Box Records Disc Jockeys Played Most Chart (No.7, 1960)
• Cash Box Top Ten Juke Box Tunes Chart (No.9, 1960)
• Cash Box Country Top 50 Chart (No.31, 1960)
• Belgium (Wallonia) (No.23, 1960)
‘Don’t Look Down’ (written by Wendy Waldman and Lindsey Buckingham)
‘One Time, One Night’ (written by David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez)
‘You Never Talk Sweet’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘Gone Again’ (written by Janis Oliver and Gail Davies)
‘Until I Stop Dancing’ (written by Troy Seals, Steve Buckingham and Howard Shore)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988) included the following:
Sweethearts of The Rodeo
Kristine Arnold (vocals)
Janis Oliver (vocals, acoustic guitar)
Musicians
Eddie Bayers and Harry Stinson (drums)
Barry Beckett, Dennis Burnside, Randy McCormick, Augie Meyers and Pete Wasner (keyboards)
Richard Bennett, Larry Byrom and Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Friday 29 February 1952 – Tuesday 25 July 2017) (electric guitar)
Steve Buckingham and Steve Gibson (acoustic guitar)
Rodney Crowell and Vince Gill, (background vocals)
Paul Franklin (steel guitar)
David Hungate and Tom Robb (bass guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Joey Miskulin (accordion)
Farrell Morris (percussion)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Ricky Skaggs (mandolin)
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988) reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1988.
In 1990, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990), which was produced by Steve Buckingham, and included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘This Heart’ (written by Tony Haselden and Tim Menzies) (No.25, 1990) / this track also reached No.32 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1990
‘Cómo Se Dice (I Love You)?’ (written by Janis Oliver and Matraca Berg) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘What It Does To Me’ (written by Janis Oliver) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘You Look At Love That Way’ (written by Skip Ewing and Don Sampson) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990) also included the following tracks:
‘Uphill All The Way’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘He Doesn’t Tell Me Anything’, which was written by Tommy Rocco, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Austin Roberts
‘Hard Road To Go’ (written by Janis Oliver, Steve Buckingham and Don Schlitz)
‘Blue Sky’ (written by Janis Oliver and Wendy Waldman)
‘I Don’t Want You To Know’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘Don’t Wake Me Up’ (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990) included the following:
Victor Battista and Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Eddie Bayers (drums)
Mark Casstevens and Tim Menzies (acoustic guitar)
Paul Franklin (Dobro, pedal steel guitar)
Steve Gibson (electric guitar, mandolin)
Albert Lee (electric guitar)
Joey Miskulin (accordion)
Farrell Morris (vibraphone)
Phil Nash and Pete Wasner (keyboards)
Mark O’Connor (fiddle)
Tom Robb (bass guitar)
Ricky Skaggs, Harry Stinson and Curtis Young (background vocals)
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990), for which Janis Oliver acted as associate producer, reached No.41 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1990.
The cover for Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990) was an obvious homage to The Byrds’ album, ‘Sweetheart of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1968).
In 1992, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), which was produced by Steve Buckingham and Wendy Waldman, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Hard-Headed Man’ (written by Andy Landis and Don Schlitz) (No.63, 1991)
‘Devil & Your Deep Blue Eyes’, which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) and Lee Roy Parnell (No.74, 1991)
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992) also included the following tracks:
‘Why Should I Stay Blue’ (written by Mike Reid and Rory Bourke)
‘I Don’t Stay Down For Long’ (written by Janis Oliver and Wendy Waldman)
‘Man of My Dreams’ (written by Janis Oliver)
‘A Woman Can Tell (Every Time)’ (written by Janis Oliver and Andy Landis)
‘Have I Done Enough’ (written by Janis Oliver, Wendy Waldman and Rick Vincent)
‘(Our Love Is Like) Silver & Gold’ (written by Janis Oliver and Wendy Waldman)
‘Be Good To Me’ (written by Janis Oliver, Wendy Waldman and Rick Vincent)
‘Watch Me Run’ (written by Janis Oliver and Andy Landis)
‘Sisters (Best of Friends)’ (written by Janis Oliver, Wendy Waldman and Kristine Arnold)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992) included the following:
Sweethearts of The Rodeo
Kristine Arnold (vocals)
Janis Oliver (vocals, acoustic guitar)
Additional Musicians
Sam Bush and Bobby Clark (mandolin)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Vince Gill (electric guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (upright bass)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Joey Miskulin (accordion)
Pete Wasner (keyboards)
Following the release of ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990) and ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Kristine Arnold & Janis Oliver) were dropped by Columbia Records in 1992.
In 1993, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release, by Versailles Records in France, of ‘Midnight Girl / Sunset Town’ (Versailles Records, 1993), which included the following tracks:
‘Midnight Girl, Sunset Town’ (written by Don Schlitz) (No.4, 1986) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Gotta Get Away’ (written by Janis Oliver) (No.10, 1987) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Chains of Gold’ (written by Paul Kennerley) (No.4, 1987) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Uphill All The Way’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) / this track was an album track from ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990)
‘Hard Road To Go’ (written by Janis Oliver, Steve Buckingham and Don Schlitz) / this track was an album track from ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990)
‘Don’t Wake Me Up’ (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet) / this track was an album track from ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990)
‘Cómo Se Dice (I Love You)?’ (written by Janis Oliver and Matraca Berg) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
‘Satisfy You’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988
‘So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)’, which was written by Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) / this track was an album track from ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988)
‘You Never Talk Sweet’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) / this track was an album track from ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988)
‘I Feel Fine’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney (No.9, 1988)
‘Man of My Dreams’ (written by Janis Oliver) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
‘Be Good To Me’ (written by Janis Oliver, Wendy Waldman and Rick Vincent) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
‘Watch Me Run’ (written by Janis Oliver and Andy Landis) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
‘Sisters (Best of Friends)’ (written by Janis Oliver, Wendy Waldman and Kristine Arnold) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
In the 1990s, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) continued to tour, and saw the release, on Sugar Hill Records, of two highly acclaimed albums of Bluegrass music; ‘Rodeo Waltz’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1993) was released in 1993, while ‘Beautiful Lies’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1996) was released in 1996.
On Tuesday 26 October 1993, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘Rodeo Waltz’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1993), which was produced by Janis Oliver, and included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Things Will Grow’ (written by Don Schlitz) / this track was released as a single in 1993, but it did not chart
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Rodeo Waltz’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1993) also included the following tracks:
‘Get Rhythm’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) / the original version of this track was recorded by Johnny Cash, who included it on ‘Greatest’ (Sun Records, 1959); Johnny Cash’s version of ‘Get Rhythm’ was released in 1956 as the B-side to Johnny Cash’s first No.1 hit single, ‘I Walk The Line’ / In 1969, Johnny Cash’s original recording of ‘Get Rhythm’ was released as a single itself, with sound effects dubbed in to simulate the sound of a live recording; this re-release reached No.23 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1969
‘Long Time Gone’, which was written by Frank Harford and Tex Ritter (Thursday 12 January 1905 – Wednesday 2 January 1974) / the original version of this track was recorded by Tex Ritter, and was released, as a non-album single in 1946, when it reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart
‘Hoping That You’re Hoping’ (written by Betty Harrison)
‘Jenny Dreamed of Trains’, which was written by Vince Gill and Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 – Tuesday 17 May 2016)
‘Brand New Tennessee Waltz’, which was written by Jesse Winchester (Wednesday 17 May 1944 – Friday 11 April 2014) / the original version of this track was recorded by Jesse Winchester, who included it on ‘Jesse Winchester’ (Ampex Records, 1970)
‘Bluegrass Boy’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘Please Help Me I’m Falling’, which was written by Donald Irwin Robertson (Tuesday 5 December 1922 – Monday 16 March 2015) and Hal Blair / the original version of this track was recorded by Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009), who included it on ‘Please Help Me I’m Falling’ (RCA Victor Records, 1960) / Hank Locklin’s version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1960, No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1960, No.9 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1960, and No.4 on Norway’s VG Lista Chart in 1960
‘Deep River Blues’ (traditional arrangement by Janis Oliver)
‘There One Morning’ (written by Janis Oliver)
‘Steel Rail Blues’, which was written by Gordon Lightfoot (Thursday 17 November 1938 – Sunday 1 May 2023) / the original version of this track was recorded by Gordon Lightfoot, who included it on ‘Lightfoot!’ (United Artists Records, 1966)
‘Broken Arrow’, which was written by Robbie Robertson (Monday 5 July 1943 – Wednesday 9 August 2023) / the original version of this track was recorded by Robbie Robertson, who included it on ‘Robbie Robinson’ (Geffen Records, 1987)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Rodeo Waltz’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1993) included the following:
Sweethearts of The Rodeo
Kristine Arnold (vocals)
Janis Oliver (vocals, guitar)
Additional Musicians
Bobby Clark and Sam Bush (mandolin)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
Vince Gill (guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (acoustic bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Pete Wasner (keyboards)
Terry McMillan (Monday 12 October 1953 – Friday 2 February 2007) (harmonica)
Joey Miskulin (accordion)
Vince Gill recorded Janis Oliver’s ‘Maybe Tonight’ (co-written with Vince Gill) and included the track on ‘When Love Finds You’ (MCA Records, 1994).
On Tuesday 20 August 1996, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘Beautiful Lies’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1996), which was produced by Janis Oliver, and included one track, which was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Beautiful Lies’ (written by John Leventhal and Jim Lauderdale) / this track was released as a single in 1996, but it did not chart
Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Beautiful Lies’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1996) also included the following tracks:
‘When Love Comes Around The Bend’ (written by Josh Leo, Pam Tillis and Mark Wright)
‘When The Morning Comes’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘Catch The Wind’ (written by Donovan) / the original version of this track, which was recorded by Donovan, reached No.4, on Pye Records, on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1965, and No.23, on Hickory Records, on the (United States) Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965, featured Donovan’s vocals with echo and a string section / the song was re-recorded for Donovan’s first album, ‘What’s Bin Did & What’s Bin Hid’ (Pye Records, 1965), without the vocal echo and strings and with a harmonica solo added
When Epic Records was compiling Donovan’s ‘Donovan’s Greatest Hits’ (Epic Records, 1969) in 1969, the label was either unable or unwilling to secure the rights to the original recording of ‘Catch The Wind’. Donovan re-recorded the song for the album, with a full backing band, including Big Jim Sullivan playing guitar and Mickie Most (Monday 20 June 1938 – Friday 30 May 2003) producing.
‘I’ll Pass Over Thee’ (written by Ralph Burke)
‘I Won’t Cry’ (written by Janis Oliver and Paul Kennerley)
‘The Inn At Innisfree’, which was written by Janis Oliver and Harry Patrick Oliver (1922 – Friday 8 June 2018) / this track featured ‘Irish Spring Choir’ – Babs Simmons, Scott Jurgensmeyer, Mike & Maggie Boise, Richard & Karen Bowden, Jenny Gill, Mary Del Arnold, Monty Hitchcock, Kathy Truitt and Leonard Lamar Arnold (1944 – Friday 25 September 2015)
‘I Know Who You Are’ (written by Janis Oliver)
‘Pretty Words’ (written by Vince Gill and Don Schlitz) / the original version of this track was recorded by Vince Gill, who included it on ‘I Still Believe In You’ (MCA Nashville Records, 1992)
‘One More Night’ (written by Bob Dylan) / the original version of this track was recorded by Bob Dylan, who included it on ‘Nashville Skyline’ (Columbia Records, 1969)
‘Mule Skinner Blues’, which was written by Jimmie Rodgers (8 September 1897 – Friday 26 May 1933) and George Vaughn / the original version of this track was recorded by Jimmie Rodgers on Friday 11 July 1930, and was subsequently included on ‘Travelin’ Blues’ (RCA Records, 1955)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Beautiful Lies’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1996) included the following:
Sweethearts of The Rodeo
Kristine Arnold (vocals)
Janis Oliver (vocals, acoustic guitar)
Additional Musicians
Brent Truitt (mandolin, bazouki, electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Brad Davis (electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums, percussion)
Richard McLaurin (acoustic guitar)
Larry Marrs (electric bass)
Roy Huskey Jr. (Monday 17 December 1956 – Saturday 6 September 1997) (acoustic bass)
Mark Schatz (banjo)
Joey Miskulin (accordion)
Stuart Duncan (fiddle)
In the late 1990s, Janis and Kristine owned a clothing store in Franklin, Tennessee, called ‘Gill & Arnold’, then closed it.
In 2000, Sony Music Special Products released Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo / One Time, One Night’ (Sony Music Special Products, 2000), a special ‘2-on-1’ CD set, which included Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s self-titled debut album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), and Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988), along with three bonus tracks:
‘Midnight Girl, Sunset Town’ (written by Don Schlitz) (No.4, 1986) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Hey, Doll Baby’ (written by Titus Turner) (No.21, 1986)
‘Since I Found You’ (written by Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) (No.7, 1986) / this track also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Gotta Get Away’ (written by Janis Oliver) (No.10, 1987) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Chains of Gold’ (written by Paul Kennerley) (No.4, 1987) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Chosen Few’ (written by John Hall and Don Schlitz)
‘Everywhere I Turn’ (written by Janis Oliver and Michael G. Joyce)
‘I Can’t Resist’ (written by Hank DeVito and Rodney Crowell)
‘Satisfy You’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988
‘Blue To The Bone’ (written by Michael Garvin and Bucky Jones) (No.5, 1988)
‘We Won’t Let That River Come Between Us’ (written by Wally Wilson and Kevin Welch)
‘So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)’, which was written by Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021)
‘Don’t Look Down’ (written by Wendy Waldman and Lindsey Buckingham)
‘One Time, One Night’ (written by David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez)
‘You Never Talk Sweet’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘I Feel Fine’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney (No.9, 1988)
‘If I Never See Midnight Again’ (written by Don Schlitz and Craig Bickhardt) (No.39, 1989)
‘Gone Again’ (written by Janis Oliver and Gail Davies)
‘Until I Stop Dancing’ (written by Troy Seals, Steve Buckingham and Howard Shore)
‘This Heart’ (written by Tony Haselden and Tim Menzies) / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus track’, was originally included on ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990), and reached No.25 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990, and No.32 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1990
‘Hard-Headed Man’ (written by Andy Landis and Don Schlitz) / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus track’, was originally included on ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), and reached No.63 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
‘Devil & Your Deep Blue Eyes’, which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) and Lee Roy Parnell / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus track’, was originally included on ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), and reached No.74 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
On Tuesday 22 March 2005, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘Anthology’ (Renaissance Records, 2005), which included the following tracks:
‘Hey, Doll Baby’ (written by Titus Turner) (No.21, 1986)
‘Since I Found You’ (written by Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) (No.7, 1986) / this track also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Midnight Girl, Sunset Town’ (written by Don Schlitz) (No.4, 1986) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Chains of Gold’ (written by Paul Kennerley) (No.4, 1987) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Gotta Get Away’ (written by Janis Oliver) (No.10, 1987) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Satisfy You’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988
‘Blue To The Bone’ (written by Michael Garvin and Bucky Jones) (No.5, 1988)
‘I Feel Fine’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney (No.9, 1988)
‘If I Never See Midnight Again’ (written by Don Schlitz and Craig Bickhardt) (No.39, 1989)
‘This Heart’ (written by Tony Haselden and Tim Menzies) (No.25, 1990) / this track also reached No.32 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1990
‘Hard-Headed Man’ (written by Andy Landis and Don Schlitz) (No.63, 1991)
‘Devil & Your Deep Blue Eyes’, which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) and Lee Roy Parnell (No.74, 1991)
‘One Time, One Night’ (written by David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez) / this track was an album track from ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988)
‘You Never Talk Sweet’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) / this track was an album track from ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988)
‘Chosen Few’ (written by John Hall and Don Schlitz) / this track was an album track from ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986)
‘So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)’, which was written by Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) / this track was an album track from ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbia Records, 1988)
‘Sisters (Best of Friends)’ (written by Janis Oliver Gill, Wendy Waldman and Kristine Arnold) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
‘A Woman Can Tell (Every Time)’ (written by Janis Oliver Gill and Andy Landis) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
‘(Our Love Is Like) Silver & Gold’ (written by Janis Oliver Gill and Wendy Waldman) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
‘Why Should I Stay Blue’ (written by Mike Reid and Rory Bourke) / this track was an album track from ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992)
On Tuesday 23 October 2012, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Janis Oliver and Kristine Arnold) saw the release of ‘Restless’ (Good Trade Records, 2012), which was produced by Dave Pomeroy & Sweethearts of The Rodeo, and included the following tracks:
‘You Can’t Hold Me Back’ (written by Jon Nite and Stacy Donahue)
‘Restless’ (written by Janis Oliver, Deanna Walker and Rick Beresford)
‘What Does Love Mean To You’ (written by Janis Oliver, Deanna Walker and Rick Beresford)
‘Maybe Tonight’ (written by Janis Oliver and Vince Gill)
‘Too Little, Too Late’ (written by Janis Oliver and Danny Flowers)
‘Running Out of Road’ (written by Janis Oliver, Deanna Walker and Rick Beresford)
‘Hopeless Rose’ (written by Sally Barris, Jon Randall, Jesse Alexander and Ashley Monroe)
‘Love It Away’ (written by Janis Oliver, Dave Pomeroy and Richard Rique Patier)
‘Sinful Thoughts’ (written by Jesse Alexander and Sally Barris)
‘Gone To Kentucky’ (written by Kaci Bolis and Greg Johnson)
‘Heart Out In The Rain’ (written by Janis Oliver, Deanna Walker and Rick Beresford)
‘Get Together’, which was written by Chester William ‘Chet’ Powers Jr. (Thursday 7 October 1937 – Wednesday 16 November 1994)
Personnel involved in the recording of Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Restless’ (Good Trade Records, 2012) included the following:
Kristine Arnold (vocals)
Janis Oliver (vocals, guitar)
Kenny Vaughan and Richard Bennett (guitar)
Dave Pomeroy (bass) (guitar, production)
Al Perkins (steel guitar, Dobro)
Rick Lonow (drums)
In 2014, Rhonda Vincent, Gene Watson, Jeannie Seely, Jimmy Fortune, Sweethearts of The Rodeo (Kristine Arnold & Janis Oliver), and Moe Bandy, participated in a ‘Country’s Family Reunion’ Caribbean Cruise.
Floating World Records, which is an independent record label based in North London, England, specialise in the re-issue of classic albums, as well as new releases for established artists.
Floating World Records releases are aimed at the discerning listener, and Floating World Records provide a curated offering, with specially commissioned liner notes and biographical detail.
In 2018, Floating World Records, based in North London, England, released Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo / One Time, One Night’ (Floating World Records, 2018), a special ‘2-on-1’ CD set, which included Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s self-titled debit album, ‘Sweethearts of The Rodeo’ (Columbia Records, 1986), along with Sweethearts of The Rodeo’s ‘One Time, One Night’ (Columbis Records, 1988), and three bonus tracks:
‘Midnight Girl, Sunset Town’ (written by Don Schlitz) (No.4, 1986) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Hey, Doll Baby’ (written by Titus Turner) (No.21, 1986)
‘Since I Found You’ (written by Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd) (No.7, 1986) / this track also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1986
‘Gotta Get Away’ (written by Janis Oliver) (No.10, 1987) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Chains of Gold’ (written by Paul Kennerley) (No.4, 1987) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1987
‘Chosen Few’ (written by John Hall and Don Schlitz)
‘Everywhere I Turn’ (written by Janis Oliver and Michael G. Joyce)
‘I Can’t Resist’ (written by Hank DeVito and Rodney Crowell)
‘Satisfy You’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz) (No.5, 1988) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1988
‘Blue To The Bone’ (written by Michael Garvin and Bucky Jones) (No.5, 1988)
‘We Won’t Let That River Come Between Us’ (written by Wally Wilson and Kevin Welch)
‘So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)’, which was written by Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021)
‘Don’t Look Down’ (written by Wendy Waldman and Lindsey Buckingham)
‘One Time, One Night’ (written by David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez)
‘You Never Talk Sweet’ (written by Janis Oliver and Don Schlitz)
‘I Feel Fine’, which was written by John Lennon (Wednesday 9 October 1940 – Monday 8 December 1980) and Paul McCartney (No.9, 1988)
‘If I Never See Midnight Again’ (written by Don Schlitz and Craig Bickhardt) (No.39, 1989)
‘Gone Again’ (written by Janis Oliver and Gail Davies)
‘Until I Stop Dancing’ (written by Troy Seals, Steve Buckingham and Howard Shore)
‘This Heart’ (written by Tony Haselden and Tim Menzies) / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus track’, was originally included on ‘Buffalo Zone’ (Columbia Records, 1990), and reached No.25 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990, and No.32 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1990
‘Hard-Headed Man’ (written by Andy Landis and Don Schlitz) / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus track’, was originally included on ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), and reached No.63 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
‘Devil & Your Deep Blue Eyes’, which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 – Friday 12 July 2019) and Lee Roy Parnell / this track, which was listed as a ‘bonus track’, was originally included on ‘Sisters’ (Columbia Records, 1992), and reached No.74 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991
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