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 by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2006, 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 John Nicholson, which he submitted to this site on Saturday 14 January 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to John Nicholson who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
John Nicholson
This quote was submitted on Saturday 14 January 2006.
'It was really great being the recording engineer for the album 'Gene Watson: Then & Now' (Koch Records Nashville, 2005) with Gene in the studio.
Re-recording all those old hits, that I had heard so many times before, was a real thrill for me'
Thank you, John Nicholson, for your support of Gene Watson.
About John Nicholson...
John Nicholson, along with his wife Karen, are the owners and operators of Hilltop Recording Studios, which are located on 902 Due West Avenue in Nashville.
Hilltop Recording Studios were founded in 1963, making them the longest enduring studio business in Nashville. When constructed, the building was actually built from the ground up as a recording studio.
Two of Gene Watson's early albums were also recorded at Hilltop Recording Studios in Nashville; 'Memories to Burn' (Epic Records, 1985) and 'Starting New Memories' (Epic Records, 1986).
Gene Watson's 'Memories to Burn' (Epic Records, 1985) and 'Starting New Memories' (Epic Records, 1986) were released by England's Hux Records as a special 2-for-1 CD set in 2011.
Today Hilltop Studio is privately owned and operated by John and Karen Nicholson who bring a friendly attitude to the business. John Nicholson started as an engineer at Hilltop in 1980.
In 1990, John and Karen Nicholson leased the business and began purchasing new equipment.
In 1994, they purchased the property and started extensive renovations to create the new facility that is now considered one of Nashville's top recording studios.
John Nicholson was the recording engineer who worked behind the desk on 'Gene Watson: Then & Now' (Koch Records Nashville, 2005), an album which was recorded at Hilltop Recording Studios in the early part of 2005.
Gene Watson with John Nicholson at Hilltop Studios in Nashville, during recording sessions for 'Gene Watson: Then & Now' (Koch Records, 2005)
Gene Watson with Trace Adkins and John Nicholson at Hilltop Studios in Nashville, on Thursday 28 May 2009, during recording sessions for 'We've Got a Pulse' (written by Jerry Salley and Billy Yates), which was included on Gene Watson's 'A Taste of the Truth' (Shanachie Records, 2009)
• Visit Hilltop Studios' official site at hilltopstudio.com
