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 2014, 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 Conlee, which he submitted to this site on Saturday 7 June 2014.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to John Conlee who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Sean Brady would also like to say 'thank you' to Gerald Hodges, The Racing Reporter at race500.com, without whom this Gene Watson 'Peer's Quote' from John Conlee would not have been possible.
John Conlee
This quote was submitted on Saturday 7 June 2014.
'Gene and I go back a long time.
He started a few years before I did, but we've run the road together so many times, especially in Texas.
I love Gene.
He's a one-of-a-kind singer, and we don't have those kind of folks any more.
His music is distinctive and original.
I wouldn't know how to describe his contribution to the music industry, except to say, he's one of the giants'
Thank you,John Conlee, for your support of Gene Watson.
About John Conlee...
John Conlee was born on Sunday 11 August 1946 on a tobacco farm in Versailles, Kentucky.
By the age of ten, John Conlee had begun singing and playing guitar, and later sang tenor in a barbershop quartet.
Born and raised in Kentucky farm country, John Conlee grew up plowing fields, slopping hogs, harvesting grain, raising tobacco and tending cattle.
John Conlee began his crusade to save the family farm system several years ago, performing a concert in Omaha, Nebraska in June 1985 as a benefit for the National Farmers Organisation.
When Willie Nelson announced his plans for the Farm Aid concerts, John Conlee called and offered his services. John Conlee has since been part of nine Farm Aid concerts, which have raised $13m to aid the family farmer.
John Conlee did not immediately take up a musical career, instead becoming a licensed mortician, employed by Duell-Clark Funeral Chapel, 241 Rose Hill Avenue in Versailles, Kentucky, and later a disc jockey at radio station WLAC.
By 1971, John Conlee had moved to Nashville, in pursuit of a musical career.
In 1976, John Conlee secured a recording contract with ABC Records through Dick Kent, a disk jockey at WLAC-FM in Nashville, where John was working in the same capacity.
Dick Kent introduced John Conlee to ABC Records executive Jim Foglesong, who signed him to the label. By July 1977, John Conlee saw the release of three singles, none of which charted. However, ABC Records decided to re-release 'Backside of Thirty' (written by John Conlee).
In 1978, John Conlee charted for the first time, with 'Rose Colored Glasses' (written by John Conlee and George Baber); the track, which reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart, was the title track of John Conlee's debut album, 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978), and became his signature song.
In October 1978, John Conlee saw the release of his debut album for ABC Records, 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978), which was produced by Bud Logan, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Rose Colored Glasses' (written by John Conlee and George Baber) (No.5, 1978) / this track, which became John Conlee's signature song, also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'Lady Lay Down' (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in January 1979) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'Backside of Thirty' (written by John Conlee) (No.1 for one week in May 1979) / this track also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
John Conlee's debut album album for ABC Records, 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978), also included the following tracks:
'I'll Be Easy' (written by John Conlee)
'She Loves My Troubles Away', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) and Rayburn Anthony (1937 - Saturday 21 April 2018)
'Just Let It Slide', which was written by Arthur Leo 'Doodle' Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 - Monday 4 October 1999)
'Some Old California Memory', which was written by Arthur Leo 'Doodle' Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 - Monday 4 October 1999) and Warren D. Robb
'Hold On' (written by John Conlee and Dick Kent)
'Something Special' (written by Dave Loggins)
'Let Your Love Fall Back On Me' (written by John Conlee)
Personnel involved in the recording of John Conlee's 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978) included the following:
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 - Monday 24 August 1992) (drums, percussion)
Joe Osborn (bass)
Ron Oates (keyboards)
John Propst (piano)
Steve 'Juke' Logan (saxophone)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 - Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Billy Sanford and Dale Sellers (guitars)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Lea Jane Berinati, Mary Fielder, Janie Fricke and Ginger Holladay (backing vocals)
John Conlee's debut album for ABC Records, 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978), which was originally released as ABC 1105 and re-issued as MCA-3281 and MCA-873, reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
On Monday 5 March 1979, MCA Records absorbed ABC Records, two days after John Conlee's 'Backside of Thirty' entered the Billboard country music singles chart. John Conlee's 'Backside of Thirty' was the last ABC Records release to reach No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart.
In May 1979, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) named John Conlee 'Best New Male Vocalist'.
In August 1979, John Conlee saw the release of 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979), which was produced by Bud Logan, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Before My Time', which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 - Wednesday 25 May 2005) (No.2, 1979) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Baby, You're Something', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook (No.7, 1980) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
'Let's Keep It That Way', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016) and Rafe Van Hoy
'Forever' (written by Rafe Van Hoy)
'You Never Cross My Mind', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Deborah Allen and Rafe Van Hoy
'I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy
'No Relief In Sight', which was written by Eugene David Dobbins (Monday 19 March 1934 - Sunday 23 November 2008), Johnny Wilson and Rory Bourke
'The In-Crowd' (written by Fred Lehner and Jerry McBee)
'Crazy' (written by Willie Nelson)
'Somebody's Leavin', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy
John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979) reached No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979.
In May 1980, John Conlee saw the release of 'Friday Night Blues' (MCA Records, 1980), which was produced by Bud Logan, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Friday Night Blues' (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.2, 1980) / this track also reached No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'She Can't Say That Anymore' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.2, 1980) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'What I Had With You', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton (No.12, 1981) / this track also reached No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
John Conlee's 'Friday Night Blues' (MCA Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
'Honky Tonk Toys', which was written by Arthur Leo 'Doodle' Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 - Monday 4 October 1999) and Judy Vowell
'Old Fashioned Love', which was written by Don Cook and Jamie O'Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 - Thursday 7 January 2021)
'Misery Loves Company', which was written by Jerry Reed Hubbard (Saturday 20 March 1937 - Monday 1 September 2008)
'Let's Get Married Again', which was written by Rory Bourke, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 - Friday 23 April 2021) and Jerry Gillespie
'When I'm Out of You', which was written by Sanger D. 'Whitey' Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 - Saturday 12 January 2019) and Sonny Throckmorton
'We Belong In Love Tonight' (written by Mark Paden)
'Always True' (written by David Loggins)
John Conlee's 'Friday Night Blues' (MCA Records, 1980) reached No.16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979.
John Conlee's recording of 'Friday Night Blues' was the first credit for session guitarist Brent Rowan, who soon became the only guitarist which John Conlee used under the production of Bud Logan; it was Brent Rowan who produced Gene Watson's 'In A Perfect World' (Shanachie Records, 2007), which was released on Tuesday 25 September 2007.
In July 1981, John Conlee saw the release of 'With Love' (MCA Records, 1981), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Could You Love Me (One More Time)', which was written by Carter Stanley (Thursday 27 August 1925 - Thursday 1 December 1966) (No.26, 1981)
'Miss Emily's Picture', which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 - Wednesday 1 July 2015) (No.2, 1981)
John Conlee's 'With Love' (MCA Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
'The Staying Side of Goodbye' (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy)
'I'd Rather Have What We Had' (written by Bobby Braddock)
'Only Oklahoma Away', which was written by Bucky Jones and Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016)
'What's A Couple More' (written by Dennis William Wilson)
'Love Is What You Need'
'I Feel Like Loving You Again' (written by Bobby Braddock and Sonny Throckmorton)
'What It Hurts You Most' (written by Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook)
'What's Forever For' (written by Rafe Van Hoy)
John Conlee's 'With Love' (MCA Records, 1981) reached No.22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981.
On Saturday 7 February 1981, John Conlee was inducted as a member of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
In April 1982, John Conlee saw the release of 'Busted' (MCA Records, 1982), which was produced by Bud Logan, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Busted', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) in 1962 (No.6, 1982)
'Nothing Behind You, Nothing In Sight', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.26, 1982)
'I Don't Remember Loving You', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) and Bobby Braddock (No.10, 1982)
'Common Man', which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 - Friday 4 January 2013) (No.1 for one week in May 1983)
John Conlee's 'Busted' (MCA Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
'Shame' (written by Jim McBride)
'Guilty', which was written by Alex Zanetis (Monday 15 May 1922 - Tuesday 13 September 2005)
'Two Hearts' (written by Michael Garvin, Bucky Jones and Ron Hellard)
'A Little of You', which was written by Jamie O'Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 - Thursday 7 January 2021)
'Ain't No Way To Make A Bad Love Grow' (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
'A Woman's Touch' (written by Jerry Fuller)
John Conlee's 'Busted' (MCA Records, 1982) reached No.21 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
In April 1983, John Conlee saw the release of his first 'greatest hits' collection, 'Greatest Hits' (MCA Records, 1983), which included the following tracks:
'Rose Colored Glasses' (written by John Conlee and George Baber) (No.5, 1978) / this track, which became John Conlee's signature song, also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'Friday Night Blues' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.2, 1980) / this track also reached No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'Lady Lay Down' (written by Don Cookand Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in January 1979) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'She Can't Say That Anymore' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.2, 1980) / this track also reached No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'Baby, You're Something', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook (No.7, 1979) / this track also reached No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Backside of Thirty' (written by John Conlee) (No.1 for one week in May 1979) / this track also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Miss Emily's Picture', which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 - Wednesday 1 July 2015) (No.2, 1981)
'Busted', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.6, 1982)
'Common Man', which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 - Friday 4 January 2013) (No.1 for one week in May 1983)
'I Don't Remember Loving You', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) and Bobby Braddock (No.10, 1982)
John Conlee's 'Greatest Hits' (MCA Records, 1983) reached No.17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983.
In August 1983, John Conlee saw the release of 'In My Eyes' (MCA Records, 1983), which was produced by Bud Logan, and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'I'm Only In It For The Love' (written by Deborah Allen, Kix Brooks and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in September 1983) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
'In My Eyes' (written by Barbara Wyrick) (No.1 for one week in January 1984) / this track, which also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984, was dedicated by John Conlee to his wife Gale; John and Gale were married on Sunday 25 April 1982
'As Long As I'm Rockin' With You' (written by Kieran Kane and Bruce Channel) (No.1 for one week in May 1984) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'Way Back' (written by Jerry Fuller) (No.4, 1984) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
John Conlee's 'In My Eyes' (MCA Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:
'Waitin' For The Sun To Shine' (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
'Together Alone' (written by Bobby Braddock)
'Lay Down Sally' (written by Eric Clapton, Marcy Levy and George Terry)
'New Way Out' (written by Randy Sharp)
'Don't Count The Rainy Days' (written by Jerry Careoga and Wayland D. Holyfield)
'An American Trilogy', which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 - Sunday 29 September 2002)
John Conlee's 'In My Eyes' (MCA Records, 1983) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 1983.
In October 1984, John Conlee saw the release of 'Blue Highway' (MCA Records, 1984), which was included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Years After You' (written by Thom Schuyler) (No.2, 1984)
'Working Man', which was written by Jim Hurt (1939 - Sunday 26 September 2004) and Billy Ray Reynolds (Sunday 6 October 1940 - Friday 29 November 2019) (No.7, 1985)
'Blue Highway' (written by Don Henry and David Womack) (No.15, 1985)
John Conlee's 'Blue Highway' (MCA Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
'Radio Lover'
'De Island' (written by Don Henryand Billy Simon)
'Down To Me'
'A Little Bit of Loving'
'Arthur & Alice' (written by Bobby Braddock)
'But She Loves Me' (written by Jerry Fuller)
'Is There Anything I Can Do'
John Conlee's 'Blue Highway' (MCA Records, 1984), which was his last studio album for MCA Records, reached No.14 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
In October 1985, John Conlee saw the release of 'Greatest Hits, Volume 2' (MCA Records, 1985), which included the following tracks:
'Lifetime Guarantee', which was written by Bruce Channel and Charles Cochran (Saturday 29 February 1936 - Thursday 7 June 2007) / this track was previously unreleased
'Years After You' (written by Thom Schuyler) (No.2, 1984)
'In My Eyes' (written by Barbara Wyrick) (No.1 for one week in January 1984) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'As Long As I'm Rockin' With You' (written by Kieran Kaneand Bruce Channel) (No.1 for one week in May 1984) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'I'm Only In It For The Love' (written by Deborah Allen, Kix Brooks and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in September 1983) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
'Old School', which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 - Friday 12 July 2019) and Don Schlitz (No.5, 1985) / this track, which was previously unreleased, also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1985
'Way Back' (written by Jerry Fuller) (No.4, 1984) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'Before My Time', which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 - Wednesday 25 May 2005) (No.2, 1979) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Working Man', which was written by Jim Hurt (1939 - Sunday 26 September 2004) and Billy Ray Reynolds (Sunday 6 October 1940 - Friday 29 November 2019) (No.7, 1985)
'Blue Highway' (written by Don Henry and David Womack) (No.15, 1985)
John Conlee's 'Greatest Hits, Volume 2' (MCA Records, 1985) reached No.33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
In 1986, John Conlee saw the release of 'Songs For The Working Man' (MCA Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
'Common Man', which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 - Friday 4 January 2013) (No.1 for one week in May 1983)
'Busted', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.6, 1982)
'Arthur & Alice' (written by Bobby Braddock) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Blue Highway' (MCA Records, 1984)
'Nothing Behind You (& Nothing In Sight)', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) and Ron Peterson (No.26, 1982)
'She Loves My Troubles Away', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) and Rayburn Anthony (1937 - Saturday 21 April 2018) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's debut album album, 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978)
'Friday Night Blues' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.2, 1980) / this track also reached No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'Working Man', which was written by Jim Hurt (1939 - Sunday 26 September 2004) and Billy Ray Reynolds (Sunday 6 October 1940 - Friday 29 November 2019) (No.7, 1985)
'But She Loves Me' (written by Jerry Fuller) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Blue Highway' (MCA Records, 1984)
'The In-Crowd' (written by Fred Lehner and Jerry McBee) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979)
'An American Trilogy', which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 - Sunday 29 September 2002) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'In My Eyes' (MCA Records, 1983)
In 1986, John Conlee saw the release of 'Conlee Country' (MCA Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:
'Backside of Thirty' (written by John Conlee) (No.1 for one week in May 1979) / this track also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Crazy' (written by Willie Nelson) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979)
'Before My Time', which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 - Wednesday 25 May 2005) (No.2, 1979) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Waitin' For The Sun To Shine' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'In My Eyes' (MCA Records, 1983)
'She Loves My Troubles Away', which was written by Rayburn Anthony and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's debut album, 'Rose Colored Glasses' (ABC Records, 1978)
'What's Forever For' (written by Rafe Van Hoy) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'With Love' (MCA Records, 1981)
'Busted', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.6, 1982)
'I Don't Remember Loving You', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) and Bobby Braddock (No.10, 1982)
'Lay Down Sally' (written by Eric Clapton, Marcy Levy and George Terry) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'In My Eyes' (MCA Records, 1983)
'I Feel Like Loving You Again' / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'With Love' (MCA Records, 1981)
'Let's Keep It That Way', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016) and Rafe Van Hoy / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979)
'I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979)
In 1986, John Conlee moved to the roster at Columbia Records and saw the release, in February 1986, of his first album for the label, 'Harmony' (Columbia Records, 1986), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Harmony', which was written by Jimbeau Hinson (Wednesday 29 October 1952 - Friday 4 March 2022) and Rick Ellsworth (No.10, 1986)
'Got My Heart Set On You', which was written by Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 - Tuesday 6 December 2011) and Bud Reneau (No.1 for one week in September 1986)
'The Carpenter', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) (No.6, January 1987)
John Conlee's 'Harmony' (Columbia Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
'Class Reunion' (written by Craig Morris and Don Henry) / this track was also recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys, who included it on 'Step On Out' (MCA Records, 1985) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'In Other Words' (Canada: Mercury Records / Polygram Records, 1992 / United States: Broadland International vRecords, 1992)
'She Told Me So' (written by Bobby Braddock)
'I'll Be Seeing You' (written by Walt Aldridge and Tom Brasfield)
'For A Little While' (written by Jerry Fuller, Hobbs and Chemay)
'Cars' (written by Bob McDill and Lee)
'You've Got A Right' (written by Kieran Kaneand Bruce Channel)
'The Day He Turned Sixty-Five', which was written by Jamie O'Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 - Thursday 7 January 2021)
John Conlee's 'Harmony' (Columbia Records, 1986) reached No.9 on the Billboard Top Country albums chart in 1986.
In September 1986, John Conlee saw the release of his second, and final, album for Columbia Records, 'American Faces' (Columbia Records, 1986), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Domestic Life' (written by JD Martin and Gary Harrison) (No.4, 1987)
'Mama's Rockin' Chair' (written by Johnny McRae and Tim Menzies) (No.11, 1987)
'Living Like There's No Tomorrow (Finally Got To Me Tonight)' (written by Jim McBride and Roger Murrah) (No.55, 1987)
John Conlee's 'American Faces' (Columbia Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
'Slow Passin' Time', which was written by Tommy Rocco, Rory Bourke and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 - Friday 23 April 2021)
'Love Crazy Love' (written by Deborah Allen and Rafe Van Hoy)
'American Faces' (written by Gene Nelson, Paul Nelson and Larry Boone)
'Faded Brown Eyes' (written by Mike Reid and Naomi Martin)
'It's Not Easy Being Fifteen' (written by Sonny Curtis)
'I Can Sail To China' (written by Grazier)
'Right Down To The Memories' (written by Steve Bogard and Rick Giles)
John Conlee's 'American Faces' (Columbia Records, 1986) reached No.16 on the Billboard Top Country albums chart in 1987.
Following his departure from Columbia Records, John Conlee moved to the roster at 16th Avenue Records, a division of Opryland Music Group.
In February 1989, John Conlee saw the release of 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989), which was produced by Bud Logan, and included four tracks, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
'Hit The Ground Running' (written by Bob Fisher and Rick Giles) (No.43, 1988)
'Fellow Travelers' (written by Wayland Patton and Jim Rushing) (No.48, 1989) / this track also reached No.54 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1989
'Hopelessly Yours', which was written by Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 - Tuesday 9 May 1989), Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016) and Don Cook (No.67, 1989)
'Don't Get Me Started' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
'Where Are The Pieces of My Heart' (written by Hugh Prestwood)
'River of Time' (written by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing)
'Until You Were Gone' (written by Rory Bourke and Mike Reid)
'I Had The Time & Money Too' (written by Hugh Prestwood)
'Knowin' You Were Leavin' (written by Mike Reid and Tommy Rocco)
'Almost Free' (written by Hugh Prestwood)
John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989) reached No.60 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
During the course of the 1970s and the 1980s, John Conlee achieved a level of success which he sustained by simply being himself, and by making records that the listening public could relate to.
In 1991, John Conlee saw the release of 'Best of John Conlee' (Curb Records, 1991), which included the following tracks:
'Common Man', which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 - Friday 4 January 2013) (No.1 for one week in May 1983)
'I'm Only In It For The Love' (written by Deborah Allen, Kix Brooks and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in September 1983) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
'As Long As I'm Rockin' With You' (written by Kieran Kaneand Bruce Channel) (No.1 for one week in May 1984) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'In My Eyes' (written by Barbara Wyrick) (No.1 for one week in January 1984) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'Don't Get Me Started' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was released as a single in 1990, but it did not chart
'Where Are The Pieces of My Heart' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'River of Time' (written by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'Hit The Ground Running' (written by Bob Fisher and Rick Giles) (No.43, 1988)
'Until You Were Gone' (written by Rory Bourke and Mike Reid) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'I Had The Time & Money Too' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'Fellow Travelers' (written by Wayland Patton and Jim Rushing) (No.48, 1989) / this track also reached No.54 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1989
'Knowin' You Were Leavin' (written by Mike Reid and Tommy Rocco) / this track was an album track on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
In April 1999, John Conlee saw the release of 'John Conlee: Live At Billy Bob's, Texas' (Smith Music Group Records, 1999), a 'live' album, which included the following tracks:
'Introduction'
'Common Man', which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 - Friday 4 January 2013) (No.1 for one week in May 1983)
'Busted', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) (No.6, 1982)
'Domestic Life' (written by JD Martin and Gary Harrison) (No.4, 1987)
'Old School', which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 - Friday 12 July 2019) and Don Schlitz (No.5, 1985) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1985
'Lady Lay Down' (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in January 1979) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'Doghouse', which was written by Kenny Beard (Thursday 26 February 1959 - Sunday 1 October 2017), John Bicknell and Michael Grady (No.61, 1990)
'Miss Emily's Picture', which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 - Wednesday 1 July 2015) (No.2, 1981)
'I Don't Remember Loving You', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) and Bobby Braddock (No.10, 1982)
'The Carpenter', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) (No.6, January 1987)
'Backside of Thirty' (written by John Conlee) (No.1 for one week in May 1979) / this track also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'As Long As I'm Rockin' With You' (written by Kieran Kaneand Bruce Channel) (No.1 for one week in May 1984) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'Friday Night Blues' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.2, 1980) / this track also reached No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'Lay Around & Love You'
'Rose Colored Glasses' (written by John Conlee and George Baber) (No.5, 1978) / this track, which became John Conlee's signature song, also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'The Night Life' / 'Please Help Me Find Someone To Love'
'Got My Heart Set On You', which was written by Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 - Tuesday 6 December 2011) and Bud Reneau (No.1 for one week in September 1986)
'I'm Only In It For The Love' (written by Deborah Allen, Kix Brooks and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in September 1983) / this track also reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
On Tuesday 18 November 2003, John Conlee saw the release of 'Classics' (Rose Colored Records, 2003), a collection of twenty-two of his classic songs, including three new tracks, all of which were digitally remastered:
'Rose Colored Glasses' (written by John Conlee and George Baber) / the original version of this track, which reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, and No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978, became John Conlee's signature song
'Lady Lay Down' (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January 1979, and reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1978
'Backside of Thirty' (written by John Conlee) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in May 1979, and reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Before My Time', which was written by Ben Peters (Tuesday 20 June 1933 - Wednesday 25 May 2005) / the original version of this track reached No.2, 1979) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Baby, You're Something', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016), Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook / the original version of this track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979, and No.7 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1979
'Friday Night Blues' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, and No.3 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'She Can't Say That Anymore' (written by Sonny Throckmorton) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980, and No.11 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1980
'What I Had With You', which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton / the original version of this track reached No.12 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981, and No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
'Miss Emily's Picture', which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 - Wednesday 1 July 2015) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
'Busted', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) / the original version of this track reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982
'I Don't Remember Loving You', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 - Sunday 3 March 2002) and Bobby Braddock / the original version of this track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1982
'Common Man', which was written by Sammy Johns (Thursday 7 February 1946 - Friday 4 January 2013) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in May 1983
'I'm Only In It For The Love' (written by Deborah Allen, Kix Brooks and Rafe Van Hoy) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1983, and reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1983
'In My Eyes' (written by Barbara Wyrick) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in January 1984, and reached No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'As Long As I'm Rockin' With You' (written by Kieran Kaneand Bruce Channel) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in May 1984, and was also No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'Way Back' (written by Jerry Fuller) / the original version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984, and No.2 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1984
'Years After You' (written by Thom Schuyler) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984
'Blue Highway' (written by Don Henry and David Womack) / the original version of this track reached No.15 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985
'Old School', which was written by Russell Smith (Friday 17 June 1949 - Friday 12 July 2019) and Don Schlitz / the original version of this track reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985, and No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1985
'From Your Knees' (written by Leslie Satcher and John Conlee) / this track was new
'She's Mine', which was written by Harley Allen (Monday 23 January 1956 - Wednesday 30 March 2011) / this track, which was new, was released as a single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2002, but it did not chart
'How High Did You Go?' (written by Tony Martin and Mark Nester) / this track was new
On Tuesday 7 September 2004, John Conlee saw the release of 'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus' (Rose Colored Records, 2006), which included the following tracks:
'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus' / 'Softly & Tenderly'
'Peace Within' (written by Dickey Lee)
'Safely In The Arms of Jesus' (written by Sonny Throckmorton)
'The Old Rugged Cross'
'This Old House', which was written by Stuart Hamblen (Tuesday 20 October 1908 - Wednesday 8 March 1989)
'What Else Does He Have To Do' (written by Mak Kaylor and Michael Puryear)
'Farther Along'
'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow' (written by Ira Forest Stanphill)
'Peace In The Valley', which was written by Rev. Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1 July 1899 - Saturday 23 January 1993)
'Pass It On', which was written by Harley Allen (Monday 23 January 1956 - Wednesday 30 March 2011)
'Amazing Grace'
'Take My Hand, Precious Lord', which was written by Rev. Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1 July 1899 - Saturday 23 January 1993)
'His Eye Is On The Sparrow'
'They Also Serve' (written by Jerry Holthouse)
'I Saw The Light', which was written by Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 - Thursday 1 January 1953) / 'I'll Fly Away', which was written by Albert Edward Brumley (Sunday 29 October 1905 - Tuesday 15 November 1977)
On Tuesday 8 March 2005, Craig Morgan saw the release of 'My Kind of Livin' (Broken Bow Records, 2005); one of the included tracks was 'Blame Me' (written by Craig Morgan, Phil O'Donnell and Tim Owens), which featured guest vocals from John Conlee and Brad Paisley.
On Tuesday 29 August 2006, John Conlee saw the release of 'Country Heart' (Varese Sarabande Records, 2006), which included sixteen tracks, nine of which were previously unreleased:
'She Woke Up Leavin', which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 - Saturday 27 December 1997) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Hit The Ground Running' (written by Bobby Fisher and Rick Giles) (No.43, 1988) / this track was originally included on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'River of Time' (written by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing) / this track was originally included on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'Country Heart' (written by Larry Byrom) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Fellow Travelers' (written by Wayland Patton and Jim Rushing) (No.48, 1989) / this track also reached No.54 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1989 / this track was originally included on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'Indian Head Penny', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) and Verlon Thompson / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'I Had The Time & Money Too' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was originally included on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'Black Label, White Lies' (written by Scotty Wiseman) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Doghouse', which was written by Kenny Beard (Thursday 26 February 1959 - Sunday 1 October 2017), John Bicknell and Michael Grady (No.61, 1990)
'Midnight's Murder On Me', which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 - Saturday 27 December 1997) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Until You Were Gone' (written by Rory Bourke and Mike Reid) / this track was originally included on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989)
'I'm Not That Good At Goodbye', which was written by Bob McDill and Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 - Friday 8 September 2017) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Hopelessly Yours', which was written by Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 - Tuesday 9 May 1989), Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 - Sunday 30 October 2016) and Don Cook (No.67, 1989)
'I Can't Stand To Watch My Old Flame Burn' (written by Curtis Wright) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Nothing's Changed', which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 - Saturday 27 December 1997) / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
'Love Stands Tall', which was written by Steve Dean, Sam Hogin (1950 - Monday 9 August 2004) and Wayland D. Holyfield / this track was recorded in 1990 and was previously unreleased
Randy Travis recorded John Conlee's 'From Your Knees' (co-written with Leslie Satcher) and included the track on 'Around The Bend' (Warner Bros. Nashville Records, 2008).
On Wednesday 6 October 2010, John Conlee, Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 - Saturday 12 December 2020) and Gene Watson were three of the very special country music artists who participated in Bill Anderson's 50th Anniversary Celebration during a television recording of 'Country Family Reunion' in Nashville.
Dion Pride recorded John Conlee's 'Rose Colored Glasses' and included the track on 'Fourteen Carat Mind' (Dion Pride Music, 2011).
LeAnn Rimes recorded John Conlee's 'Rose Colored Glasses' and included the track on 'Lady & Gentlemen' (Curb Records, 2011).
John Conlee performing at 37th Annual Hank Williams Festival in Georgiana, Alabama on Friday 6 June 2014
(photo courtesy of Gerald Hodges, The Racing Reporter For The Best in Racine News & Books at race500.com)
On Tuesday 7 April 2015, John Conlee saw the release of 'Classics 2' (Rose Colored Records, 2015), which included the following tracks:
'Domestic Life' (written by JD Martin and Gary Harrison) / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's second, and final, album for Columbia Records, 'American Faces' (Columbia Records, 1986), reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987
'Stuff That Works', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) and Rodney Crowell / this track was new
'Walkin' Behind The Star', which was written by Ronny Scaife (1947 - Wednesday 3 November 2010) and Phil Thomas (1944 - Saturday 5 January 2019) / this track was new
'Hit The Ground Running' (written by Bobby Fisher and Rick Giles) / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's 'Fellow Travelers' (16th Avenue Records, 1989), reached No.43 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988, and was subsequently included on John Conlee's 'Country Heart' (Varese Sarabande Records, 2006)
'A Lot of Things Different' (written by Bill Anderson and Dean Dillon) / this track was new
'Mama's Rockin' Chair' (written by J.R. McRae) / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's second, and final, album for Columbia Records, 'American Faces' (Columbia Records, 1986), reached No.11 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987
'Love In The Real World' (written by Don Henry and Waylon Patton) / this track was new
'Pocket Full of Crosses' (written by Leslie Satcher) / this track was new
'Harmony', which was written by Jimbeau Hinson (Wednesday 29 October 1952 - Friday 4 March 2022) and Rick Ellsworth / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's 'Harmony' (Columbia Records, 1986), reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1986
'The In Crowd' (written by Fred Lehner and Jerry McBee) / the original version of this track was included on John Conlee's 'Forever' (MCA Records, 1979)
'Bread & Water' (written by Leslie Satcher and Vince Gill) / this track was new
'Sure' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was new
Personnel involved in the recording of John Conlee's 'Classics 2' (Rose Colored Records, 2015) included the following:
Dirk Johnson (piano, keyboards, session leader)
Bobby All (passed away on Thursday 19 March 2009), Joel Key, Kevin Williams and John Willis (acoustic guitars)
Robb Tripp and Randy Hardison (drums, percussion)
Jimmy Carter (bass guitar)
Kelly Back (electric guitar)
Mike Johnson (steel guitar)
Aubrey Haynie (fiddle)
Rob ickes (Dobro)
Jim Horn (Sax)
Cindy Richardson-Walker, Dennis Wilson and John Wesley Ryles (background vocals)
On Friday 17 November 2017, John Conlee saw the release of 'Classics 3' (Rose Colored Records, 2017), which included the following tracks:
'Got My Heart Set On You', which was written by Dobie Gray (Friday 26 July 1940 - Tuesday 6 December 2011) and Bud Reneau / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's 'Harmony' (Columbia Records, 1986), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in September 1986
'Learning How To Love' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was new
'Working Man' (written by Jim Hurt and Billy Ray Reynolds) / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's 'Blue Highway' (MCA Records, 1984), reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985
'The Carpenter', which was written by Guy Clark (Thursday 6 November 1941 - Tuesday 17 May 2016) / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's 'Harmony' (Columbia Records, 1986), reached No.6 on the Billboard country music singles chart in January 1987
'A Bible & A Belt' (written by Phillip Coleman and Rory Lee Feek) / this track was new
'The Shade', which was written by Phil Thomas (1944 - Saturday 5 January 2019) / this track was new
'Unborn Voice' (written by Hugh Prestwood) / this track was new
'Living Like There's No Tomorrow (Finally Got To Me Tonight)' (written by Jim McBride and Roger Murrah) / the original version of this track, which was included on John Conlee's 'American Faces' (Columbia Records, 1986), reached No.55 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987
'The Rock' (written by Howard Russell Smith and Jim Varsos) / this track was new
'Lonely Don't Know When To Leave' (written by Alan Gordon Anderson and Leslie Satcher) / this track was new
'Could You Love Me One More Time?', which was written by Carter Stanley (Thursday 27 August 1925 - Thursday 1 December 1966) / this track was new
'Jesus, Take A Hold', which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 - Wednesday 6 April 2016) / this track was new / this track was originally recorded by Merle Haggard, who included it on 'Hag' (Capitol Records, 1971); Merle Haggard's version of the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970
John Conlee is a lot like the songs of which he sings. John Conlee lives a domestic life with his wife Gale and has three children, Rebecca, Jessica and Johnny.
• Visit John Conlee's official site at johnconlee.com
