Gene Watson and the members of the Farewell Party Band send their heartfelt condolences to the family of their band member, RANDY PRINCE, who tragically passed away on the evening of May 14th, 2009.
RANDY PRINCE
The CROOK & CHASE show Thursday, May 14, 2009 aired an interview with Gene Watson. 
APRIL 2, 2009: Gene appeared on the Opry's new Classic Country show and enjoyed seeing some old friends backstage:
BELOW: VINCE with GENE backstage at the Opry
LEFT: DARRYL WORLEY and GENE
Be sure to vist the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum in Nashville to see Gene Watson's special spotlight exhibit there which remains on display til June 2009.
"Gene Watson: Fourteen Carat Voice" explores Watson's career as a soulful vocalist rooted in the classic country tradition, beginning with his steamy 1975 hit Love in the Hot Afternoon. In the exhibit, Watson's musical consistency is juxtaposed with his wardrobe's evolution. Stage costumes on display trace his 1970s clean-cut persona and attention-grabbing stage wear to a more relaxed look through the 1980s.
LEFT PHOTO: GENE visits his spotlight exhibit at
the Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN (2-20-2009)
January 15, 2009 GENE WATSON GUEST ON MEMPHIS STOP OF
PAISLEY PARTY TOUR
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 16, 2009) Brad Paisley kicked off the final leg of the Paisley Party Tour to a sell-out crowd in Memphis last night. As an added bonus to the previously announced line-up of Darius Rucker and Dierks Bentley Paisley invited country legend Gene Watson to open the show.
“The last time we played here in Memphis I got the worst review I think I’ve ever gotten. I remember it saying, among other things, that I was no Gene Watson. I certainly agree with that. That gave me an idea. In the spirit of giving everyone their money’s worth, I asked Gene if he would join the show. I am so thrilled to have the real deal here tonight. There’s nothing like kicking off the final leg of the Paisley Party with the one and only Gene Watson singing his amazing “Farewell Party,” Paisley said last night.
Photo below: Gene and band onstage , opening for the Paisley Party Tour.
Never A Dull Moment on the Road
Gene Watson and his Farewell Party Band were temporarily sidelined on their way to a performance in Gloversville, NY on Sunday, October 19th. The bus driver was making a left turn on a narrow road just a few miles from the venue when the trailer hitch snagged the curb and held tight. A supersized towing truck and several police cars rushed to the scene to disengage the teetering bus and eventually Gene and crew were on their way, making it to the concert on time. When asked how bad the bus situation looked to the former mechanic, Gene Watson drily noted “Well, let’s just say we could have changed the tire with no jack.”
September 12 & 13, 2008: ( Photos 1 & 2 below)Gene performed on the Grand Ole Opry including an amazing performance with 7 x IBMA Female Vocalist, Rhonda Vincent on "Together Again".
Gene with Rhonda Vincent Gene & Rhonda at the Opry! Joe Stampley, David Frizzell, Gene
People Are Talking About Gene Watson
"Gene Watson is one of my all-time favorite ballad singers...the way he
belts out a ballad, it just doesn't get any better than that."
"In my dad's eyes, I hadn't really made it in the music business until now. I've sung with Gene Watson." –Lee Ann Womack
"I would be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't want to sing with Gene Watson. This man is a real country singer." --Vince Gill
“Gene Watson’s voice is right up there in the major leagues with George Jones, Vern Godsin and Lefty Frizzell for pure country Soul. “Gene’s recording of ‘Farewell Party’ is a roadmap for all aspiring singers.”
-- Chris Hillman (Byrds, Desert Rose Band)
